Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
2 <br />The subject barns are the most visually prominent outbuildings at both farms and are in serious <br />disrepair. The Blackwood Farm structure had to be enclosed with fencing to allow safe access <br />during the Jazz Festival. The Cate Barn at Twin Creeks has the potential to become a liability <br />for students attending the new Morris Grove Elementary School (#10) who may wander onto <br />the park site. For these reasons, the Board is requested to exempt this project from the normal <br />selection process for architectural/engineering services as provided in GS 143-64.32. <br />Assuming a February 19, 2008 approval date, the contract work would begin during the early <br />spring - focusing on the emergency stabilization of the Cate Barn first and the more long-term <br />repairs to the Blackwood Barn second. Once the construction documents are prepared, staff <br />will solicit proposals from contractors interested in completing the work. A recommendation will <br />be presented for the Board's consideration following staff review and evaluation of the <br />submittals. Work will be conducted using previously appropriated funds from the adopted <br />Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The purpose of this item is to authorize RB Engineering to <br />conduct and complete structural engineering services to ensure the survival of these two <br />important structures. Additional repairs to the houses and outbuildings as well as regular <br />maintenance needs have been identified, with cost estimates, and some additional funds are <br />included in the proposed 2008-2018 CIP. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: The price of the services to be conducted for the two barns is $20,000. <br />A cost proposal outlining more specifically the services to be provided is attached to this <br />abstract. (A maximum of $22,000 includes up to $2,000 for additional services, should the <br />need be.determined as the project progresses). <br />Building stabilization funds were appropriated to the two farms both in 2003 and in FY 2004- <br />2005, and there is currently $132,500 available for the Blackwood Farm and $125,000 for the <br />Cate Farm. To date, $32,612 of this amount has been approved for building repair at the <br />Blackwood Farm--$26,912 for stabilization work on the 1820s chimney and six of the smaller <br />outbuildings, and $8,750 for engineering services for emergency structural repairs on the <br />Blackwood House. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize a contract with <br />RB Engineering, Inc. as cited herein and exempt this project from the qualifications based <br />selection process for architects and engineers as provided in G.S. 143-64.32; and authorize the <br />Manager to sign on behalf of the Board, subject to final review by staff and County Attorney.