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Committee to send $155,249 Hi‑Tech annex proposal to council after Gordian/Sourcewell briefing
Summary
Staff presented a Hi‑Tech proposal to repair and secure the city hall annex exterior and critical systems for $155,249 (plus a $2,800 subfloor alternate) under the Sourcewell/Gordian cooperative contract and recommended delaying major HVAC upgrades until occupancy is decided; the committee voted to send the item to council for a policy decision on procurement and scope.
The Brainerd City Safety and Public Works Committee considered three paths for making exterior and systems improvements to the city hall annex and agreed to send the proposal to the full City Council for a decision.
Mr. Habagor, a city staff presenter, told the committee that Hi‑Tech’s proposal for exterior work and key infrastructure (windows, electrical and fire alarm) was priced at $155,249 under the Gordian/Sourcewell cooperative procurement, with a first alternate for subflooring of $2,800 that would bring the total to $158,049. He said $160,000 has been allocated for annex improvements. "It is recommended that any mechanical work be delayed until occupancy is determined," he added, quoting the subcontractor’s recommendation that major HVAC modifications be postponed until tenant needs are clear.
Committee members questioned how Hi‑Tech was selected and whether the Gordian/Sourcewell program limits local contractor participation. Chris Arens, senior account manager with Gordian, explained that Sourcewell uses joint‑powers authority to make cooperative contracts available to municipalities and that Gordian maintains construction cost catalogs so awarded contractors across the state can submit competitive adjustment factors and multipliers. "Sourcewell has the legislative authority to negotiate the contracts on your behalf under the joint powers clause," Arens said.
Staff laid out three options: proceed immediately under the Gordian cooperative contract and award the work to an awarded contractor (for example, Hi‑Tech); hire a local consultant (identified in discussion as Woodsth/Woodsaffth) to develop a refined scope and then go to competitive bid; or schedule a special council workshop to decide the annex’s long‑term future before committing funds. Staff noted Gordian prices are typically locked for about 30 days.
The committee voted to bring the annex proposal and procurement options to the City Council for a policy‑level decision and possible scheduling of a council workshop before authorizing work.
