Auburn council approves $182,686 emergency contract to repair police station siding

AUBURN — The Auburn City Council on Jan. 12 approved an emergency contract to repair siding at the Auburn Police Department, citing dry rot, damaged weather barrier material and termite-related structural problems.

Public Works Director Mengele told the council the work had already started and that the original estimate of about $120,000 had been updated to $182,686.22 "because there's some additional work that's necessary to accommodate and facilitate this project." He said staff sought the emergency authorization to avoid remobilizing the contractor, which would raise costs.

An unidentified council member moved to approve the emergency contracting for the Auburn Police Department siding repair. The motion was seconded and approved on a roll call: Council member Amara — yes; Council member Holmes — aye; Riddell Harris — aye; Mayor Davis — aye. Council member Dowden Calvillo was absent. The public works director had advised the council the item required a minimum four-fifths vote to pass.

Mengele identified the contractor as Banner Construction, which he described as a local firm in the "Greater Auburn area" though not within city limits. He said the siding failure stemmed from damaged Tyvek that allowed water intrusion and from termite-related structural damage; staff said steps have been taken to replace the Tyvek correctly and address structural issues so the repairs will last.

The council took no other action on the item beyond approving the emergency contract. Work already under way at the station will continue under the approved authorization.