Rice County to Advertise Two-Phase Bids for Conservation Building Repairs and Roof

Chris Klubich, Rice County facilities director, told the board Sept. 9 that a building analysis identified structural repairs needed at the county conservation building and recommended advertising the project in two phases: Phase 1 for structural repairs and Phase 2 for a roof replacement once repairs are complete. "We would recommend that we advertise in 2 phases for this project with phase 1 requesting bids for the structural repairs and phase 2 requesting bids for the roof replacement," Klubich said.

The board discussed adding concrete floor leveling and other accessibility work raised by commissioners, including concerns about wheelchair users encountering uneven surfaces. Klubich said concrete repairs were not originally in the plan but could be added to the scope or handled later as a change order: "That would probably be a better way to do it," Klubich said when the board discussed options for adding concrete repairs to the first-phase work.

Commissioner Perfist asked whether the project could become three tiers to include concrete repairs; staff responded the county could include that work either as a separate bid item or as a change order tied to Phase 1. Commissioners also asked whether bids or cost estimates would inform decisions to repair or replace the building; Klubich said cost estimates returned from bidders would guide next steps.

The board voted to approve advertising the two-phase bids as presented. The motion was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.