Council approves $182,686 emergency contract to repair Auburn Police Department siding

The Auburn City Council on Jan. 12 approved an emergency contracting measure to repair siding and related structural damage at the Auburn Police Department, awarding the work after staff said immediate repairs were needed.

Public Works Director Mengele told the council the work had already begun and that an original estimate “was about $120,000” but the updated package “is $182,686.22” to cover additional necessary work. He said the damage stemmed from torn Tyvek that allowed water intrusion and from termite-related structural decay, and that prompt repairs would avoid higher costs to remobilize a contractor later.

Mengele also said the selected contractor, Banner Construction, is a Greater Auburn–area firm that was the most responsive during a rapid bidding process; he noted the company is not within city limits. Council members asked whether the firm is local and what caused the damage; Mengele answered both questions on the record.

Council Member (S4) moved to approve the emergency contract for “the Auburn Police Department's Siding and Repair,” and Council Member Holmes seconded. The clerk recorded the roll-call votes as: Council Member Amara—yes; Holmes—aye; Riddell Harris—aye; Mayor Davis—yes. Council Member Dowden Calvillo was absent. The motion passed, clearing the way for immediate work to proceed.

City staff said the item required a minimum four-fifths vote to pass under emergency contracting rules; the council approved the measure and ordered the work to continue.

Beyond the emergency contract, the council proceeded with routine business including a city manager report and committee updates. The contract award and scope will be handled by staff under the emergency authorization; council members did not specify an estimated completion date during the meeting.