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JAN WESNER CHILDSRecycling the old library will save money by using a system called "construction manager at risk."
SEMINOLE - Interior walls are being demolished, library shelves torn out and desks removed as the old Community Library is converted into a new City Hall.
Demolition of the building's interior started Monday, in preparation for extensive renovations that will create larger digs for city staff. The library moved into a new building across the street last year.
This municipal construction project is different from most. First, it is recycling an old building into a new one. Doing that will cost about $1.8-million, according to City Manager Frank Edmunds. A new building from the ground up would be about twice that, Edmunds said at a Tuesday night City Council meeting.
Second, the city skipped the public bidding process and hired what is called a "construction manager at risk," a contractor that essentially acts as the construction supervisor. The construction manager at risk oversees all aspects of the project, including hiring subcontractors.And they do it for a guaranteed price, Edmunds said. No cost overruns, no coming back asking for extra money.
"There is no more money," Edmunds said.
According to City Attorney John Elias, the process is allowed under state law. The architect for the project was hired through a more traditional bidding process, he said.
To hire the construction manager, the city accepted proposals from several construction companies. Edmunds said those companies were made aware of the city's projected cost of the project, but a final price is not set until after a company is hired.
A city committee conducted interviews and selected A.D. Morgan, the same company that is expanding the St. Petersburg College campus across from the old library.
The City Council approved the contract with A.D. Morgan in December, but either side can pull out up until the final price is settled. Edmunds said that's expected within the next three weeks.
Some portions of the project will be sent out for bid, but that process mostly will be handled by A.D. Morgan.
It's the first time Seminole has used a construction manager at risk, and Edmunds likens it to hiring a consultant. He said it's common practice in many municipalities around the state.
"It seems to be beneficial to the city in getting the best quality project right up front," Edmunds said.
Both he and Elias point out that when a low bidder is selected, the builder often comes backin asking for more money.
The bulk of the money to pay for the new City Hall, $1.2-million, will come from the city's capital improvement funds budget. The rest will come from a surplus left over from last year.
Part of the current City Hall in Seminole City Park will be used as a senior center, at least for the near future, according to Edmunds.
City staff should be able to move into new offices this fall, he said.
In other business, the City Council voted Tuesday on first reading to annex 18 properties. In each case, the property owner asked to be annexed. A final vote will take place at the Jan. 27 Council meeting.