An update concerning the ongoing bond-funded projects will be the focus of the Big Spring City Council Tuesday evening, as officials move forward with several multi-million dollar projects.

Officials with engineering firm Parkhill, Smith and Cooper said in January all four bond-funded projects currently in the works for the city of Big Spring — refurbishing of the Northside Elevated Reservoir, construction of a sports complex, construction of a new annex for the city’s animal shelter and renovations to roadways mainly located in the downtown area — are on schedule, with the first completion expected to come in late May.

“The reservoir project is expected to come in approximately $123,000 under budget,” Butch Davis, a representative from engineering firm Parkhill, Smith and Cooper, told the council shortly after the beginning of the year. “The project was awarded for $385,000, considerably lower than expected. Construction is expected to be completed within 120 days of the project start, or around May 28.”

The council gave the go-ahead to begin advertising for contractors to build what will soon be the Roy Anderson Sports Complex — which will cater to softball, baseball, football and soccer — replacing the ball park that currently bares the Anderson name.

The complex is expected to cost the city approximately $4.32 million.

According to Davis’ earlier reports, work on the animal control annex is already under way.

“Construction on the project should begin April 28 and take approximately eight months to complete, having the annex finished in December,” said Davis. “The budget for this project is $325,000.”

The council is also expected to approve a contract with local contractor Lee George for the construction of the annex.

Davis said the city’s effort to make major renovations to roadways mainly located in the downtown area is being divided into two parks.

“The utility upgrades ahead of the street reconstruction project is the first step in this,” said Davis. “This is expected to cost $1.23 million, with bidding expected to begin April 22. This part of the project should take approximately eight months to finish, with completion in January 2009.

“The second part of the project — the street reconstruction itself — has a budget of $5.86 million for the streets and $429,000 for streetscaping. These aren’t hard numbers yet, but we’ll be working with the city staff on these in the coming months. We’ll authorize for bidding May 20, with construction expected to begin June 23 and lasting approximately 13 months. It should be completed by May 2009.”

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the council is expected to consider emergency approval of a specific use permit for J.T. Land Development Inc., giving its final nod to the construction of a travel trailer RV park in the 4100 block of W. Highway 80.

The ordinance, which was originally considered by the council and given a nod on first reading two weeks ago, was expected to reach final consideration Tuesday. However, because the agenda for the April 8 meeting of the council was not properly posted on the city’s bulletin board, city officials said it is being finalized by emergency reading, while several other items are being ratified to make their first readings official.

Also up for emergency reading is an ordinance approving the preliminary/final plat of the Howard County Law Enforcement Center Subdivision, a 6.54 acre tract out of Section 2, Block 33, T-1-S, T&P RR Co. Survey.

The ratification process will make all of the April 8 decisions reached by the council official, according to municipal officials.

In new business, the city is expected to consider:

• First reading of a resolution allowing for a project agreement with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Wallace Unit, located in Colorado City, for work crews to perform maintenance and work details.

• First reading of an ordinance to align the local definition of a junked vehicle with state law, as well amend the notice procedures for abatement of junked vehicle nuisances.

• Approval of an industrial park lease with Richard Nolte for a five-year term for Building 1101 at McMahon Wrinkle Airpark.

• Approval of the purchase of property from the State of Texas.

• Discussion concerning electronic billboards and the 2008 seal coat project

The meeting is slated for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers, located at 307 E. Fourth Street.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it