City Council To Get More Albi Bills Today

Joe Albi Stadium’s makeover is done, but the city of Spokane keeps getting new bills for improvements.

The eighth and ninth changes to the contract with Paras General Contractors Inc., of Spokane, come before the City Council today.

The changes add about $15,982 to the construction costs, bringing the total to $1.63 million.

An improved Albi with new turf and a wider playing field opened Sept. 12.

The council approved a $1.5 million contract with Paras in June, but sandy, unstable ground beneath the stadium increased construction costs by about $100,000.

One of the two most recent contract changes raised the height of handrails along the stadium’s east and west retaining walls. The higher rails are designed to keep people - particularly leaping cheerleaders - from falling onto the field, said Mayor Jack Geraghty.

The other change replaced fabricated steel goal posts with aluminum posts, which are lighter and easier to remove.

Money for the project came from several sources. Spokane sports mogul Bobby Brett donated $100,000, and the school district gave $400,000. The balance came from council-approved bonds and the hotel/motel tax.

A briefing for council starts at 3:30 p.m. in the lower-level conference room of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.

, DataTimes