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Board approves architect contract for Benicia Middle School kitchen renovation with amended fee range
Summary
Trustees awarded an architectural contract to Ibser Yamauchi (HY) for a middle-school kitchen expansion and renovation; staff said typical architectural fees for projects this size range from 12–15%, and the board amended the contract authorization to reflect that range rather than the 10% listed in the agenda.
Trustees approved awarding an architectural contract for a planned Benicia Middle School kitchen expansion and renovation and amended the authorization to reflect an expected architectural fee range of 12–15%.
Roxanne Egan described the project scope as a kitchen expansion with full renovation of fixtures and the relocation of exterior garbage enclosures. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Ibser Yamauchi Architects (HY). Egan noted an error in the agenda that listed a cap of 10% for architectural fees; she said smaller projects often incur higher percentage fees and that the realistic range for this scope is about 12–15%.
Trustees asked whether the district uses RFPs for architect selection and whether the bond oversight committee reviews such awards. Egan said the district regularly works with three firms (SVA Architects, California Design West and HY), selects architects on qualifications rather than price, and that the CBOC’s bylaws do not include architect selection or contract awards.
Trustees also asked about reimbursable expenses and whether a kitchen consultant was necessary; staff said reimbursable items include printing and permitting fees and that a kitchen consultant is used to ensure equipment selections and clearances meet health-code and operational requirements. Trustees asked staff to seek competitive consultant pricing if possible.
A motion to approve the contract, with the contract authorized at an amended 12–15% fee range, passed unanimously. Staff said they would proceed with schematic and construction document phases and coordinate schedule timing with other Measure C projects.
Why it matters: Modernizing the middle-school kitchen affects food service operations and may require phased construction to limit disruption. Architectural fees and consultant selections are material to the project budget and schedule.
