City to advertise for contractors to bid on City Council chamber remodel

Published 1:48 pm Wednesday, June 8, 2016

BY ROBERT WHALE

rwhale@www.auburn-reporter.com

Here’s what taxpayers should get out of the pending remodeling of the council chambers at City Hall: more room; better lighting and sound quality; sharper aesthetics; and greater visibility.

For an estimated $536,817.

On Monday the Auburn City Council gave staff the go-ahead to start advertising for contractors to submit bids.

To cover minor changes and any unforeseen conditions that may arise during construction, the City has factored sales tax and a 15-percent contingency into the cost.

The City has set aside $120,000 in its Capital Improvement Fund to help cover general construction work.

Based on estimated costs, however, the remodeling will probably require a budget increase, the actual figure to be determined after staff have opened the bids and given them to the council.

Beyond general demolition, construction and finish work, the contract calls for building technology infrastructure to support audio visual and information technology systems and related items.

To cover the cost of procurement and installation of that equipment, the City will tap an estimated $180,000 in Comcast Capital Fees. That will be a separate contract.

The project is part of a larger effort to repair and modernize City Hall, which opened in 1978.

For the span of the estimated 10-week construction window, council meetings, study sessions and other gatherings will happen elsewhere.