Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Safety Upgrades topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port Authorizes Bid Call for Fire‑Suppression Upgrades at 8390 Barney White Road
Summary
Commissioners authorized staff to solicit bids to install a fire‑suppression system at 8390 Southwest Barney White Road (the VRC building), contingent on the property purchase closing later this week. Staff estimated the project at about $100,000 and proposed using unrestricted port reserves to fund the work.
The Port of Pemberton Board of Commissioners on April 8 voted to authorize staff to issue a bid call for installation of a fire‑suppression system at 8390 Southwest Barney White Road, commonly referred to in the meeting as the VRC Building, contingent on the port’s anticipated property closing this week.
Staff said the concrete tilt‑up building, constructed in 1978, exceeds 10,000 square feet and therefore requires a fire suppression system under the current code; the planned project includes engineering design, permitting, installation by certified fire‑protection contractors, and inspection and testing. Staff described the building as about 10,500 square feet with four vehicle bays, mezzanine offices, and heavy electrical service (including two 40‑amp and four 40‑amp circuits as described in the presentation).
The nut graf: because the building purchase was not in the 2025 budget, staff proposed using unrestricted port reserves to fund the estimated $100,000 project and sought authorization to solicit competitive bids from a list of certified contractors. Staff told commissioners there are roughly 20 qualified contractors on a roster and estimated the installation timeline at roughly 60–90 days once a contractor is selected and permits are in place.
Commissioners asked about timing, the condition of roll‑up doors, minor interior repairs and staff’s planned maintenance to ready the building for leasing. Staff said the building is vacant, the previous owner completed an extensive cleanup, and the port expects to close on the purchase later this week. The motion authorizing the bid call was made contingent on that closing and carried on a recorded voice vote.
Staff noted the port’s unrestricted reserves exceed $4 million and that the fire‑suppression installation is the most significant immediate expense needed before marketing the building to tenants. The board directed staff to proceed with competitive bidding consistent with contracting policies and to return with contract recommendations after bid evaluation.
