Panel debates $1.73M ARPA contract for mental‑health safety and justice center design and minority participation commitments

The Facilities committee considered an add‑on resolution to approve a professional‑services contract with A2H Inc. not to exceed $1,733,000 (ARPA funds) for design work on a proposed Shelby County Mental Health, Safety and Justice Center.

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Dorcas Young Griffin said the dollars were previously allocated and the selection was made under the mayor's professional services policy. She told commissioners the vendor has relevant experience and that, although ARPA procurement rules bar set‑asides, staff had identified opportunities for approximately 25% of the contract value to be led by minority‑owned firms through subcontracts. "We have identified opportunity for 25% of this contract to be led by MBEs," Griffin said.

Commissioners raised concerns that spending ARPA on early design for the facility might divert limited one‑time funds from more immediate public‑safety needs — specifically referencing a potential decertified jail and a needed fire station. Commissioner Ford said public‑safety projects should be prioritized and moved to send the item down without recommendation for fuller discussion at the full Commission. Cliff Norville, Public Works director, outlined the compressed ARPA schedule and said meeting the obligation deadlines required prompt contracting and pairing the design team with a construction manager to secure federal compliance.

The committee discussed minority participation, procurement timelines and the administrative process for contract amendments. Several commissioners asked the administration to bring more details (scoring, selection history, minority spend plan) to Monday's full meeting; a motion was made to send the item down without recommendation so the full body could consider those details.