The Permanent Public Building Committee spent substantial time on April 7 reviewing the schematic estimate for the DPW Complex Phase 1, tariff exposure for steel and mechanical equipment, generator siting options, and project procurement steps.

Project staff told the committee the reconciled cost estimate for the DPW Complex schematic design was about $16.25 million, including an estimated design and pricing contingency of approximately $700,000 and a construction contingency (noted separately) and soft‑cost allowances. Staff explained that structural steel and certain mechanical components are the most tariff‑sensitive line items; committee members and cost estimators discussed carrying targeted tariff contingencies—25% for miscellaneous metals and special construction—and the tradeoffs of presenting a separate tariff contingency line item at town meeting.

Committee members pressed staff for more granular allocation of tariff exposure and requested backup that ties specific line items to tariff assumptions. Staff said cost estimators were meeting with major suppliers to refine assumptions and that industry estimates placed tariff-driven escalation in the 3–5% range of total contract value depending on the supplier response and markups.

On generator siting, staff presented four candidate locations. Field sound modeling and property‑line geometry showed the originally preferred location at the bottom-right of the plan would require an expensive custom enclosure (quotes of roughly $230,000–$260,000 for custom enclosures were discussed). Moving the generator to the far north/west side of the site placed it farther from the nearest property line and used the building as a noise screen; staff said that option appeared to meet sound requirements or would require a substantially smaller masonry block wall acoustic screen at lower cost. The committee took that site as the preferred approach and approved staff moving forward with acoustic block-wall design work as needed.

The committee also approved a Weston & Samson invoice for February 2025 services in the amount of $88,223.68 from the designer budget on a roll‑call vote. Staff noted prequalification requirements for filed sub‑bidders and GCs and asked for volunteers from the committee to serve on a one‑day prequalification panel; volunteers were identified and will be scheduled when the bid calendar is set.

Staff said the team will continue to refine tariff contingencies, prepare bid alternates (including solar PV buyout options), and update FAQ materials for town meeting outreach prior to the May town meeting.