What: a new Department of Public Works garage and fleet facility, funded by R-26-072 ($43.5M).
Where it stands: The Aldermen adopted R-26-072 on October 13 (12-1). The October 22 joint meeting approved the Harvey Construction contract at a guaranteed maximum price of $43,479,897; kickoff was October 21 and demolition is expected within weeks. Substantial completion is planned for June 2028.
Next: Site mobilization (possibly early November) and a monthly joint meeting schedule.
Details
The presentation deck cited a $53.5M total project cost and outdoor storage of most of the fleet as the reason for the building; lifecycle savings are presenter estimates and unverified.
The October 6 hearing on the resolution ran about 48 minutes.
Kickoff held with the construction manager, architect and owner's project manager; site mobilization could begin as early as the first week of November, with the Fire Training facility and hoop buildings coming down. Approved invoices ($42,500, $343,890.28 and a $701,425.66 equipment deposit), amendments of $719,000 (LeftField) and $1,533,731 (HKT), UTS site testing up to $125,000 and the Harvey Construction contract with a GMP of $43,479,897 (one no vote); Harvey insurance terms are still being finalized. Heating from landfill gas is built in. Substantial completion is planned for June 2028. The body discussed meeting monthly, possibly November 24.
Approved about a dozen fleet purchases (snow fighters, rear loaders, a front loader, service truck, excavator and F250/F350 pickups), with scheduled purchases pending bond approval. Snow fighters have an 18-month lead time. Also approved winter road salt at $575,000 (6,886 tons).
R-26-072 (not to exceed $43.5M) adopted 12-1 and R-26-073 (repurposing $3,183,200 of unexpended DPW bond proceeds) 11-2. Debate covered safety, liability and projected savings; one alderman noted the debt service adds about 1% to the tax rate.
Recommended final passage of R-26-072 ($43.5M) by voice vote (at least one no and one abstention heard) and R-26-073 (repurposing up to $3,183,200 of unexpended DPW bond proceeds) after a hand-count division. Concerns: total cost near $53M including earlier design money, priority against homeless services, long-term upkeep, and truck traffic on West Hollis Street; supporters called the existing building failing and said lifetime savings estimates ($25M to $40M over 50 years) are uncertain. The administrative services director said upkeep will be funded through the operating budget and a facilities manager is being hired in January. One alderman said a committee yes does not commit a full-board yes; the full board needs 10 votes.
Hearing on R-26-072 ($43.5M) and R-26-073 (repurposing up to $3,183,200 of unexpended DPW bond proceeds; not new debt). The existing garage covers 67 of 268 registered vehicles; the proposed addition of about 127,800 sq ft would house about 170. Guaranteed maximum price $43.479 million ($314 per sq ft); presenters said a five-year delay could raise the cost to $52 to $54 million and projected $500,000 to $900,000 in yearly maintenance savings (presenter estimates, unverified). Commissioners spoke in favor; a resident questioned the total cost, tax impact and priority against a fire station. No vote.