Agenda - 06-01-1999 - 9h - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 1, 1999 Action Agenda Item No. ~_ SUBJECT: Request for Increase in Fees; Dixon/Weinstein Architects DEPARTMENT: Purchasing & Central Services PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: None Pam Jones, extension 2652 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider the request of Dixon-Weinstein Architects for additional design fees for the Skills Development Center project. BACKGROUND: Some time ago, the Board received a memorandum reflecting the request for additional fees of Dixon-Weinstein Architects for design work done at the Skills Development Center. The architect indicated that the scope of the work increased significantly after his contract was negotiated. While the design contract was not based on percentage of construction cost, there are several areas that might justify additional fees being paid to the consultant. First, the original scope of work called for roof monitors to be installed. The architect considered our roof survey done at purchase of the building and the visual inspection of the roof and expressed strong reservations about the ability of the roof to withstand the construction project. If the roof had failed in the midst of the project while the roof monitors were being constructed, it could have brought the project to a standstill and jeopardized the stability of the building as well. To avoid this, Dixon was asked to design the re-roof project as an add alternate to the project. Since bidders submitted costs for the re-roof project, we could have exercised the option and kept the project moving forward. Although the roof did withstand the construction project, the County may still use the specifications when the roof is replaced. The roof is on the replacement schedule within the next five years. Second, the original scope of work did not include substantial site work. The only requirements for site work were related to site utilities and the construction of the sprinkler vault. When the contract with Dixon was executed, the project had not gone through the Town's regulatory process. The Town's comments required re-design of the parking lot to accommodate a solid waste collection vehicle as well as screening requirements. The Department of Insurance comments required re-work of the area for handicapped parking and access. The third major area where additional fees might be warranted is the redesign to add a fifth classroom. There was one large classroom on the west side of the building. Based on discussions with the tenants of the building, including Durham Tech, and the Skills Development Center Advisory Committee it became apparent that a fifth classroom would be strongly advised for the best long-term