Port Washington public-safety building construction on schedule; city reports contingency savings

City staff told the Common Council on June 17 that construction of the new public-safety building is proceeding on schedule and within the project's guaranteed maximum price.

Rob (city staff) and representatives from the construction manager reported that site earthwork is complete, sewer and water utilities are installed and footing and foundation work is underway. The contract's construction portion (the guaranteed maximum price with C.D. Smith) remains about $27 million. Staff said earlier-than-expected savings lowered certain costs, and a construction contingency and owners' allowances totaling roughly $2.6 million remain budgeted.

The project team reported several cost items that came in lower than budget, including access rights and builders-risk insurance. Staff said they will specify roll-up overhead doors in lieu of more expensive folding doors and that a planned key-fob system also returned savings; together those and other adjustments reduced anticipated expenditures in the construction contingency and allowances pool.

The schedule provided by the construction manager calls for foundations to be complete in July, structural steel by the end of October, roof work through the winter, and substantial completion targeted roughly a year from now. City staff said pay applications to date total a small percentage of the contract (roughly 3 percent by cost), consistent with the project being in early site/foundation phases.

Council members asked about on-site safety and community engagement. Staff said the general contractor will coordinate community events and that the city hopes to arrange a "sign the beam" opportunity for staff and residents before structural steel is lifted.

Ending

City staff said weather has slowed work on occasion but the overall timeline remains intact; staff asked the public to observe safety barriers around the site while construction is active.