In the heart of Lake Oswego's city hall, council members gathered to discuss a pivotal resolution that could shape the future of public safety in the community. The focus of the July 1 City Council meeting was a proposal for a new South Shore fire station, a project that has garnered significant attention and community interest.

Assistant Fire Chief Christine Hartman and Dave Lentz from OTEC presented the resolution, which sought approval for a special procurement process to hire a construction manager general contractor (CMGC). This approach, they argued, would streamline the construction process and ensure that the project remains within budget while meeting the community's needs.

The council was reminded that the public hearing was an essential part of the decision-making process, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the proposed procurement method. However, as the hearing unfolded, it became clear that the council members had their own concerns about the project's scope and budget.

Councilor Corrigan raised a critical point about value engineering, questioning how the CMGC process could help manage costs without sacrificing quality. Lentz explained that value engineering involves collaboration among the contractor, architect, and city representatives to find more efficient solutions that do not compromise the project's integrity. This method, he noted, has been successfully employed in previous city projects, leading to both time and cost savings.

Yet, some council members expressed apprehension about the potential for inflated costs. Councilor Windland emphasized the importance of establishing a clear budget before moving forward, suggesting that a target value design could help align the project with community expectations and financial realities. The fear of overextending taxpayers was palpable, with members stressing the need for transparency and accountability throughout the process.

As discussions continued, the council acknowledged the complexities involved in constructing a fire station, particularly in terms of site work and design. The CMGC model was presented as a way to mitigate risks associated with traditional bidding processes, which often lead to unexpected costs and delays.

Ultimately, the council moved to adopt resolution 25-34, setting the stage for the next steps in the fire station project. The decision reflects a commitment to enhancing public safety while navigating the challenges of budgeting and community expectations. As the council prepares to review polling results and community feedback in the coming weeks, the future of the South Shore fire station remains a topic of keen interest for Lake Oswego residents.