Derby council approves $7.09 million guaranteed‑max price to build new senior center

Derby — The Derby City Council on March 25 approved construction of a new senior center, awarding a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract of $7,087,396 to Hutton Corporation and authorizing related purchases and financing. The council voted 8–0 after presentations from staff and the project design team.

City officials said the new center will be about 13,750 square feet and include a multipurpose room that “will serve a capacity of over a hundred,” a game room, quilting and sewing space, a computer/IT lab, fitness/aerobics space and a warming kitchen sized to support Meals on Wheels rather than full commercial catering. Assistant Public Works Director Tom Collier, who presented the item, said the project’s total cost including indirects and furnishings is $7,383,371.

The council’s action authorized the city manager to enter a GMP contract with Hutton Corporation for $7,087,396, a Schneider Electric contract not to exceed $74,983 to install a building automation system, and purchases of site furnishings and appliances from Galaxy Business Equipment totaling $220,992. Collier told the council the GMP includes a contingency equal to approximately 2% (about $134,500) and that the bid climate drove some higher‑than‑expected HVAC pricing.

Why it matters: Council members said the center is intended to serve Derby’s growing senior population and to provide a flexible facility that can adapt as program needs change. Collier told the council the facility was designed to meet short‑ and long‑term needs and to expand the range of services available to older residents. The council also approved a project resolution that will allow the city to issue temporary notes to finance the center while final design and future related projects (city hall and police facility phases) are completed.

Supporting details: Collier said site clearing was planned for early April, with construction starting soon after and an anticipated completion date of Feb. 27, 2026. Council members noted a design element that will preserve and highlight the donation from Cross of Glory church: a dedicated, lighted display area in the building’s fireplace/entry element.

Council discussion and reaction centered on the facility’s programming and long‑term value. Council member Kyle Molt, who moved the resolution, said he appreciated the team approach to designing a space that can grow with future needs; Council member Jean Coleman called the new center “the best senior center in the state, if not the nation” in tone and welcomed the project. Several council members commended Hutton and staff for incorporating accessibility and flexible spaces such as the quilting and game rooms.

Financing and next steps: The council approved issuing a temporary note for the senior center and related design costs; city staff said those costs and the note will be folded into a general obligation bond issuance in the next year when the city is ready to finance city hall and police department work together. The council approved the construction contract and financing components as part of a single motion; the vote was 8–0.

The council was explicit that solar panels were not included in the GMP presented that night; Collier and the design team said solar remained an option for future consideration but was not part of the approved contract.

Ending: With the motion approved, the city will move toward a preconstruction meeting in early April and begin site work; staff said they expect the new center to be available to Derby residents in early 2026.