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Committee approves recommendation to engage Venture Architects for HVAC assessments, funded by campus grant and capital funds
Summary
The committee approved a motion to recommend hiring Venture Architects to complete engineering assessments for HVAC work at Simon’s Recreation Complex and the Community Services Building, using a combination of campus redevelopment grant funds ($2,000,000 grant referenced) and existing 2026 capital improvement borrowing; staff said Venture’s proposal includes bidding and construction services and will allow the county to go out to bid later this year.
Richland County staff recommended, and the Public Works Committee approved, sending a recommendation to executive finance/full county board to engage Venture Architects to perform engineering assessments for HVAC systems at Simon’s Recreation Complex and the Community Services Building.
Staff (Speaker 2) explained that Venture’s proposal arrived as the lowest-cost option and that Venture had confirmed by email that bidding and construction-phase services would be included; JDR and SEH were also presented as qualified firms but at higher prices and longer delivery timelines. Committee members discussed cost uncertainty for construction but agreed the engineering assessment is needed before committing to major capital work. "This isn't to fix it. This is best to understand. This is to give us a recommendation," one committee member said.
Why it matters: The assessments will inform later bids and capital spending for an expected HVAC capital project at Simon’s; staff said the work can be funded from $2,000,000 campus redevelopment grant funds and 2026 capital improvement borrowing already allocated for HVAC improvements.
Supporting details: Staff provided a combined assessment option totaling approximately $61,640 for both buildings in one submission (with other figures discussed in the packet and during the meeting); staff also noted eligibility for a 10% Focus on Energy incentive depending on the system chosen. The committee moved and seconded the recommendation and approved it by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract with Venture, ensure contracting language includes bidding/construction services per Venture’s email confirmation, and proceed with engineering work so the county can issue construction bids later this year.
