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Atchison authorizes $83,345 HVAC replacement at Santa Fe Depot; city to seek historic tax credits and trustee support
Summary
The commission authorized hiring Dunn Heating and Cooling to replace HVAC serving the Santa Fe Depot museum and gift shop for a revised bid of $83,345.66, asked staff to pursue a historic tax credit (projected 40%) and other grants, and accepted $15,000 committed by the depot trustees toward the work.
The Atchison City Commission authorized city staff to hire Dunn Heating and Cooling to replace the main HVAC units serving the Santa Fe Depot museum and gift‑shop area, using a revised contract amount of $83,345.66 plus $5,000 in contingency budget authority for change orders.
City staff said the existing HVAC had been declining and that the bid was solicited in November. The low bidder submitted a revised total after pricing confirmation; staff said the revised $83,345.66 remains lower than the other proposals received. Mark Westoff and staff described a funding strategy: an anticipated tax credit through the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (projected at 40% once the process is completed in July), sale of those credits (staff estimated proceeds typically cover 85–90% of the credit value), applications to local trusts and a $15,000 commitment from the Santa Fe Depot Board of Trustees. With those sources, staff said the city's net cost for the project would likely fall between $22,000 and $25,000 depending on the tax‑credit sale.
Commissioners asked about service to other parts of the depot; staff said the second‑floor office and chamber side HVAC could be extended with repairs and would be included in future CIP planning. Commissioners also asked about timeline; staff estimated about two months start to finish once the contractor begins work. The motion authorized staff to enter the contract, apply for grant funding and historic tax credits, and enter into a funding agreement with the depot trustees.
A motion to authorize the contract and related grant and tax‑credit activity was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote with unanimous aye responses.
Why it matters: the project replaces failing HVAC in a city‑owned historic facility that hosts events and museum visitors; staff plans to offset costs with historic tax credits, trustee contributions and grant funding.
