Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
2 <br /> sidewalks and steps, which are proving to be hazardous to pedestrians. Current issues include <br /> accessibility, lighting, drainage, inappropriate/oversized site plantings, and an absence of public <br /> seating. The square also lacks wayfinding signage or interpretive panels to provide information <br /> about this site's critical and complex role in local and state history. <br /> The historic courthouse was last renovated and repaired in 1985 when extensive work was carried <br /> out in many areas to address structural issues, as well as to make significant improvements to <br /> accessibility by providing elevator access, a new internal fire stair, and two (2) small accessible <br /> restrooms on the second floor adjacent to the courtroom. In 2017, the courthouse square was the <br /> subject of an archaeological survey and research project that included a thorough survey using <br /> ground-penetrating radar. This resulted in a detailed historical research report. <br /> On September 27, 2024, Orange County received responses to its Request for Qualifications <br /> ("RFQ") No. 367-005428, issued on August 19, 2024, for professional design services for the <br /> Historic Courthouse Square — Building and Grounds Improvements capital project in accordance <br /> with North Carolina Procurement Law and the Federal Mini-Brooks Act governing the selection <br /> and procurement of professional services firms. <br /> The evaluation committee reviewed all submitted responses and created a shortlist of firms. The <br /> committee received presentations and conducted interviews with the firms, and a final <br /> recommendation was submitted to procurement for review and approval of the selected firm. Staff <br /> then worked with the chosen firm to negotiate the costs of professional services and are <br /> recommending an award to Joseph K. Oppermann — Architect, P.A. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Professional Services Agreement fee to complete the phase one (1) <br /> design for the Historic Courthouse Square— Building and Grounds Improvement is $128,080. The <br /> Board has previously approved funding for this purpose. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Invest in our infrastructure to reduce the environmental impact of the <br /> County fleet/facilities and improve safety. <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life <br /> of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: <br /> 1) Approve the County entering into a professional services agreement with Joseph K. <br /> Oppermann — Architect, P.A., for the Historic Courthouse Square Building and Grounds <br /> Improvements; and <br /> 2) Authorize the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the <br /> County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen <br /> requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board of County <br /> Commissioners. <br />