Subsequent to the April 30, 2019 structural assessment analysis, it was the consultant’s recommendation the City construct a new Fleet Maintenance/Utility Purchasing Warehouse and Storage Building. The analysis was the first step in a multi-year process intended to ensure that the City continues to be provided with adequate Public Works infrastructure maintenance and utility services in the future as well as maintenance to all City owned vehicles and equipment. The existing facility located at 6420 Pine Hill Road was constructed in 1973 and housed the Public Works Department. This included administrative offices and operation centers for water and sewer utilities, streets and right-of-way maintenance, stormwater utility, construction management, fleet maintenance, utility and automotive purchasing and inventory storage until 2009. In its current operational state, the facility is utilized to perform fleet maintenance and utility purchasing and inventory storage. In addition to material storage, the building and site houses heavy maintenance equipment, ancillary equipment, construction materials, and police seizure vehicles. As the size and complexity of our public works operation has increased over time, it is readily apparent the need for the City to construction a new facility in order to maintain the appropriate level of public works services in the future.
As City Council may recall, on January 17, 2023 RFP23-001 was approved and awarded to Hennessy Construction Services Corporation (HCSC) for bidding and construction management services for the construction of the proposed Fleet Maintenance and Utility Warehouse and Storage Building. During the project cost review process by HCSC staff and city staff, it was determined that the construction cost escalation of the project was due to the pandemic and material shortages. As a result, this has caused staff to perform value engineering on the project. A reduction in the size of the building, a change in the roof structure, site stormwater redesign, and change in material has caused a change in the final design documents. Staff also has selected to move forward with Stroud Engineering. Stroud Engineering will ensure the City will be able to maintain the current projected construction cost, as well as save the City of New Port Richey an estimated $40,000 in engineering cost. Once Stroud has completed the final design called out in the task order, HCSC will begin the bidding phase. Once completed, HCSC will present the City with a maximum guaranteed price for the project. Should City Council approve the attached task order, it is anticipated that the construction phase would begin in February/March of 2024.