By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Despite concerns about higher costs, the Bloomington City Council Monday night approved the lowest of three bids to build a swimming pool and make other improvements at O’Neil Park on the city’s west side.
The council voted 7-2, accepting the $13.87 million bid submitted by contractor P.J. Hoerr.
The city budgeted $11.7 million, and the project was initially estimated to cost $10 million.
“Up 50% and yet we haven’t yet broken ground,” said Council member Sheila Montney from Ward 3, who voted no.
“There’s some concern there, given that every week you go to a store, the prices are increasing like crazy,” said Montney.
Ward 5 Council member Nick Becker was the other no vote, saying the project looks “fun” and “absolutely beautiful” but he expects the costs to increase even more.
The city is financing the improvements by borrowing $5.8 million, with the rest of the cost coming from general fund reserves.
The new pool, skatepark, and other additions at O’Neil are in Ward 7, represented by Mollie Ward.
“I think it’s also essential that we pay attention to the message that this project sends to the community about how much we value diversity, how much we value accessibility, how much we value safety,” said Ward.
“It’s been a long time coming for the west side,” said Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe.
“We made a commitment and I’m glad that we are going to keep it, although the price has gone up a little bit, but that was something to be expected given what’s been happening with COVID,” the mayor said.
The city is looking at selling naming rights for the pool to cover some of the costs, said City Manager Tim Gleason.
Mayor Mwilambwe said donors have so far contributed $32,000. That money can be used to help families who might not be able to afford swimming passes and lessons.
