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Johnson County opens bid process for Melrose Avenue fleet shop expansion after public hearing
Summary
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and authorized solicitation of bids for a multi-bay expansion of the county fleet shop at 4810 Melrose Avenue, with a base estimate previously around $1.3 million and a revised planning estimate closer to $1.4 million.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Thursday authorized the county auditor to solicit bids for an expansion of the county fleet shop at 4810 Melrose Avenue in Iowa City after holding a public hearing.
The board opened the hearing as part of its office and department business agenda. Melissa Victor, identified in the meeting as a special projects manager, introduced the project and said the expansion will increase county capacity to maintain and repair fleet vehicles, add office space and provide additional storage. “We’re excited to kick off this bid,” Victor said.
Dan Rice of Vantage Architects said bid documents include drawings and specifications for a base bid to add three service bays with an alternate to reduce the work to two bays. Rice told the board the December budgetary number for the three-bay option was about $1.3 million and that costs have risen since then: “I’m guessing that number is probably a little higher today, maybe more in that sort of $1.4 million number,” he said.
Rice outlined the schedule presented to the board: release bid documents the day after the meeting, hold a mandatory pre-bid conference on site, receive bids on May 15, present results to the board on May 21 and, if all goes as planned, approve a contract by June 5. He also said the county will use a contract alternate to delete one bay and shorten the building if bids come in higher than expected.
Board members asked about construction timing and potential supply constraints. Victor said the contract includes a completion stipulation before March 15, 2026, and that lead times for pre-engineered metal buildings and steel availability could affect the schedule. “Some of the manufacturers are still within a reasonable amount, and others are drawing them out a little longer,” she said.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Following the presentation and discussion the board voted to authorize the auditor to publish the notice and solicit bids. The motion carried 5-0.
The board’s action starts the formal procurement process and does not bind the county to a contractor; final award and any change orders will return to the board for approval.
