4/10/25 Chattanooga Sports Authority Board Meeting

Chattanooga Sports Authority Board Meeting- April 10, 2025

  • Announcements:
    • Meeting opened at 9:40 AM by Matt Patterson. Minutes from February 13, 2025, approved without opposition (motion at 9:46 AM, seconded, voice vote).
  • Public Comments:
    • No public speakers (10:03 AM, one-minute wait).
  • Financial Report Presentation:
    • Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough (HHM):
      • Paul Boiland (not HHM) reported HHM’s absence due to scheduling; they will attend the next meeting (June). HHM prepared a management representation letter (dated March 6, 2025) for the Sports Authority’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, electronically signed by Chair Matt Patterson. Resolution SA033 ratifies this action for state filing.
      • Discussion: Council expressed concern about the city’s role in providing data for the letter (e.g., transparency, contingencies). City finance department confirmed it supplies accurate information on behalf of the Sports Authority. Request made for a general certification from the city (potentially CFO) that all letter assertions are met. No formal city-Sports Authority agreement was confirmed; issue to be addressed later.
      • Motion to defer resolution vote to June pending city certification (motion at 16:18, seconded, passed with voice vote, no opposition).
  • Financial Progress Report (March 2025):
    • Presented by finance (16:37 AM):
      • New “West 26th Street” column added for stadium infrastructure ($5,700,000 allocated this fiscal year, $4,300,000 next, total $10,000,000 budget). Bill from Public Works to provide details.
      • Budget inclusion requested by Miss Madison; project managers are compiling data for the next meeting (June), with earlier delivery possible.
      • Clerical correction: $3,500,000 capital fund encumbrance for donations was a duplicate error (actual donation encumbrance $0).
      • No board questions.
  • Resolutions:
    • Public Works:
      • SA034: Authorizes Sports Authority Chair to execute escrow agreements with Truist Bank for a 5% retainage on EMJ’s construction manager risk contract (and future contracts) for South Broad District Ballpark. Retainage held in an interest-bearing escrow for the contractor’s benefit per state law. Motion to approve (20:30), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
      • SA035: Authorizes Change Order #1 for S&ME Inc. (Chattanooga) for environmental media management/quality assurance during South Broad Ballpark construction, increasing contract by $83,810 to $156,420 (D23001301). Addresses scope gap from site prep handoff (Pipe Properties/LaBella to S&ME). Work was anticipated but omitted from the original contract due to administrative error; fits within initial budget and city’s blanket contract procurement. Motion to approve (24:58), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
  • South Broad Stadium Progress Report (April 2025):
    • Presented by Bill (Public Works, 25:22):
      • Slides showed mid-March progress (structural steel in third base building started March 17, powerhouse basement demolition completed, outfield wall/foundation work ongoing, home plate building foundations started, pattern shop concrete slab demolition, plumbing/electrical rough-ins).
      • Spending: EMJ’s guaranteed maximum price contract ($76,000,000) at $15,000,000+ spent. West 26th Street budget ($5,700,000) split into stormwater, general fund, wastewater (March spend shown). Site prep agreement drew $2,000,000; FFV contract negotiations advanced with minimal draws.
      • DBE Participation: 12.6% ($9,600,000) awarded of $76,000,000 contract (30% goal). Additional $7,600,000 (10%) to uncertified subcontractors pursuing DBE certification, aiming for ~23%. Local participation: 79% ($60,000,000) within 150 miles, 42% within 15 miles.
      • DBE breakdown limited by certification data (e.g., small business, minority, women-owned; no further minority subcategories). Board requested available breakdown; Bill agreed to provide.
      • Time-lapse video failed; recent photo (week-old) showed steel progress. Board invited to tour site post-meeting (van from City Council building, 36:33).
  • Other Business:
    • Post-meeting site tour scheduled for board members (36:33, Jermaine announced van transport).

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