City, school pen letter of intent for proposed wellness center

by Marianne Gasaway

A letter of intent to construct a wellness and recreation center in partnership with the Clear Lake School District received positive reaction Monday night from the  Clear Lake City Council.

City Administrator Scott Flory reviewed a non-binding letter of intent for a center proposed to adjoin Clear Lake High School.   Calling the letter “an expression of good faith,” Flory said a 28E agreement would be developed in the future to memorialize details of joint project.  “This is a first step so the school knows they have a partner,” said Flory.

A 28E agreement would be signed no later than 30 days following  the successful passage of a public referendum proposed by the school district for the calendar year 2020.  The letter of intent can be terminated at any time by either party here, or if the referendum would not pass, then the letter of intent would terminate at that point, he explained.

The project is part of an $18 million bond issue the district is putting before voters March 3.

Flory explained the city will cover day-to-day operation of the center, including staffing and will be entitled to revenues generated at the facility.  The school will own the building and agree to lease to the city for not less than 25 years.

Clear Lake Schools Superintendent Doug Gee said committee members who have been a part of the proposed project have just begun collecting signatures for a petition to put the bond issue on the ballot.  The proposed $18 million bond, which requires 60 percent approval, would provide funds to

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build, remodel and equipment improvements to the athletic facilities at the Lions Field Complex; to build, furnish and equip additions to the middle/high school facility including wellness center and gym vestibule additions; and to improve, remodel, furnish and equip the middle/high school facility and site, including a greenhouse and parking/sidewalk improvements.

The proposed wellness and recreation center represents about $10 million of the bond issue request.

The school district has taken the lead for the design and construction phase of the proposed wellness center and is the primary financial contributor.  The city has verbally committed $700,000 to the project in the form of a general obligation bond, as well as a $300,000 contribution from its general fund to support costs associated with the elevated walking track, multi-purpose rooms, indoor playground rooms, and areas and other amenities located on the second level of the proposed building.

Schematic drawings of the proposed center show the main floor of the building would feature five courts, two with traditional flooring and three with a multi-purpose floor and the ability to be configured for a variety of activities, including pickle ball, as well as batting cages with areas to practice fielding.  A 200 meter track would surround the lower level.  Flexible space is also designed for meeting, practice rooms and classes.

Gee noted the top five features which the public suggested for a wellness and recreation center through public meetings, as well as a survey, have all been incorporated into the design.  The only exception to the suggested ideas is a swimming pool.  However, space to expand the center has been designated for a pool to be added in the future if the public supports the idea.

The Council is expected to formally vote on the letter of intent at its Dec. 16 regular meeting

“This is a very positive note for the community as a whole,” said Mayor Nelson Crabb following Flory’s presentation Monday night.  “We have been asked to help the school with a need that they have.  We have been asked to be a part of this — not a large part, but we are one of very few communities our size not to have a facility like this.  I think it is an excellent opportunity for the city as a whole to be part of this wellness center.”

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