Caribou Council awards fire station engineering contract to Harriman for $150,000

The Caribou City Council voted Monday to award an engineering contract for planned renovations to the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department building to Harriman for $150,000.

The council’s municipal buildings committee recommended the award after an RFQ process and interviews with shortlisted firms. Penny Thompson, city manager, said the project will be funded through a combination of County ARPA funds, a congressionally directed spending request secured through Senator Collins’ office and designated city capital funds.

Thompson told the council that the $150,000 covers investigative and design phases and construction administration. “The City Of Caribou has received funding through the County ARPA grant funding through a congressionally directed spending request from senator Collins' office and from funding that was set aside by designated capital funds for a project to make needed renovations and upgrades to the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department building,” Thompson said during the meeting.

A motion to award the project to Harriman carried unanimously. Councillor Bagley, Councillor Kelly, Deputy Mayor Smith, Councillor Terrio and Councillor Watson each voted "Aye." The council recorded no nay, abstain or recused votes.

Councilors and staff said the project follows the municipal buildings committee’s recommendation and will move forward to design and subsequent construction procurement. The city will next work with Harriman on a phased scope that includes site investigations and design documents prior to construction bidding.

The council’s approval authorizes design and pre-construction services; specific construction contract awards will require later council action.