Arena Authority expects to finalize land this month
December 8, 2017
Although progress is being made on the Alva arena project, there’s not much of a concrete nature to report. The design committee is working toward finalizing the design of the arena. The funding committee is exploring financing options. Requests for qualifications (RFQ) have been sent to firms interested in managing the construction.
Alva Arena Authority trustees met for a lunch meeting Tuesday, Dec. 5, with all members present. Treasurer Todd Holder reported $29,095.38 in the bank. Trustees voted approval to pay a couple of invoices: $2,487.50 from Priefert Complex Designs and $970 from Center for Economic Development Law.
Mike Hood reported the Design Committee (Hood, Daren Slater and Dr. Janet Cunningham) has contacted Joe Henderson of Duncan, hired as a consultant in finalizing the arena design. Henderson didn’t get the full scale drawings until Monday. The other consultant, Andy Maher of Mooreland, said he’s willing to help but can’t accept pay as he’s already employed by the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Slater reported the RFQs have been sent out and are due in on Dec. 15. Once the bids are received, the design committee will open them and email to the trustees for study.
Holder had hoped to have the deed to land for the arena location ready for the meeting, but it is still being prepared. He expects it to be finalized by the end of the year. Holder made a motion that the transfer of land into the arena authority trust be approved, seconded by Cunningham. The motion passed. This will allow the land transfer to take place without calling a special meeting of the authority.
Regarding funding, Holder said he has been in contact with the USDA about a direct long-term loan. He said it would be for a period of more than 25 years and current interest rates are in the 3.5 percent range. He said there’s “lots of criteria” for the application. However, he learned having funds from other sources will not conflict with a USDA loan. In fact, some local funding has to be involved to qualify.
Holder commented that there is “lots happening but nothing concrete.”
Slater added that once a construction manager is hired, Priefert can work with him/her to finalize the design. “We’re kind of at an impasse until then,” he said.
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