Salina City Manager Jason Gage says getting the design finalized for Fieldhouse Salina is a key stepping stone in making the project a reality.

Gage joined in on the KSAL Morning News Tuesday with a look at some of the challenges the upscale recreation center is facing.

On Monday, Salina City Commissioners voted 5-0 to table a measure that would have approved an increase of up to $9.5 million for its share of the multi-use facility that will boast indoor turf areas plus basketball and volleyball courts.

Commissioners will revisit the increase at a special public meeting set for Tuesday, February 16th at 8:30am.

“Right now our real focus is to finalize the design, get the best design for the money that get’s us a tournament first facility,” Gage said.

“We’ve got to get in gear there, we’re running out of design time.”

Gage added that peeling away some features on the proposed facility like a mezzanine and an enhanced front facade could cut the cost estimate by $1.8 million alone.

Bids to begin construction could be finalized by mid April, if commissioners press ahead with a super majority vote of at least 4-1 at the February 16th meeting.

That charter ordinance vote would also initiate a 60-day period for the public to comment and petition.

In 2015 the city agreed to contribute up to $4.5 million to the project, with supporters raising private funds for the rest. The project was initially expected to cost $9 million total. But that total was based on 2013 estimates.

https://soundcloud.com/ksal-radio/jason-gage-2-9-16