City council authorizes $170,000 design contract for new Fire Station 5

The Weatherford City Council voted to authorize the city manager to execute a phase‑1 design contract for the new Fire Station 5 in an amount not to exceed $170,000.

Matt Leppler, who presented the staff report, said the city selected Grossman Design Build after an RFQ and interview process and had Grossman develop conceptual plans at risk before tonight’s approval. "Phase 1 is for design only, and it's the $170,000," Leppler said, adding the design phase is scheduled for 150 days and will include architecture and engineering.

Leppler told the council the site is about five acres, acquired in 2022, at the corner of Rick Williamson and Wausam Road, and that the design‑build approach was chosen to streamline delivery. He said the packet includes a construction estimate and that staff would return with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) once design is complete. "We are not obligated to move forward at that point, per the contract," Leppler said.

Council members asked how firms were selected; Leppler said the city received a large number of responses, shortlisted five firms, interviewed finalists in person and toured existing stations before choosing Grossman. A council member clarified funding for design, and staff responded that design funds come from a 2025 reissuance and did not increase the tax rate.

The motion to approve the design contract was made and seconded per the record; remote council member Heidi Wilder recorded a verbal "yay" and the item passed. Staff said, if the council approves the subsequent GMP, construction would begin roughly a year after that approval.

The council took no further action on the design beyond tonight’s authorization; staff will return with detailed design deliverables and a GMP for council consideration.