American Canyon’s first senior center — a project under discussion for years — could be completed next April, according to the city’s public works director.

The American Canyon City Council awarded a $1.17 million construction contract to S.W. Allen Construction Inc. of Sacramento last week to transform the former American Canyon Police Station on Elliott Drive into a senior and multi-use center. The contractor’s bid, the lowest among a dozen contractors, was about $100,000 less than what the city had projected. 

The vote was 4-1, with City Councilwoman Cindy Coffey voting against the majority.

Construction could begin three weeks from now, Public Works Director Michael Throne told the City Council Tuesday.

City officials have said repeatedly they want to take advantage of the low construction bids available in a downturn economy from firms seeking work.

Referring to American Canyon’s budget shortfall next year, Coffey said the city should not do the project as it is considering cutting back on services.

“I think the timing is all wrong, especially right now,” Coffey said.

But others spoke in favor of the project.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Mayor Leon Garcia said.

City Councilwoman Joan Bennett introduced the resolutions to approve the project, saying the city needs a senior center. The City Council on Tuesday voted on three resolutions to award the project, fund the construction and pay for furniture and electronic equipment. All votes were 4-1, with Coffey voting no.

Currently, there is no public space in American Canyon dedicated to seniors; the city’s recreational programs are scheduled at the recreation center next door on Elliott Drive or at the gymnasium on Benton Way.

The City Council set aside $1.5 million for the project. The funds include the $1.17 million and contingency funds as well as $92,520 for management and inspection services and $31,000 for engineering, architectural and landscaping consulting work.

The City Council also voted to set aside up to $40,000 for furniture and up to $20,000 for telecommunication and computer equipment for the building, which was built in the 1980s to house the Napa County Water Department.

WLC Architects, a Sacramento-area firm that also designed the new public safety building at 911 Donaldson Way East, drew up the plans to remodel the one-story building.

The 3,200-square-foot building has been empty since July 2007, when the police department moved to 911 Donaldson Way East. Under the plans, the contractor will gut the building and rebuild the interior into a facility compliant with state and federal laws that mandate that facilities be accessible to all.