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County approves Nelson Architects proposal to design Coroner’s Building remodel with LATC funds
Summary
The commission approved a $97,000 professional services proposal from Nelson Architects to design and manage renovation of the Coroner’s Building and allocated up to $125,000 from LATC as a contingency; contract details remain subject to staff revisions and asbestos/solar assessments.
Colleen of Nelson Architects presented a professional services proposal to the Fremont County Commission for schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and construction administration for the Coroner’s Building remodel.
Colleen said the firm will provide a turnkey design and project management approach and listed components including a schematic design phase, an asbestos assessment (if needed), mechanical and ventilation assessments, structural and civil engineering, code review and submittal to the City of Riverton and the State Fire Marshal for life‑safety and electrical review.
She described unknowns requiring additional work as possible asbestos abatement and questions about an on‑site solar array whose age and usability are unclear. “I'm gonna bring in my engineers, and hopefully, they can help us. ... I kinda hesitate to say that it is just because of its age,” Colleen said of the solar system, and she recommended treating exterior solar work as a possible Phase‑2 item to avoid opening a larger scope at the outset.
County staff and commissioners discussed staffing, expected site walkthroughs, and the need for a code review to determine required restroom and ADA upgrades. The firm said it includes structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil engineers on the project team and will coordinate with existing city and county concerns such as a drive‑through setback.
Commissioner (unnamed) moved that the commission accept the Nelson Architects proposal at a fee of $97,000 and allocate $125,000 from the LATC fund as an available contingency. Commissioner Sherwin seconded. The motion passed by voice vote; staff will return a contract reflecting recommended edits from county counsel (Nathan) and other staff before a final contract is executed.
Why it matters: The item directs professional design and project management for a county facility with potential hazardous‑material and code compliance issues. The approved fees and contingency commit local LATC funds to allow design work to proceed while leaving specifics such as asbestos abatement or solar‑panel removal to future contracting scopes.
Discussion vs. decision: The record includes extended discussion of project scope, unknowns (asbestos, solar), engineering requirements and phases. The formal decision authorized professional services and an LATC contingency allocation; the final contract must be returned to the commission for approval after staff revisions.
