Midlothian City Council approves $231K amendment for new fire station design contract

Midlothian City Council has taken a significant step towards the construction of Fire Station Number 4 by approving an amendment to the existing contract with Hayford Welker Architects. The council voted 3 to 2 to authorize the city manager to execute this amendment, which will allow the project to advance from 50% to 95% construction documents, a crucial phase in the design process.

The amendment, costing $231,800, will be partially funded by a 2024 tax note and a CO bond expected to be discussed in an upcoming meeting. This funding strategy aims to ensure that the city can secure a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the construction, which is essential for budgeting and planning.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by resident Lisa Healy, who argued that approving the amendment before securing financing could be seen as dismissive of public input. She urged the council to postpone the decision until after the financing discussions, highlighting the potential for a petition that could require a public vote.

Despite these concerns, the council emphasized the importance of moving forward to maintain the project timeline, aiming to start construction by early next year. The discussions also touched on inflationary pressures affecting construction costs, with council members seeking clarity on how these factors would influence the final budget.

The council's decision marks a pivotal moment for Midlothian as it prepares to enhance its emergency services infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to community safety and preparedness. The next steps will involve finalizing the construction documents and preparing for the upcoming financing discussions in August.