Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes $16,500 design amendment for Fire Station 21 project; project estimated at $1.5 million
Summary
Fairfax Town Council authorized a $16,500 amendment on Feb. 5 to the design contract for upgrades to Fire Station 21, stepping the project closer to construction documents; staff estimated the renovation at about $1.5 million.
The Fairfax Town Council on Feb. 5 approved a first amendment to the professional services agreement with Fairchild Brahms Design to continue design work on upgrades to Fire Station 21. The amendment adds $16,500 to the design contract and brings the total contract value to about $63,500, council documents show.
Town staff and Fire Chief Dan Mahoney briefed the council on the project's current scope and estimated costs. Chief Mahoney said the preferred scope includes a new bedroom, bathroom and kitchen on the second floor to accommodate additional staffing and to meet operational needs. The council was told that a professional cost estimate places the construction cost near $1.5 million; staff cautioned that competitive contractor bids will determine final cost.
The council also heard staff estimates for temporary housing and operations during construction. The chief and staff said providing temporary housing for firefighters during construction is a significant cost driver: preliminary planning assumed up to about $150,000 to rent and hook up modular housing and pay related set-up costs for roughly six months.
Council members asked for clarity on project management and next steps. Town Manager Heather Abrams said staff is meeting regularly with consultants and recommended the design amendment so the town can complete construction documents and go to competitive bid. Several council members asked staff to ensure active project oversight and to explore cost-control options and potential grants before committing to construction.
Motion and vote: Council adopted a resolution authorizing the town manager to execute the first amendment to the professional services agreement; the motion carried on a council vote. Staff said the project will return with construction documents and budget options before the council approves any construction contract.
What happens next: Consultants will complete the additional design work and provide construction documents that staff can use to seek competitive bids; council and staff said they would continue to seek potential grant sources and will present final bid results and a recommended funding plan to the council before construction begins.
