After three presentations, commissioners pick Yvonne Rivers to lead Oakleaf Library preconstruction

Clay County commissioners on Aug. 12 heard presentations from the three top-ranked construction management at-risk firms shortlisted for the Oakleaf Library and awarded the preconstruction selection to local firm Yvonne Rivers.

Why it matters: selecting a construction manager at risk (CMAR) launches the county’s preconstruction work — estimating, constructability review and value engineering — and establishes the team tasked with getting the project to guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and eventual construction. Commissioners said getting a CMAR in place early improves the county’s ability to keep the project on budget.

What the board heard - Yvonne Rivers (local firm): the team emphasized local experience and direct-sourcing advantages. "We have saved money; we're ahead of schedule," one presenter said when describing a current county job, and the team cited more than $1.2 million in sales‑tax and direct-purchase savings on an ongoing county project. - Haskell Company: Haskell emphasized target-value design and its online collaborative cost-modeling tools to monitor cost versus budget during design. "Target value design is the key to this whole process," said Tim Lehman with Haskell, noting Haskell's regional subcontractor network and a plan to deliver an open-book GMP aligned with the county's $8,000,000 budget target. - Winter Construction: Winter highlighted in‑house self-performance capabilities and experience delivering libraries and similar civic buildings, and stressed involvement of field superintendents in preconstruction to reduce later change orders.

Selection process and result Commissioners scored the three proposers during the meeting. After roll-call ranking, the board recorded Yvonne Rivers as the top‑ranked firm, followed by Winter Construction and Haskell Company. Board members said the local track record and demonstrated savings on existing county projects weighed heavily in their decision. The selection authorizes county staff to begin contract negotiations for phase‑1 preconstruction services; commissioners will review a phase‑2 construction agreement and GMP after preconstruction completes.

What the county will do next Staff said they will negotiate a phase‑1 agreement with the top‑ranked firm, then return to the board with a GMP and construction contract for approval. The board discussed an anticipated construction duration of roughly 9–12 months once design and procurement are complete, but final schedule will depend on design timing and GMP negotiations.

Ending Staff will bring a negotiated phase‑1 agreement back to the board for signature and continue outreach to the community as design advances.