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Oakland County approves design services for campus steam-tunnel repairs, estimated $2.9 million
Summary
Ed Joss, director of Facilities Management, asked the committee to authorize engineering design services for repairs to the county campus steam-tunnel system; the committee voted to advance the design work.
Ed Joss, director of Facilities Management, presented a resolution seeking design services to repair and replace sections of the county campus steam-tunnel system. Joss said the county’s tunnels carry steam lines to roughly 13 county buildings and also house electrical feeders, fiber and coax lines; because sections of the tunnels are concrete and metal and have corroded underground, the county conducts core testing and is now moving to engineering and design work to enable repairs.
Joss identified SME (Soil, Materials and Engineering firm) as the selected firm to prepare specifications and drawings; he said the total estimated design cost is $2,897,500. He described the work as necessary to avoid safety risks such as cave-ins and to maintain utilities that serve multiple buildings. The committee discussed the system’s condition, prior testing and how the work will be phased over several years.
Cheryl Johnson, deputy chief financial officer, explained funding mechanics: the design funds are not currently in the CIP and will be advanced from the county’s general fund strategic investment plan so the work can be bid and be ready to proceed when bond proceeds become available. Johnson said the county anticipates bonding for a larger deferred-maintenance program and that the design and planning costs will be included in the eventual bond financing rather than paid solely from current-year operating funds.
Commissioners asked about emergency history and ongoing maintenance. Joss said no emergency tunnel failures had occurred but limited CIP funding had required prioritizing repairs; he said the long-term plan anticipates addressing multiple sections over several years once bond funds are available.
Commissioner Weifert moved to advance the design-services resolution; Commissioner Taylor seconded. The committee voted 6-0 in favor.
Joss said the designs will be used to advertise construction bids and that the repair work will be scheduled and prioritized after bid responses and as capital funding becomes available.
