Sierra Marrero,

Assistant Director of Engineering and Building Services

Brynt Johnson,

Director of Engineering and Building Services

Issue Statement: As a part of the City’s effort to improve building conditions, and to achieve resiliency and sustainability goals, existing buildings are systematically being renovated and retrofitted. Fire Station 87 will receive improvements which are divided into two phases.  Phase 1 of improvements is focused on resiliency, including roof hardening and generator replacement. Phase 2 will address exterior and interior improvements, including reconfiguration of the layout to improve operational functions, in addition to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components.

 
Recommended Action:  Staff recommends the City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the proper City Official to execute a Work Authorization with ACAI Associates, Inc. for architectural and engineering services for the development of construction plans and specifications for the Fire Station 87 Phase 2 project in an amount not to exceed $356,850, and approve the proposed the budget amendment to provide funding.

The proposed work authorization is under the City’s continuing services contract for professional services (CCNA) awarded in September 2019.  

In 2018, ACAI Associate, Inc. evaluated existing City buildings and issued an assessment report which identified deficiencies in each building. For Fire Station 87, built in 1982, ACAI Associates, Inc. recommended that the facility be renovated to include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and various architectural improvements. The assessment report identified the need for hurricane hardening improvements as well as the replacement of the existing generator.  Improvements to Fire Station 87 were contemplated as part of the formulation of the general obligation bond program and Fire Station 87 was identified in the FY 2020 Capital Improvement Program as a bond program project.

The design for Phase 1 of the project is complete.  The City was awarded two grants totaling $834,000 for Phase 1 - one grant agreement has been fully executed, and the City is awaiting the second grant agreement from the State.  Once received and fully executed, the City will move forward with the Phase 1 construction.  No construction can take place before the agreement’s execution.

The proposed interior renovations for Phase 2 include the redesign of approximately 4,200 SF of interior area that is currently used for administration and fire fighter support spaces, upgrades to the approximately 3,050 SF apparatus bay area and a new 600 +/- SF addition to be used primarily as a community meeting room. Exterior improvements include the addition of pre-engineered aluminum roof/trellis structures, replacement of the existing mansard roofs, and new walkways around the building and west main entrance.

Staff is recommending the use of ACAI Architects, Inc.  to provide architectural and engineering services to develop construction plans and specifications for the Fire Station 87 Phase 2 project.

As shown in the attached Work Authorization, the total estimated cost for the architectural and engineering services for the development of construction plans and specifications for the Fire Station 87 Phase 2 project is not to exceed $356,850.  Funds are available from the proceeds of the GO Bond to cover for the services of ACAI Associates, Inc..  A proposed budget amendment is attached in Exhibit A to recognize the GO Bond funding. The proposed expenditure is as follows:

Fire Station 87 - Phase 2 - ACAI Architects Design