Five firms vying to be named finalist for Marble Falls sports-complex study
MARBLE FALLS — Five firms whittled from a list of 20 are vying to conduct a feasibility study that will answer whether a sports complex is a good investment for the city, officials said Feb. 6.
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the list, which now goes before City Council during its regular meeting at City Hall, 800 Third St., at 6 p.m. Feb. 7.
Parks and Recreation Director Robert Moss will give a presentation, which could lead to the council authorizing city staff to begin negotiations with whichever firm is finally selected to tackle the study.
Proponents say the complex is needed to attract more visitors and sports tournaments to Marble Falls, which in turn would help area businesses.
"We don't know what the cost (of the study) is going to be," Moss said. "We have a number in mind. But since we're negotiating a service agreement, it wouldn't be in the best interest of the city to release that yet."
Originally 20 firms responded to the request for qualifications by creating a booklet about their work.
The candidates were ranked by the Request for Qualifications Committee — J.D. Engler of the Marble Falls Youth Baseball and Softball Association; Jimmy Fermin of the Granite Country Youth Soccer Association; Jake Coziuel of the Marble Falls Adult Softball Association; Cord Woerner, the Marble Falls Independent School District director of special projects; Councilman Richard Lewis; Parks and Recreation commissioners Bern Myers and Dave Rhodes; City Manager Ralph Hendricks; and Moss.
The top five firms are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the Austin area.
City officials plan to agree on a contract with the selected firm by the end of March, Moss said. The study could be finished by September.
The same firm may go on to design the sports complex, if the study suggests the proposal will work.
The parks and rec commissioners during their Feb. 6 meeting also discussed conducting public hearings that would allow members of youth and recreational leagues to give their thoughts on a sports complex.
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