Council briefed on $2.5M seismic retrofit grant for fire station; staff recommend awarding architect contract to HGE

City staff told the council on Oct. 27 that North Bend has received a $2.5 million state grant to perform seismic rehabilitation at the North Bend Fire Station and recommended awarding architect and consultant services to HGE Architects to complete design and construction management.

Staff said HGE previously prepared the project study and documentation used to secure the grant, and under Oregon procurement rules a contracting agency may continue with consultants who have substantially studied and documented the project. The scope discussed included soil/pile work to address liquefaction risk, bolting tilt‑up panels to foundations, improved strapping of roof and wall framing, and replacement or repair of apparatus bay doors and aprons. Staff estimated significant portions of the project will be performed from the exterior where possible, with phased work to keep some bays operational during construction.

A project representative said the city has used this grant program for similar facilities and estimated six months to finalize bid documents; construction timing will follow procurement and the grant schedule. Staff confirmed the consultant contract and many construction costs will be covered by the state grant and that the recommended motion for the Oct. 28 meeting will include grant funds.

Councilors asked about phasing and continuity of fire operations during work; staff said contractors would phase work to keep at least one apparatus bay operational and that the grant timeline requires prompt progress on design and bidding. The council did not take final action at the work session; staff prepared a recommended motion for the next regular meeting.