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Chief Farrell outlines public safety building renovations; council discusses funding and long-term facility needs
Summary
Chief Marty Farrell outlined a package of renovations to Cantons Public Safety Building — enlarging the public lobby, improving cramped workspaces, upgrading the training area and adding an officer fitness area — with the lowest contractor bid at about $197,000 and funding proposed from impact fees and SPLOST.
Chief Marty Farrell presented on June 5 a plan to renovate the citys Public Safety Building to improve customer service access, staff workspace and training space and to build a fitness area for officers.
Farrell described three floors of work: expanding the front window/lobby area so multiple customer service representatives can assist the public, upgrading the third-floor training room (now approved for partnership training with Reinhardt College) and converting basement space into a fitness area. He said three contractors inspected the building and submitted bids; the low bid was roughly $197,000 from JP's Painting and Carpentry, with other bids near $249,000 and $283,000.
Farrell told council the department intends to use impact fees and SPLOST funding for the project. Council members questioned the wide spread between the high and low bids and whether a low bidder familiar with the building could cover unknown conditions. Farrell said JP's had previously worked in the building and had performed well, but acknowledged older wiring and hidden conditions could create change orders. Several council members raised the larger question of when the city should plan a new purpose-built police facility: Farrell and council discussed a multi-million-dollar future project, with a nearby city example (Kennesaw) cited at roughly $15 million.
Council did not award contracts on June 5 and asked staff to return with a formal presentation in July that includes recommended funding and contract details.
