Weber County approves Hogan Associates agreement to assist with ice sheet renovation

Weber County commissioners approved a contract Sept. 30 with Hogan Associates Construction Inc. to provide general contracting assistance and access to subcontractors for the county's ice sheet renovation.

Facilities manager Marty Smith explained the county is in the middle of a $3.8 million renovation at the ice sheet and that Hogan Associates offered to provide needed general contracting and subcontractor access at no cost. "This is an agreement with Hogan Associates Construction... they came in with a proposal at no cost," Smith said. He said the approach—using an on-staff project manager rather than separately hiring an architect and general contractor—was expected to save the county more than half a million dollars that can be reallocated to the project.

Smith confirmed project funding comes from state Olympic legacy funds administered through the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM). "The ice sheet project was funded, solely out of the Olympic funds, legacy funds for legacy Olympic venues from the state and the legislature. So this money came through DFCM at the state level. We're putting no money into this project," he said.

The renovation scope Smith listed includes a new mechanical room and ice plant, flooring, locker rooms, audio-visual upgrades and internet improvements.

Commission discussion and outcome: Commissioners praised county staff for the work and the county's reputation in hosting events; a motion to approve the contract was made and seconded, and the commission unanimously approved the contract.

Implementation and schedule: The county expects the improvements to be complete before a World Curling Federation event scheduled for late April–May next year. Staff said using internal project management and the Hogan agreement will accelerate procurement of subcontractors and reduce overall project costs.