Authority approves professional services agreement with Americo for asbestos abatement design and bidding

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority approved a professional services contract with Americo to prepare design and bid documents for asbestos abatement and demolition of a structure identified by staff. Chair called the motion (moved by Gutierrez, seconded by Broadway) and the board approved the contract by voice vote.

Jeff, introduced by staff as representing Americo, told the board the contractor had inspected the building and found asbestos issues and some flood-related damage. He said Americo would prepare drawings, markups, sample plans and bid documents and would manage permitting and compliance during bidding and construction. "There is some damage to asbestos on the ground... So there's some unknowns with that," Jeff said, noting that soil remediation outside the building was one of the major cost unknowns.

Staff recommended moving forward with a professional services agreement so the city can obtain formal bid documents and ensure qualified contractors are selected during procurement. The board approved the motion and directed staff to execute the agreement and return with contract documents as needed.