title
Consideration of waiver of the request for proposal process, Level 3 Fund Transfer, and approval of contract with JW Industries for repair of flood damaged bleachers at Hart Park Stadium
body
Submitted by:
Alex Krutsch - Parks and Forestry Superintendent
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
Staff is requesting a waiver of the request for proposal process, level 3 fund transfer, and approval of a contract not to exceed $130,700.00 with JW Industries (JWI) for repair of the flood damaged bleachers at Hart Park Stadium.
B. Background/Options
Hart Park Stadium serves as the home field for Tosa East High School, Marquette University High School, local universities, semi-professional sports teams, and numerous club leagues. Uses of the facility are as varied as the user groups and include lacrosse, field hockey, ultimate frisbee, track and field, soccer, and football. Hart Park and its stadium serve as an anchor institution for the community of Wauwatosa.
The current spectator seating structures and press box at Hart Park Stadium were engineered and constructed by JWI in 2009 with under bleacher storage units added by JWI in 2023. JWI was selected in 2009 and 2023 because they are an industry leader in athletic facilities design and construction.
In August, 2025 Hart Park Stadium sustained significant flood damage including to the spectator bleachers. Analysis by both JWI and GRAEF Engineering concluded that there is no structural damage to the bleachers, however the skirting which encloses the underside of the bleachers and the roll up doors that allow access to the storage units were damaged beyond repair and need replacement.
City staff obtained a proposal for the repair of the damaged skirting and doors. The scope of work includes items designed to mitigate future flood damage including reinforced attachment points, framing reinforcement, and flood gates (on the west bleachers). The flood gates are engineered to open during a flood event allowing water to pass through, reducing hydrostatic pressure on the structure.
Given the importance of Hart Park Stadium to the community, staff feels it is essential to get under contract with JWI and begin repairs to the stadium so that the community may resume use in 2026. Staff also feels it prudent to contract with JWI since they are most familiar with the design, construction type, and materials used in the bleacher and enclosure system.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Area 5 - Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
The City received a $1,000,000 donation for flood recovery at Hart Park. Staff recommend using part of this donation for the contract with JWI to repair the spectator bleachers at Hart Park Stadium. Approval to waive the request for proposal process will disqualify these expenses for reimbursement by FEMA or State funds should they become available.
E. Recommendation
Approval of a waiver to the request for proposal process, a level 3 fund transfer, and authorization to enter into a contract with JWI for repair of the Hart Park Stadium bleachers in an amount not to exceed $130,700.00.