AMSTERDAM -- Construction of the new clubhouse at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course is finally on the horizon with the award of contracts totaling $1.81 million combined for general construction and electrical work.
"This has been a long time coming and now we're ready to move," 5th Ward Alderman James Martuscello said.
The Common Council on Tuesday unanimously awarded a $1.6 million general construction contract to M.A. Schafer Construction and a $207,350 electrical contract to Empire Electric. The firms were the lowest bidders.
"We've interviewed both of them and they come well recommended," City Engineer Mike Clark said. "We had 12 general contractors bid this project, which this time of year is astounding. I'm shocked that we had that kind of turnout, but it was out there and there was a lot of interest."
However, the city is re-advertising for mechanical and plumbing work at the facility after initial bids came in over estimates from project designers Saratoga Associates.
Those bids would have brought the total project cost up to approximately $2.27 million. Officials set a $2 million target budget to build a new clubhouse.
"We had one bid on each. And in my opinion, as well as Saratoga Associates, those bids were considerably higher than we expected," Clark said. "I'm hopeful that we may be able to shave a fair amount of money off of the two bids we got."
The project will be partially funded by a $100,000 allocation from the city's American Rescue Plan Act federal coronavirus relief aid and $550,000 in grants secured by state Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Albany, and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam.
The Common Council previously authorized a $1 million bond for the project. Remaining costs will be covered with unanticipated state aid received by the city.
Officials believe the clubhouse, in combination with other new amenities and changes to the rate structure, will generate additional revenue at the golf course to help cover debt service for the new construction. These new features and changes are part of an overall goal of improving finances at the course to ensure it at least breaks even each year.
There is general confidence among officials that bids for the outstanding contracts will be within the target budget based on the accuracy of estimates for general construction and electrical work from project engineers. Bid opening is expected to be scheduled for Jan. 10.
"I do feel we can get there without having to raise a tax or bond for more money," Mayor Michael Cinquanti said. "It's what we can afford."
The 3,870-square-foot indoor and outdoor, year-round clubhouse will seat up to 150 patrons. An outdoor covered patio will take advantage of the view of the golf course. It will also feature a bar, full commercial kitchen, bathrooms, and fireplaces or fire pits.
Contracts for the project require work to be substantially complete by Aug. 1, 2025. There may be landscaping and touch up work after that date, but it should be ready to open by then.
"It's going to be in service and ready to operate and that's what's in the contract," Clark said. "The site conditions are prepared for everybody to proceed."
Depending on the weather, initial site work could begin imminently before ramping up to full construction in the spring.
The new construction will return a clubhouse to the golf course which has been without a functioning facility since the former building suffered significant water damage from burst pipes in February 2019.
The clubhouse and nearby cart barn were later sold by the city to Lance Orcutt in 2021 for the anticipated construction of a modern replacement facility. The cart barn was converted into a pavilion intended to serve as a temporary clubhouse until the new building was completed.
City officials say rehabbing the former structure would have exceeded the $1.6 million insurance payout from the water damage due in part to the discovery of asbestos in the building, which would have required abatement. The insurance funds were instead applied to the accumulated budget deficit at the golf course.
The former building was demolished by Orcutt to make way for new construction that never materialized despite terms of the sale requiring the replacement clubhouse to be built by May 1, 2022. The city reacquired the properties last fall and filled the hole where the former building stood this spring while developing plans for a new clubhouse.
"With the grants, etc., we are coming in with a very good deal for the taxpayers," Cinquanti said. "The clubhouse is something that can be shared by the entire community."
Officials say the clubhouse will be another draw for golfers and residents more broadly where they can enjoy a meal or drink. It will also provide a new venue in the city for activities, events and special occasions. The pavilion will continue to serve as a second location for on-site events or banquets.
"It is an asset to the city and every golf course needs a clubhouse," Cinquanti said. "We already have one of the nicest golf courses in the area. This will give us one of the nicest clubhouses in the area, and I think that provides an attraction to people who are considering living in our city, people considering doing business in our city."