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The Albert Lea City Council gave the go-ahead Monday for 16 more projects as part of the updates to the city’s recreation facilities.

The projects were approved by voters in a referendum in April, and the city has been working with Apex Facility Solutions of Coon Rapids to line up bids.

Projects include the structural reinforcements, drainage and sealing of City Arena, as well as LED lighting, HVAC changes, a low E-ceiling for the Colstrup Rink and water conservation. At the pool, it includes the water heating and electrical systems and LED lighting, and at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, it includes the front door and windows, LED lighting, sealing the building, water conservation and HVAC controls.

The overall cost for these projects is about $1.925 million with about $17,400 of that eligible for lighting rebates.

Cathy Malakowsky, engagement and enrichment director for the city, said all but three of the projects came in at or under their original estimates, which was good news, especially in light of the arena refrigeration system coming in over $1 million higher than expected.

Overall, the recreation projects are currently $180,000 or 1.8% over budget. Apex is still working on bids for the remodeling of the lobby at the arena, the remodeling at the city pool and for the play features at the pool.

Malakowsky said Apex is getting paid for design for the projects and to manage the projects previously approved as well as the projects approved Monday.

The council approved three arena projects that qualify for federal incentives at its Oct. 14 meeting. With the approval of the projects, the council approved an amendment to the previous guaranteed energy savings agreement with Apex.