Amarillo City Council narrowly approves construction of new parking lots at city parks

In a split 3-2 vote during its regular Tuesday meeting, the Amarillo City Council approved the consideration for a construction award to build new parking lots at John Stiff Memorial Park and the Rick Klein Athletic Complex, pushing forward a project that city officials say addresses long-standing accessibility and safety concerns. However, the approval came not without contention, as questions surrounding the transparency and inclusivity of the bidding process dominated much of the discussion.

The project, introduced to the Council by Michael Kashuba, the City’s Director of Parks and Recreation, aims to resolve parking and traffic challenges that have worsened over time at two of Amarillo’s busiest recreational venues. At John Stiff Memorial Park, congestion around the park entrances and on nearby streets has reportedly become more frequent, particularly during weekends and city events. Visitors and residents alike have raised complaints about the lack of sufficient parking, often resulting in cars lining neighborhood streets and creating safety hazards.

According to city officials, the current dirt lot at the Rick Klein Athletic Complex not only becomes unusable during inclement weather, but it also presents significant accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities. The muddy, uneven terrain is not compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and creates a less-than-welcoming experience for families and athletes attending events year-round.

“There really is no off-season,” said Director of Capital Projects and Development Jerry Danforth. “These parks are used year-round by residents, sports leagues, and community organizations.” Given the continual public use, he said the department sought a streamlined path to kick-start construction.

Use of State-Approved Contractor Sparks Debate

To expedite the project, the City utilized a purchasing agreement through Sourcewell, a government agency that provides cooperative contracts with pre-vetted, State-approved vendors. The contract was awarded to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc., a contractor that has previously worked with the City and is recognized through the Sourcewell system.

However, the method used to secure the contractor became the focal point of debate among council members. Mayor Cole Stanley voiced concern that local contractors might not have been properly notified or given a fair chance to bid for the job. While he expressed no issue with the funds allocated or the contractor’s qualifications, he questioned whether the City did enough to promote the opportunity locally.

Councilmember Tom Scherlen echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all Amarillo-based construction companies have a level playing field. “We have a responsibility to include our local businesses whenever possible,” he argued during the meeting. “If we don’t even give them a chance to compete, we’re sending the wrong message.”

According to Danforth, the City is currently aware of four contractors in Amarillo that are registered as State-approved. Three of them, he noted, are already engaged in ongoing City projects. He also stated that his department has encouraged other local firms to pursue State-approved status to qualify for future work through cooperative agreements like Sourcewell.

Despite those efforts, Scherlen motioned to table the item until more clarity could be provided. He advocated for further discussion about improving outreach and education for local contractors about the bidding and pre-approval process.

Balancing Urgency with Process

Councilmembers Don Tipps and Les Simpson pushed back against the delay. Tipps referenced direct feedback from constituents frustrated by the current parking conditions, saying that halting the project to reexamine the process could exacerbate community dissatisfaction.

Simpson, meanwhile, framed the situation as a balancing act. He acknowledged that concerns about transparency and local involvement were valid but emphasized that the contract in question had been negotiated in good faith, following a legal and commonly used process. “There are really two conversations happening,” he noted. “One is about this specific project and its urgency. The other is about how we can improve the way we handle bids and make sure more of our local contractors can participate. I don’t think one has to delay the other.”

Ultimately, the motion to table the item failed in a 3-2 vote, with Scherlen and Mayor Stanley in favor of postponement. A subsequent motion to approve the award passed with Simpson, Tipps, and Councilmember Tim Reid voting in favor.

Looking Ahead

While the contract is now approved and construction can begin as scheduled, the meeting underscored a broader conversation within Amarillo’s leadership about the importance of fairness, local business inclusion, and public trust in procurement practices. Several council members indicated interest in revisiting the City’s outreach practices and educating both staff and local businesses on how cooperative purchasing agreements work.

For now, city officials are expected to move forward with preparations for the parking lot construction, which could begin in the coming weeks.