The Caribou City Council voted Jan. 2 to approve 90% construction documents for the Haley Ward library "MCA connectivity hub" project and directed staff to put the work out to bid.

Peter, a project representative for the design team, told the council the documents reflect phase‑3 design development and show a total project estimate "a little over 1,800,000.0." He said some savings had already been identified in architect and abatement costs and that optional elements could be removed if bids came in higher than estimates. "The packet in front of you is the 90% construction documents that we discussed at the last meeting," Peter said while summarizing the design and cost information.

One councilor raised concerns about the level of detail in the estimate, noting that a contingency had been reduced to 5% and that the packet did not include a detailed takeoff at this stage. That councilor said they had "very little confidence in this only because" detailed unit pricing and a takeoff were not included. In response, a member of the design team explained a detailed takeoff is treated as an additional service under the contract but that the team had updated the estimate based on comparable bids and other available information.

Project staff told the council about funding options should bids exceed the estimate, including removing nonessential features (for example, an awning) and pursuing grants and donated funds. The design team also referenced potential energy‑efficiency grant funding and the possibility of using other capital sources to cover items such as windows and heating upgrades.

After discussion, Councilor Bridal moved to approve the construction documents as presented; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call with recorded ayes from the council. The council recorded its approval to send the 90% documents to bid and requested staff and the project team return with any updates if bid results require design adjustments.

Next steps: staff plans to finalize procurement paperwork and put the project out to bid; project representatives expected the bid package to be released within days to a week, subject to completing a few remaining items.