Finance Committee - 5/15/2019 Page 2
Tim Cummings, Director of Economic Development
What’s before you is a contract for design services. The contract is for $143,000. However, | felt it prudent
that we actually only engage Dennis Mires to get us through a certain level of design, which is approximately
$24,000. Then we can re-evaluate as to where we ultimately want to go with the project. We have
approximately $2.5 million authorized for this renovation of the public health building on Mulberry Street.
What the scope currently entails is pretty much work that would be on the envelope of the building. That would
be doors, windows, roof, HVAC. The larger ticket items to keep the building healthy and in good shape. This
has been a project that has been on our radar for quite a while. | am anxious to get design underway if the
committee sees fit to approve this contract.
What | would do in tandem with the design element that would be occurring this spring is go out for a
construction management services as well so we could have a construction manager procured when we finish
up that early stage of design. If it is looking as though we are hitting within striking distance of that $2.5 million,
we can continue the conversation or look to re-evaluate the project in some way. | felt that was the best and
most strategic way to approach this project at this point.
Alderman Harriott-Gathright
Does this design include the handicap need?
Mr. Cummings
This does include making the building ADA accessible, which in particular would have an elevator component
which would be an exterior addition to the rear of the building. That is what is currently being contemplated for
the design as well as all the other elements that | referenced just a few moments ago.
Alderwoman Kelly
We are engaging to address the design services but this certain firm can also do the construction, is that what
you are saying?
Mr. Cummings
Yes. They have been procured to do construction administration. That is a check and balance on your
construction manager which would be a whole separate entity that would work in conjunction with the architect
through the construction phase of the project.
Alderman Klee
Just a point of clarification that when you were talking about putting out a bid for a CM that would be a
construction manager, not this construction administration. That is something that is completely separate.
When you get approval to go for a design then you would be considering doing the CM.
Mr. Cummings
Correct, to make it as expeditious as possible so we have a Construction Manager onboard to evaluate the
cost estimates that the architect will be coming up with based off of the design.
Vice Chairman O’Brien
Being on the fire department, we used to go there for some of the things needed. It’s good to see the City has
now turned its attention to improve that campus. They provide a great asset to the community. | am very glad
we are focusing on that.
