Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves revised $5.94 million police station budget; exterior items moved to alternates
Summary
After a joint session with the municipal building review task force, council approved a phased $5.94 million revised budget and scope for the North Smithfield Police Station that prioritizes interior renovation and moves exterior work into bid alternates to fit available cash flow and grant timing.
The North Smithfield Town Council approved a revised, phased budget and scope of $5.94 million for the police station renovation, moving several exterior items to add alternates so the interior work can proceed within available funding.
Project presenters told the joint meeting the town now has increased available cash flow and that shifting items like the parking lot and sally port into add alternates would let contractors focus bids on interior work while allowing exterior work to be added later if funds become available. The project team said cost estimates include a 15% contingency and conservative contractor allowances; they also proposed awarding an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) before bids so the OPM can help manage schedule and phasing.
Council members discussed funding sources, which presenters summarized as a combination of grants and up to $4 million in general fund cash flow that can be used without affecting the municipality’s bond rating. Several members cautioned about locking large sums that could preclude future opportunities; presenters said the plan is flexible and can be scaled back as design-development cost estimates come in.
A motion to approve the revised $5.94 million phased budget and scope carried by roll call. The council also approved an addendum to the design consultant’s agreement to align work with the revised scope and authorized issuing the OPM RFP to bid.
Staff said the timeline seeks bids in Q1 2025 and construction starting in Q2 2025, with a phased approach and add alternates allowing the council to adjust the scope if new funding becomes available.
