Talent — Talent staff told the City Council on Nov. 20 they intend to issue a notice of intent to award design-build services for the town hall foundation to Auslund Group, citing a competitive RFQ process in which two firms responded.

Finance staff said the immediate request is to proceed with a $22,500 lump-sum design phase. Construction costs will be determined in subsequent design phases and bidding; the contract model includes an 8% overhead and profit fee on construction work. City staff identified a $250,000 allocation from the Talent Urban Renewal Agency (TURA) that is intended to fund foundation work, and said the city is pursuing additional grants for further restoration components.

Councilors asked for clarity on the RFQ/proposal documents and on whether the council was being asked to approve the full $250,000 tonight. Staff explained that awarding the $22,500 design phase will allow consultants to assess scope and produce firm construction estimates; any larger construction contract beyond spending authority will come back to council for approval. Council asked that staff provide contract documentation and periodic updates; staff agreed to return with contract copies and to provide status updates via manager reports.

Staff and council also discussed the long-term restoration cost, with estimates noting that full restoration could rise well above the $250,000 foundation allocation and likely will require phased work and substantial fundraising and grant seeking. Staff said the foundation is the most critical immediate repair to allow future interior and roof work to proceed without double work, and that staff will proceed with the design phase and bring construction contract documents to council when ready.

No final construction contract was approved on Nov. 20; council authorized staff to move forward with the design-phase award/intent to award and requested contract documents and cost estimates prior to authorizing construction expenditures beyond city manager spending authority.