Committee authorizes architect and construction manager contracts for Southways transfer and recycling facility

Portage County—s Solid Waste Committee authorized two contracts for planned upgrades to the Southways transfer and recycling facility, approving an architect/engineering agreement with Dorchner Associates and a construction-manager contract with JH Pindorp & Son by voice votes.

The chair introduced the agenda items and the director summarized the procurement process: "We did an RFP process, and we had interviews, and we debated, and Dorchner Associates were the best choice for our projects," the director said, describing the firm—s scope to design an addition (about 1,100 square feet), fire suppression, a wall and flooring work. Committee members asked for the size and purpose of the addition; the director said it is intended to give the compactor its own bay away from trash and traffic.

The director said the project will be funded through a community foundation grant that was routed through Congressman Van Orden—s office and ultimately through HUD for federal approval. A committee member asked whether $200,000 for the project would come from a previously passed $3 million allocation; the director confirmed the funding will come from that source.

On the construction-manager selection, the director said the county used an RFP, conducted interviews and completed reference checks in October. Members discussed timeline and weather constraints; the director said the team hopes to sign a contract in December, begin initial groundwork in December or January and complete construction within about a year if weather permits.

The committee approved the Dorchner Associates agreement and the JH Pindorp & Son construction-manager contract by voice votes with no recorded opposition. The chair indicated the contracts will proceed to necessary county approvals and that staff will return with scheduling and permitting details when available.