City Manager Matthews informed the City Council that TRG, the identified low bidder for the Community Plaza Level, had been notified of the schedule for award of the bid. The City Council was scheduled to take action on this matter on September 6th. The City Manager noted that it was still unclear whether or not the City would need to accept Bid Alternate No. 5, which involved an enhancement of the fire alarm system. If this issue had not been resolved with Montgomery County prior to award of the bid, the contract would include language to provide for acceptance of this item by a date certain. As requested by the City Council, TRG would provide pricing for the rough-in for a kitchen as opposed to acceptance of Bid Alternate No. 2. TRG has indicated that mobilization would likely occur about two weeks after receipt of the Notice to Proceed.
The City Manager provided the City Council with additional information concerning the cleaning requirements associated with the proposed kitchen, as requested by Councilmember Seamens at a previous meeting. The Montgomery County Health Department indicated that the facility must be kept clean and sanitary. The City would be subject to periodic inspections by the Health Department. If a kitchen were incorporated into the project, renters would be responsible for cleaning the facility after its use. Additionally, the City may wish to consider the requirement of a deposit. The Director of Public Works had advised her that an additional three to four hours of staff time per week may need to be devoted to ensuring the cleanliness of a kitchen.
City Manager Matthews then addressed the request of the Community Center Liaison Committee that had been discussed by the City Council on July 18th. As requested by the City Council, she had consulted with the City Engineer about So-Deep's subsurface utility engineering proposal. She had also spoken with a representative of So-Deep. The City Engineer felt that the Quality Level B scope was sufficient to provide the desired preliminary information about utilities in the area of Grant Avenue. The City Manager noted that further work would be required should the City Council choose to proceed with construction of a gym.
The City Manager informed the City Council that she had reviewed the boring proposal obtained from ECS with the project architect, Lawrence Abell and Associates. The firm suggested that the City may wish to obtain more borings than the two included in the proposal. Lawrence Abell and Associates pointed out that the majority of the cost was attributable to mobilization so the additional cost of more borings would not be that significant.
Councilmember Williams informed the other members of the City Council that he had met with staff to discuss the proposed installation of a portable dais in the Council Chamber. He would have further information in September when the City Council reconvenes.
Councilmember Williams stated that the Grand Opening Celebration originally envisioned to be held in September would be postponed to a later date. Several dates in October were under consideration.