Contracts for New Valleywood Clubhouse Approved at Apple Valley City Council Meeting

The Apple Valley City Council on Thursday approved 21 contracts for the construction of the new clubhouse at the city's , by a 4-0 vote.

The project cost, , now is recommended at just under $3.2 million, according to a memo to the council.

Since the original bid of $3.25 million, the task force that helped plan the elements of the clubhouse eliminated and reduced some components, while deciding to keep elements like computerized temperature control and energy-efficient lighting.

An elevator was also added to the plans, said Parks and Recreation Department Director Randy Johnson. The clubhouse should be completed by September, he said.

Johnson said he believed it was a good idea to to include things like energy-efficient elements and the elevator now to make sure the clubhouse is equipped for the 50 or 75 years it should last.

The funding plan for the clubhouse is to use about $1.2 million from the city's parks dedication fund, and take a $2 million loan from the city's future capital projects fund, to be repaid at at least $50,000 per year, with interest.

Councilmember Ruth Grendahl abstained from voting because of her standing opposition to the project and its cost, saying she was "even more shocked" that the cost had gone up about $200,000 from the initial estimate.

She asked whether the clubhouse would be open year-round and whether that would add to operating costs to keep it heated.

Johnson said generally the facility will only be open for golf season, but there could be potential to rent it out for special events and pass the energy costs on through the rental fees.

Councilmember Tom Goodwin said he hopes the economy will pick up and the loan from the city can be repaid at a faster rate; he said he thinks the function of the building could adapt over time.

"I think it's evolving," he said.

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