Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Finance and Management Director to modify and increase a contract on behalf of the Office of Construction Management with Harris Design Services (Certified MBE), in the amount of $926,000.00 for professional services (design and construction administration) for the renovation of 120 West Gay Street, the former Police Headquarters building.
This design modification is necessary to incorporate energy efficient HVAC with City Hall, 90 West Broad Street, security technology changes, zoning & code changes, and Downtown Area Commission requirements. Ordinance 2213-2006, passed on December 13, 2006 authorized the master plan and design plans for the renovation of the former Police Headquarters building located at 120 West Gay Street. Ordinance 1182-2008, passed July 14, 2008 authorized expedited additional Architectural and Engineering services to address/correct and incorporate unforeseen scope changes related to 120 West Gay and 90 West Broad Street underground utilities renovation.
Upon completion of the renovations of 120 West Gay Street, the Department of Human Resources, Income Tax Division, Civil Service Commission, Safety Director's Office, Purchasing Office, and the City Attorney's Office will relocate to the building. The renovation is one part of a larger downtown campus plan that will enable the City to reduce the number of buildings it operates thereby reducing operational costs, while producing a more welcoming and customer friendly environment for city workers and the general public.
Due to the fact that Harris Design Services was awarded the original contract, a modification with Harris Design Services is the logical and most expeditious option for addressing the additional professional services. Involving another architect at this point would likely lead to logistical problems, the possibility of errors, and the need to redesign and reengineer many items already completed. Therefore,...
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