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Council approves two change orders as Virginia’s new public safety facility nears completion
Summary
City staff reported construction milestones, a remaining owner contingency of about $662,000 and recommended two change orders — one for fire training anchor points and another to add welding exhaust in a tool room; both passed the Committee of the Whole.
Contractors and city project staff told the committee Tuesday the new Virginia public safety facility is nearing completion, with exterior work, interior finishes and roofing largely finished and occupancy and move‑in planned this fall.
“Projects on schedule, under budget, in really good shape overall,” Carl Sanderson project manager Sean Lewis told the council, citing site work, acoustic ceilings, tile installation and plumbing fixtures in progress and an overall project footprint of about 50,000 square feet.
Budget and change orders: Lewis presented a budget update showing an owner contingency balance of roughly $662,000. The project team also proposed enhancement items — including perimeter security fencing and gates — that could be returned to the council for consideration if contingency funds are used for value‑engineering restorations.
Two change orders were before the committee. Change order request PR‑61 (change order 46) added additional safety anchor points for the fire training tower; the council approved the request after discussion. Change order request number 47 (welding exhaust in Tool Room A104) was described as necessary if the fire department will weld for repairs and training; the committee approved that request, which was listed at $21,593 in the meeting materials. Councilors noted some welding and maintenance operations will remain at public works’ facilities and discussed whether the building could host interagency training in the future.
Other items: Staff reported solar procurement and roof‑mounted array work are underway and recommended a security plan for ground‑mounted panels along Railroad Avenue, including fencing and camera coverage; no final decision on fencing was made. The project team said technology and security purchases were budgeted at about $500,000 to be procured directly by the city.
Actions: The committee approved both change orders (motions moved by Councilor Kevin Johnson; change order 46 supported by Councilor Motley; change order 47 supported by Councilor Freeloop). Both motions carried by voice vote.
Outlook: Staff said site paving is scheduled for July, and the team remains on track for the building to be fully operational in September pending completion of final punch list items and deliveries.
