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Council approves engineering contract to design retrofit HVAC for Anacortes public safety building
Summary
After bids failed to deliver compliant solutions for a 2000-era HVAC system, the council authorized a $54,475 design contract with Fergus Engineers to scope a retrofit that meets current EPA and safety regulations; staff warned replacement costs may exceed earlier estimates.
The City Council authorized a contract on March 16 for design and engineering of HVAC improvements at the Public Safety Building. Public works staff explained that the building’s original HVAC system, installed in 2000, began failing in 2024 and that replacement parts are no longer manufactured because of changes in EPA and other product regulations.
Public Works presented the procurement history: two prior attempts to bid a replacement were canceled because vendors could not guarantee systems that met the new regulatory requirements and could be retrofitted into the facility’s limited attic access. Staff recommended hiring an engineering firm to produce specifications and drawings so the city can seek compliant bids. The council moved to authorize the mayor to sign contract 25187FAC001 with Fergus Engineers in the amount of $54,475 for design services.
Council members asked about total cost uncertainty; staff said the 2025 CFP had an allocation of about $160,000 but the new regulations and engineering realities could push total replacement costs to more than double that amount. Council member Moulton emphasized the necessity of the project and moved the contract; the motion passed by voice vote.
What to expect: Fergus Engineers will produce design documents and specifications to enable a compliant retrofit bid package. The city will return with construction costs after bids are solicited against the engineered specifications.
