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Committee approves $177,400 design contract for fire/security work after questions about front‑loaded fee
Summary
The committee authorized a $177,400 professional services agreement with Lobel Associates to produce three design options and lead public engagement for a fire/security/facade project; members questioned the large front‑loaded design fee relative to projected construction costs and asked staff to clarify construction‑administration responsibilities.
The committee approved Resolution 66, authorizing the chairman to execute a professional services agreement with Lobel Associates for $177,400 to produce design programming and public engagement for a fire/security and façade project. Staff said the contract is front‑loaded to pay for three separate design proposals, public charrettes with the City of Hudson and extensive early‑phase work so the board can select a preferred option before bidding construction.
Speaker 7 raised concerns about the fee's size relative to anticipated construction budgets, saying it "boggles my mind" that the professional services fee approached the proposed construction budget. Speaker 5 (staff) responded that the consultant was asked to perform detailed work across multiple proposals and community meetings, which increased the upfront cost; staff also confirmed that construction bidding and the construction contract would be separate.
Committee members asked staff to clarify the scope of construction administration in the contract, noting that oversight of construction can add cost and must be documented. The committee approved the motion but asked that staff confirm and document Lobel's specific responsibilities for design versus construction administration in follow‑up materials.
