The Urbandale City Council convened on November 27, 2024, to discuss significant developments regarding a new public safety building project. The proposed facility is estimated to cover approximately 70,000 square feet, with a projected cost of around $50 million. The construction timeline is expected to span 18 to 24 months, reflecting the complexity of the project, which will include a mix of office and garage spaces, as well as a potential firing range.

City officials emphasized the importance of hiring an owner's agent to oversee the project. This agent will serve as an extension of city staff, providing specialized expertise in construction management. The selected firm, Sidekick Development, led by Angie Fonkou, was chosen after a thorough review process that included seven proposals and interviews with four firms. Fonkou has prior experience with public safety projects in neighboring cities, which adds to her qualifications for this role.

The owner's agent will play a crucial role in ensuring that the city's priorities are integrated from the outset, guiding the project through the design and construction phases. Their responsibilities will include developing the request for proposals (RFP) for the architect, managing communications, and ensuring that the project remains on schedule and within budget. The professional services fee for the owner's agent is set at 1.75% of the total project cost, which is estimated to be around $875,000, although the final cost will depend on the overall expenses incurred during the project.

The council's decision to proceed with hiring an owner's agent reflects a commitment to effective project management and resource efficiency, aiming to deliver a facility that meets the community's needs while adhering to budgetary constraints. Further discussions and updates on the project are anticipated as the planning progresses.