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Owner's representative reports progress, flags asbestos and unsuitable soils on ARPA projects
Summary
An owner's representative updated Oklahoma County committees on ARPA-funded capital work including elevator orders, asbestos findings in an ICB remodel, annex lobby abatement, Bayview facility HVAC work and unsuitable soils at a behavioral health services site.
An owner’s representative and county staff updated the Oklahoma County Public Improvements and Infrastructure Committee and the Public Building Advisory Committee on the status of several ARPA-funded capital projects, reporting ordered elevators, asbestos findings at an ICB remodel, lobby abatement at the annex, ongoing jail HVAC work, and soil issues at the county’s behavioral health services site.
The committees were told elevator submittals for the annex, Metro and the ICB remodel have been approved and the elevators ordered. Two remaining elevators — the juvenile justice center unit and one courthouse elevator — were described as close to finalization. The expedited installation schedule targets completion of some elevator work by November 2026, while other work is on a February 2026 schedule, depending on the project.
On the ICB remodel, staff reported positive asbestos tests in basement floors and window caulking; demolition and basement investigation work were continuing, with a contractor schedule showing completion of that basement investigation by April 22. At the annex front entrance, abatement phases one through five were complete, exterior ramp and stairs were poured and awaiting handrails, and county staff said they believe they have a path to remove asbestos found in a layer of sheetrock on the existing wall to reopen the lobby area.
Staff told the committees they had not applied for Brownfields program assistance for the annex abatement and that some members were surprised to learn Brownfields funds might be available for asbestos work; staff said they would follow up on potential assistance from the City of Oklahoma City or Brownfields sources.
At the county’s behavioral health services facility, contractors had mobilized trailers, power, plumbing and Wi-Fi and begun dirt work. Engineers identified areas of unsuitable soil and poor compaction — staff estimated an affected area roughly 50 by 50 yards — and said the conditions could reflect a high groundwater table or a historical salt pond. Potential remediation options under study included undercutting and importing material, adding gravel, or using geogrid solutions.
Work at the Bayview health facility and jail HVAC projects was described as progressing: engineers provided a report on coil freeze risks during life-safety alarm events and staff said they were coordinating parties to review recommendations and next steps. United Mechanical was identified in the transcript as having provided a report.
A motion to receive the owner’s representative report was made and passed by voice vote.
The updates included schedules, pending contractor and engineering reviews, and several items staff flagged as unforeseen conditions that will affect scheduling and budgets. Staff said they would return with more detailed electrical and engineering information as designs are finalized.
