City aldermen on Oct. 7 approved a design and construction administration contract worth $93,600 with Archer-Elgin for the new police station project off of Highway 28 West and Franklin Avenue.

The contract was listed as Amendment 1  to a previously agreed upon Task Work Authorization No. 1 with Archer-Elgin to provide architectural design services and construction oversight for the new building.

This amendment includes $58,800 for final design services, $8,600 for bidding assistance, and $26,200 for construction administration throughout the project. Final design documents are expected within 120 days of the agreement signed on Oct. 7.

At the board’s Sept. 16 meeting, Archer-Elgin representatives Cameron Schweiss and Josh Kendle, presented aldermen with architectural drawings and preliminary cost estimates for the proposed 3,900-square foot police station which includes an enclosed “sally-port” for secured prisoner delivery entrance to the building.

Cost estimates which included contingency fees of 15 percent came in at $1,055,284. This figure includes the costs associated with this amendment.

Figures presented by Schweiss and Kendle showed building construction estimates at $684,193 which includes a contingency cost estimate of $89,243.

Building of the superstructure and concrete package for the building was listed at $263,250.

Another $214,700 is figured in for framing and finishing of the building.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is estimated at $117,000 for a construction cost estimate overall of $594,950. The engineering firm included a contingency fee of $89,243 which brings the total estimate up to $684,193

Site improvements on the property were listed as $277,484 with the 15-percent contingency fee factored in at $36,194. Site development cost estimates include paving and concrete curbing and sidewalk work ($114,240), installing electrical and water and sewer utilities ($37,500), and grading and water detention structures ($55,000).

The report presented in September includes cost estimates using prevailing wage figures for the region. As part of the agreement, Archer-Elgin personnel will provide bid review assistance for the city.

The city’s elected officials were told they could be expected to go out for bids on the project by the winter and spring of 2020.

Archer-Elgin’s personnel also told aldermen the city could experience some cost savings on the project by providing in-kind services for site preparation such as installing the rock bases for the parking areas and driveways.

These cost estimates do not include purchasing a back-up generator for the building or relocating radio communications equipment and antennas on the site.

Cost estimates for this portion of the project do not include all the build out of additional site work, driveways and parking for future expansion of the ground should a new city office building or enlargement of the police building be desired.

“Building walls is in the 680-range,” aldermen were told by Archer-Elgin representatives. “Just a tick over a million dollars turn key from building to on-site.”

The sally port enclosure came out of a proposal from Missouri Science & Technology engineering students who worked with the city last year on preparing various conceptual projects. Ward 1 Aldermen Kevin McFadden noted this was a “MS&T vision” adding that it was “really a power piece of  the whole project.”

Mayor John Kamler thanked Schweiss and Kendle for their efforts on the project.

“These guys have been a pleasure to work with,” said Kamler. “I’m looking forward to moving this thing along.”

This project will include “cross access” to the fire department’s building through an improved driveway leading off of Highway 28 to the firehouse. Concrete entrance aprons will be installed coming off Highway 28 and crossing a commuter parking lot established through a city and Missouri Department of Transportation lease agreement in 1991. The police station will sit behind the present commuter lot.

Aldermen held a building committee meeting Oct. 2 for additional discussion on the proposal.