Photo by Sam McIntosh

“Cautiously comfortable” was the phrase used by Kalona City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh in regards to progress on the community center construction.

Project Manager Nick Liston and Project Engineer Tad Morrow from Carl A. Nelson & Co. gave an update on the project and budget to the city council. Schlabaugh pointed out that they have so far used 84% of the $214,449 contingency budget and work is 60% completed. Liston commented, “So as far as the project timeline goes I mentioned we’re 60% through the project right now. We’re on schedule, albeit we had some areas where we’ve eaten up the float time or the fluff, and now everything’s critical so we can’t let it pass, drag out, but we’re slated to be open August 22.”

The 84% of contingency includes pending costs to put air conditioning condensers on the roof, exterior lighting, and second floor restroom fixtures. The $5.3 million community center is planned to be unveiled during the Kalona City Celebration August 25.