CCWS 03-15-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - MARCH 15, 1999 2 e they relate to this issue. b. New City Hall Mr. Peter Vesterholt, Architectural Alliance, was present to review the bid tabulations for the City Hall construction bids, which had been received on Thursday, March II, 1999. Mr. Vesterholt stated that nineteen (19) bids had been received. Mr. Vesterholt recommended that the City Council consider the base bid, with Alternate I (community room buildout). It was Mr. V esterholt' s recommendation that the Council accept Alternate 2 (exterior masonry). Mr. Vesterholt stated that the original apparent low bidder, C.M. Construction, had since notified Mr. Fritsinger that they are withdrawing their bid. Therefore, Architectural Alliance was recommending the second apparent low bid of Rochon Corporation, deleting Alternate 2 (exterior masonry). Mr. Vesterholt reviewed the original architect's estimate for construction at the cost of $2,176,000, stating they had also, since the original estimate, added exterior fire sprinklers, an additional stairway, and had achieved more accuracy on architectural finishes since the original , bid estimate. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the bid contract allowed ninety (90) days following receipt of bid for award to allow time to accommodate the lease arrangement with the Department of Army and Minnesota National Guard. Mr. Fritsinger advised that City Attorney Filla has had additional conversations with the National Guard attorneys. Discussion items included; stone vs. brick exterior due to the cost considerations and aesthetics; fireplace component as the only remaining major item that is not vital to the base bid; present and future technology and audio/visual needs; the possibility oftapping into the expertise ofthe North Suburban Cable Commission; the uniqueness of the design and exterior layout; additional expense for a 15,000+ square feet building ($112/square foot estimated in 1992; now $143/square foot base bid, plus alt. #2); cost of the elevator (adding $3/square foot); additional stairs required; projected construction cost overrun allowance (no more than 3 - 5% contingency; due to detailed bid documents); and Architectural Alliance fees. It was the consensus of the Council that staff proceed with the project and in the interim, while awaiting the lease, proceed with preliminary project work, with additional consideration being given to the audio/visual component; brick and/or stone exteriors; and consider other unknowns in the community room and lower level, being finished at this point. Mr. Fritsinger stated he would arrange a meeting with the audio/visual consultant, himself and - the architects within the next few weeks, and then come back to the Council with his finding. Councilmembers discussed reducing the audio/visual budget to within a $90,000 - $120,000 range.