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Work session highlights sprinkler vs code trade-offs and engineering fees for fire station project
Summary
Councilors heard that sprinklers might allow a wood-frame design and that design drawings could cost roughly $30,000; members discussed using a precise statement of work to hold consultants to a prescribed scope.
Staff and the structural engineer explained a key code trade-off: bringing the existing building fully to current code would require interior upgrades, but installing fire sprinklers could permit a wood-frame solution. As one agency official put it, "if you sprinkle it, we could build it out of wood" (S3).
Councilors questioned how much design and engineering would cost and who would produce the stamped drawings. An example figure cited during the meeting for plans was about $30,000; speakers cautioned that the final fee depends on scope and that the city should define a clear statement of work so consultants deliver what the city needs rather than an overbuilt design the council did not request.
Members said they want to avoid paying for designs that do not match the city's functional needs and discussed requiring sign-off on a scope and deliverables before paying engineering fees. No contract award or procurement decision was recorded in the transcript.
