SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving a Construction Contract with JOC Construction for the Construction of the Erie Makerspace
Department
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Economic Development
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
Stephanie Pitts-Nagus, Economic Development Manager
end
Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 10
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For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $1,096,421.04
Balance Available: $1,188,460.00
Fund General Fund
Line Item Number: 110-22-910-605000-100900
New Appropriation Required: No
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
This is a budgeted capital project and thus has minimal policy implications.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the construction contract with JOC Construction.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• This project requires Council approval to move forward with construction.
• Construction of the Erie Makerspace realizes a vision the Town has had since 2021 for a makerspace.
• The Erie Makerspace will provide a base of operations for CO-Create Erie Makerspace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that will operate the makerspace in partnership with the Town.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In April 2021, the Town of Erie secured a $25,000 Economic Development Administration grant to support a Makerspace Feasibility Study. Consultants conducted stakeholder meetings, site visits, and internal discussions, ultimately recommending the non-historic Quonset Hut on the southwest corner of Schofield as the ideal location for the Erie Makerspace. This site aligns with the community’s vision for a space that hosts classes, events, and hands-on learning opportunities.
In 2023, the Town hired Form+Works Design Group to complete construction documents for the Quonset Hut. Town staff and CO-Create members collaborated on the design to ensure it aligns with CO-Create’s goals. The facility includes two distinct sides: one for clean fabrication and technology-based projects, such as 3-D printing, laser cutting, and electronics, and another for tactile maker activities like woodworking, painting, and clay modeling.
The makerspace will operate as a membership-based, community-run facility focused on access, education, and collaboration. The non-profit behind the project will build a dedicated membership base through a monthly or annual dues model, which will sustain operations and define a core user community. Members will also lead workshops and classes to expand public access to tools and knowledge.
Following contract execution, staff will issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to JOC Construction, which will begin construction alongside the broader Schofield Phase II, Package A improvements that includes necessary infrastructure and parking. The Parks & Recreation Department selected JOC Construction LLC, an approved vendor through the Gordian Job-Order Contracting cooperative platform for labor and materials. The Town has participated in this cooperative since 2022, leveraging it to streamline procurement and secure competitively bid services for projects.
priorities
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
☒ Attractive Community Amenities
☒ Engaged and Diverse Community
☒ Prosperous Economy
☐ Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
☒ Small Town Feel
☐ Safe and Healthy Community
☐ Effective Governance
☐ Environmentally Sustainable
☒ Fiscally Responsible
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution 25-136
2. Construction Contract