Commissioners authorize HMN amendment for LEC remodel and award civil engineering work to Kaw Valley for detention center project
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Summary
The board approved an amendment to add Law Enforcement Center (LEC) remodel design services to the architects' contract, reducing the fee from 9% to 7% and funding work from the voter-approved half-cent sales tax; commissioners also selected Kaw Valley Engineering for civil engineering and survey services for the Finney County Detention Center project at a not-to-exceed $60,000.
County staff told the board that the Finney County jail/detention facility project and the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) remodel are operationally interdependent and should be managed under a single architectural team. Staff proposed an amendment to the existing professional services agreement with HMN Architects to add full design services for the LEC remodel and reduce the architect's professional fee from a customary 9% to 7% for the combined work. Derek (staff) said all costs for the amendment and LEC construction would be paid exclusively from the voter-approved one-half percent sales tax and would not use general fund or property tax revenues.
Commissioners approved the contract amendment and authorized the chair to sign. One commissioner noted the fee change: "The modification provides that the rate of the services is at 7% rather than the customary 9% for jail services," and staff confirmed the savings.
On the same project, staff and the architect of record recommended selecting Kaw Valley Engineering to provide both civil engineering and land surveying services for the detention center. Kaw Valley proposed coordinated delivery for both disciplines for a total professional services contract of $60,000 (survey $14,500 plus engineering $45,500). SMH Consultants proposed a higher lump sum of $80,225. Staff cited coordination advantages, local site familiarity and schedule control as reasons for recommending Kaw Valley.
The board approved the selection of Kaw Valley Engineering by voice vote. Staff said all professional services for the detention center project will be paid from the voter-approved sales tax and that approving these items does not change the tax rate or the scope authorized by voters.
Staff emphasized that careful sequencing and coordinated design work should reduce cost escalation and duplication between the new detention facility and the LEC remodel.