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Council authorizes special procurement to hire construction manager–general contractor for proposed South Shore fire station
Summary
Lake Oswego approved a special procurement allowing a CMGC process for a proposed South Shore fire station; staff and the city’s owner’s representative said the approach should produce earlier, more reliable pricing and value-engineering opportunities.
The Lake Oswego City Council on July 15 adopted Resolution 25-34, authorizing a special procurement to hire a construction manager–general contractor (CMGC) for preconstruction and construction services for a proposed South Shore fire station.
The council voted 6-0 to approve the resolution after a staff presentation that said the CMGC model — already used for the city’s operations center and city hall — would help the city produce a reliable cost estimate as the architect develops conceptual design work. Assistant Fire Chief Christine Aartman told the council staff will present a full cost and feasibility analysis in December and, if directed, could seek voter approval of a bond measure in May 2026.
Why it matters: The CMGC process brings a contractor into the design phase to advise on materials, systems and market pricing, enabling “value engineering” — changing specifications to reach a target budget without unnecessarily cutting critical scope. Staff said the approach can reduce change orders and provide more accurate market-based pricing than a traditional design-bid-build approach.
What staff said: Assistant Fire Chief Christine Aartman said the city has hired an owner’s representative, OTEC, and advertised for architectural services; after architect selection, the CMGC will produce a reliable cost estimate during preconstruction. Dave Lentz of OTEC told councilors the CMGC can help the design team select building systems and materials to achieve the best value for the budget, and that CMGC firms submit competitive proposals for general conditions and fees up front.
Council questions and context: Councilors asked about target budgets and how the city will manage scope so a bond question — if pursued — reflects voters’ expectations. Councilor Wendland and others said they want staff to frame a target value design and bring clear budget “rails” to future public work sessions; staff said polling and community outreach on priorities are underway and that the December analysis will include a recommended cost range.
Action taken: The council adopted Resolution 25-34 6-0, allowing staff to proceed with a competitive special procurement for a CMGC and to continue architectural design and community polling ahead of a December cost feasibility presentation.
Next steps: Staff will return with polling results at a July 15 work session (staff noted positive community response) and with a cost and feasibility recommendation in December 2025 that will include possible bond measure guidance for 2026.
