Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fife staff say fire-marshall interpretation adds alarm requirement; department cites $300,000 savings elsewhere
Summary
Parks staff told the board that a fire-marshall interpretation required additional smoke detectors and an alarm-panel relocation for the community center HVAC project; staff said there is no insurance coverage for the cost change but that the project has approximately $300,000 in cost savings to cover overruns.
During the capital projects update on May 6, Marta reported several active projects and a recent code interpretation that changed the scope of the community center HVAC work.
Marta said the existing alarm panel did not have capacity for additional smoke detectors required after the fire marshal interpreted the code cumulatively for multiple 1-ton HVAC units servicing spaces with operable walls. "The code is being interpreted by our fire marshal differently ... they are saying that those other 1-ton units also need it ... because cumulatively those 3 are over the size requirement," she said. As a result, the alarm panel must be upgraded and relocated to a more accessible space per the fire department's request.
A board member asked whether insurance would cover the cost overruns; Marta replied there was no insurance coverage. She also told the board the project has about $300,000 in cost savings that can absorb the overages.
Marta updated other capital items: Wedge Park awaits signed contract and associated bonds from the landscape contractor; Colburn Phase 2 is at about 90% design and will have a development-review committee meeting next week; playground work is 85—90% complete for the 5—12 structure with footings and final touches scheduled in the next two weeks.
The board asked for clarity on the alarm relocation and contractor coordination; staff explained that the discrepancy arose from differing interpretations among the design team, contractors and the fire marshal and that the relocation was needed to ensure accessibility for maintenance and emergency access. Staff said they had sent follow-ups to contractors and will push to close outstanding paperwork so Wedge Park contract work can begin.
Next steps: staff to follow up with the landscaping contractor regarding contract and bonds, pursue change-order details for the alarm work, and keep the board informed of timing and cost implications.
