Lake County commissioners move to approve architect contract for courthouse renovation

Lake County held a special meeting Sept. 22 to consider a standard-form agreement naming Reynolds Ash and Associates PLLC as architect of record for the county courthouse renovation. County Manager Candace Bridal told commissioners the contract was updated to allow the county to use congressionally directed spending (CDS) if that funding becomes available.

Candace Bridal, the county manager, said the revisions were needed so “if we're able to move forward with using that money, that we we are set up to do so.” Bridal said the agreement had been reviewed several times and was now complete.

A county staff member identified in the transcript as Chris said the CDS-related clauses “technically, they'll be a part of the contract, but they will only apply if we take the CDS money.” Chris also said the agreement was revised to allow some responsibilities to be performed by the architect of record “or their designee,” because other parties were already assuming some duties.

A commissioner asked whether inserting those clauses would immediately require the architect to follow the CDS stipulations; Chris replied the clauses would only be triggered if the county accepts CDS funds. After that exchange, an unnamed commissioner moved to approve the contract with Reynolds Ash and Associates PLLC. Commissioner Bullock seconded the motion. The transcript records the motion and second but does not record a recorded vote or final outcome.

The meeting lasted only minutes and covered this single agenda item; no additional details about contract dollar amounts, an effective date, or a formal vote tally appear in the provided transcript. The revised language discussed would make certain CDS requirements part of the contract document but, according to staff, enforceable only if the county elects to use the CDS funding.

The special meeting concluded after the motion and second were recorded.