Members of the Galveston Industrial Development Corporation pressed city staff on Tuesday for a written timeline, inspection findings and punch-list documentation before final closeout of the Sandhill Crane soccer complex, citing persistent field defects and community frustration after a missed season.

The board discussed who will sign off on final acceptance, what testing and inspection specialists reviewed the turf, how much retainage remains, and when the city will circulate a full closeout packet to the board and city council. Board members asked for a written schedule and a copy of the punch-list that would accompany any recommendation to release retainage.

Why it matters: Residents and youth soccer parents have been traveling off-island for “home” games while the complex was under construction. Board members emphasized the safety risk if the fields are opened prematurely and noted strong community dissatisfaction over the loss of a soccer season.

City staff reported that contractors and inspectors have been doing final touch-up work, including sanding divots, leveling, finishing seed and drainage adjustments. A city staff member said inspectors and a third-party consultant have been conducting reviews and that the contractor is working through punch-list items.

Board members and consultants named Kirksey as the architect of record and Clark Condon as a third-party consultant involved in field review. Board members said Clark Condon and a field-turf specialist had inspected the surfaces and produced specific notes and photos. The board discussed the communications chain: Kirksey, as architect of record, signs substantial-completion and punch-list documents; the city then holds retainage until the punch list is resolved.

Contract timing and disputes: City staff reported the contract was executed on 11/12/2023 and provided two dates tied to completion discussions: an original substantial-completion target of Sept. 1, 2025, and a staff statement that the project reached substantial completion on July 16, 2025. Board members noted the project nonetheless missed the fall season and that perceptions of delays have created political pressure.

Board members also discussed contractual protections: retainage, performance bonds and standard closeout processes. City staff said retainage and bonds provide remedies if the contractor fails to meet contract requirements, and that any change orders or contract reconciliation would go to city council for final determination. One board member asked for the closeout material before staff brings it to council so the IDC can review and comment.

Community context and next steps: Multiple board members asked staff to circulate a written timeline and the background materials the city will provide to council, and one requested a public update or press release to address parents’ concerns. Staff agreed to compile the schedule, punch-list and inspection reports and to provide those documents to the city secretary and IDC members before any council action. No formal vote was taken on project closeout during the meeting.

Ending: The board asked staff to return either in a subsequent IDC meeting or to provide materials before the item goes to council so members can review the closeout recommendation and the supporting inspection evidence.