The City Commission approved a low bid award Oct. 14 for the JJ Richards Bandshell Restoration Project. Staff reported two bids were received and that, after review, Mid Central Contract Services of Pittsburgh, Kansas, submitted the low responsive bid at $243,700.

Toby (staff) summarized the project scope: a new roof and repairs to roof substructure, tuckpointing, sealing and painting, electrical upgrades, an ADA‑accessible ramp for backstage access, and a new concrete floor and front stage steps. The funding source for the work is ARPA funds previously allocated to bandshell rehabilitation (the city had budgeted $250,000 for the project). Toby said the team expects to remain under the ARPA allocation but noted uncertainty because the contractor must remove existing roof skin to assess underlying damage; staff said they had asked the contractor to avoid exceeding the bid amount and retained some contingency.

Commissioner Cheryl moved the award, Doc seconded, and the motion carried.

Why it matters: the bandshell is a public cultural asset; the restoration will address deferred maintenance and accessibility needs and prepares the facility for future public events.

Ending: Staff will finalize contract documents and coordinate construction; if additional unforeseen damage is discovered, staff said they would request authority to shift funds from other ARPA allocations if needed.