Council affirms contracting exemption to use CMGC method for new operations center

The West Linn City Council voted March 17 to affirm a local contracting rule exemption (section 10.105) and adopt written findings that permit the city to use a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) procurement method for the new operations center. The exemption—allowed under ORS 279C.335 when findings limit favoritism and show substantial cost savings—was described to the council by project staff and the city attorney as appropriate for a complex site‑development project.

Morgan Lovell from Engineering (presenter) summarized benefits of CMGC: early contractor involvement to control costs, ability to negotiate a guaranteed maximum price, early procurement of long‑lead items (for example HVAC components) and shared risk to keep the project on schedule. The city attorney reviewed the ORS standard and said the findings address the statutory test. The council moved and seconded the item; the motion passed on roll call and staff outlined next steps: RFP release (Wednesday after the meeting), a one‑month proposal window, interviews and scoring, and council consideration of a contract in early June with possible construction in late summer or early fall.

Council members thanked staff and outside counsel for the detailed findings and asked for community outreach to nearby neighborhoods during design and planning commission review. Morgan Lovell said the owner’s representative and the CMGC will carry community engagement as part of their scopes and that a planning pre‑application is scheduled for early April.

The action authorizes staff to proceed with procurement but does not award a construction contract; any contract award will be returned to council for approval.