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Board awards $84,915 preliminary design contract for old courthouse; seismic study deferred
Summary
Supervisors approved an $84,915 contract with highest-ranked firm Anderson Bridal Architects for preliminary assessment and design of the old courthouse. Board declined an immediate seismic study but asked designers to flag any concerns during assessment.
The Board of Supervisors voted May 6 to authorize a contract of $84,915 with the top-ranked architectural team (Anderson Bridal Architects) for preliminary assessment and conceptual design services related to the county's damaged old courthouse.
Public Works representative Steve Loop told the board staff had previously received nine proposals and that the board had directed a downscoped approach while insurance proceeds remain pending. "We downsized the scope to just do preliminary assessment and preliminary design only," Loop said, explaining the need for a conceptual estimate to compare with any insurance payment.
Loop also described a proposed seismic evaluation (an ACE-41 Tier 1 report) priced at about $10,000. The county's structural consultant said such an evaluation is normally warranted when structural elements would be modified, when additional loads equal to roughly 10% of building weight are added, or if the building's use classification is changed. Board members agreed there was no current plan to alter load-bearing elements, add significant new weight or change the building use; several supervisors opposed spending for the immediate seismic report.
Supervisor Velasquez advocated for caution but ultimately the majority approved the contract to proceed with the preliminary scope. "This is the time to do this," one supervisor said, urging staff to flag any structural concerns that emerge during the preliminary design so a seismic evaluation can be ordered if required.
After public comment was called and none was received on the item, the board approved the contract by roll-call vote (4-1) with Supervisor Velasquez voting no. The board also directed the design team to produce a preliminary cost model and concept-level work that can be used in insurance discussions and to return with findings and next steps.
