Lockport council approves design contract for city hall HVAC and several infrastructure change orders

The Lockport City Council on an evening meeting approved a professional services agreement with Triad Architecture to produce design and bid documents for a new HVAC and controls system at city hall, not to exceed $251,250. Council members voted in favor after staff explained the contract covers design and bidding only; the actual HVAC hardware and installation would be procured later if the council approves construction bids.

Unidentified Speaker 6, describing the Triad scope, said the design fee represented "about 10 to 12% of the design cost for the project," and that the firm will prepare documents and assist staff with bidding and review. Staff told the council the design phase will likely take four to five months, with a bid letting expected in spring to avoid leaving building occupants without climate control during summer.

The council also approved several change orders for ongoing public‑works projects. Members approved a $75,000 change order for the Cinnamon Creek Stabilization project at Maple Hill Subdivision to address additional tree removal and upstream/downstream stabilization needs; staff said existing budget allocations and prior HOA participation make the work feasible this year. Staff said the extra work will reduce future maintenance and is being done now while conditions permit.

Separately, the council approved a $32,916 change order with PT Farrell to complete Adam Street headwall and railing repairs after contractors discovered deeper‑than‑expected concrete deterioration and separated culvert joints that required reinforcement. A staff presenter explained the additional concrete removal and pipe reinforcement were necessary to make the crossing maintenance‑free for the foreseeable future.

During the HVAC discussion staff noted the council has considered a backup generator in the past; an earlier estimate for a full permanent generator came in around $250,000, so the current contract is being scoped to allow a "plug and play" connection for a future generator if funding becomes available. Council instructions were procedural: approve the design agreement and return for construction authorization if bids align with budget.

The measures were approved by roll call. The council’s consent agenda — containing minutes, payroll, bills, a special use permit for a Scooter’s Coffee drive‑thru and several façade/site improvement items — was approved earlier in the meeting.