· Related development
Council awards Western Builders the $4,595,000 Hodgetown upgrade contract "under duress," 4-1
On September 26, 2023 the council voted 4-1, with Councilmember Josh Craft voting no, on a motion "to award a contract for $4,595,000 under duress" to Western Builders for upgrades to the Multipurpose Events Venue (Hodgetown) per Major League Baseball requirements. The work was funded with $4 million from the 2023 hotel occupancy tax revenue bonds and $595,000 from Elmore Sports Group. Western Builders was the only bidder shown on the bid tabulation.[1][2][3][4]
Tom ScherlenCole StanleyLes SimpsonDon TippsJosh CraftAndrew FreemanWestern Builders of AmarilloElmore Sports Group
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
The September 26, 2023 minutes for item 10.E, "Consider award - construction contract for MPEV upgrades for MLB requirements," award to Western Builders Inc. for $4,595,000.00, record: "Motion to award a contract for $4,595,000 under duress by Tom Scherlen, second by Les Simpson; Motion passed with a 4:1 vote." Voting yes were Tom Scherlen, Cole Stanley, Les Simpson and Don Tipps; Josh Craft voted no. Interim City Manager Andrew Freeman presented the item. [1]
- Amount
- $4,595,000
- ✓ Verified
The transmittal memo describes demolition, site preparation, site security and construction of MPEV upgrades at 715 S. Buchanan St. It lists as "MLB Required Additions" larger shared workout areas and food-service break areas for each team, dedicated locker and shower spaces for females, more space for visiting team coaches, safety netting covering all infield seating to the end of the seating bowl, more padding on outfield walls, a new structure to replace clubhouse space lost in the renovations, more security measures and storage for MLB equipment; it lists additional team storage and event venue areas as "Other Additions." [2]
- ✓ Verified
The memo gives the funding as Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue Bonds Series 2023 ($4 million) and Elmore Sports Group ($595,000). The attached tabulation for Bid No. 7688, opened August 31, 2023, lists only Western Builders, at $4,595,000, scored 100 of 100 on price, qualifications and construction time. The Amarillo Pioneer reported that the agenda packet showed Western Builders, one of the companies that built the stadium, as the only bidder. [2][4]
- Hot bonds
- $4,000,000
- Elmore sports group
- $595,000
- ✓ Verified
NewsChannel 10 reported on September 26, 2023 that the council agreed to the Hodgetown changes because Major League Baseball ordered them, describing extended safety netting in front of all seats, new locker and shower areas for women and additional safety features, with the City paying $4 million from bonds repaid with hotel-motel taxes and Elmore Sports Group, the Sod Poodles' owner, covering the rest. [3]
- ✓ Verified
The minutes record the words "under duress" in the motion but no statement by the mover or other council members explaining them, and no reason for Councilmember Craft's no vote. Neither NewsChannel 10's report of the meeting nor the Amarillo Pioneer's preview mentions the wording, and no other source found explains it. [1][3][4]