Contract approved, justice center groundbreaking set!

There were smiles all-around after the Friday, Dec. 20, Special Meeting of the Grimes County Commissioners Court. History was made with the 4-0 vote to approve the contract with Collier Construction, LLC, to build a justice center adjacent to the Grimes County Law Enforcement Center on FM 149 West. A groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31. While Judge Joe Fauth and Michael Collier signed the contract, Fauth said, “It’s been 12 years in the making!”

This was the second Special Meeting in a little more than 48 hours leading up to the final vote. Commissioners met 

Wednesday, Dec. 18, and approved the recommendation of Vanir Construction Management, Inc. to accept the bid of Collier Construction regarding the proposed Justice Center. Vanir was brought on board at the Nov. 13 meeting to act on behalf of the county regarding desired design changes voiced by some department heads and elected officials. Of major concern was architect PGAL’s choice of electric versus propane climate control, the selection of carpet for high traffic areas and the necessity of perimeter landscaping and the accompanying irrigation system.

According to Vanir representative Ron Roberts, Vanir conducted its own internal review of documents, met with PGAL, Collier and members of the building committee and “discussed various ways we could bring this project in, revealing items and documents to be sure the county was getting the best value for the price they’re paying.”

Roberts continued, “The landscape is being simplified. We have agreed with the architect and the building committee to go with a more simplified design which is primarily grass, sod in some areas, some outdoor seating in some areas and outdoor treatments right near the entrance of the building; however, the great majority of the irrigation is going to be pulled out.”

Landscaping costs will decrease from $192,000 to $85,000 with the savings rolled back into the contingency funding.

Regarding PGAL’s choice of electric climate control, Roberts said, “To our surprise, the county is getting such a good price for kilowatt hours that it made more sense, like you had been directed before, to go with electric heat.”

Vanir said the flooring will be modified to address the high-traffic, high maintenance areas as well as sound issues.

Roberts said, “Our recommendation is for Grimes County to approve the $10,330,000 base bid and to accept Alternate No. 1 of $125,000 for the alternate road coming into the site.” 

The total contract price is $10,455,000. Roberts added that Vanir will review the plans and pricing for an additional roadway on property the county is in negotiations to secure. 

Pct. 4 Commissioner Phillip Cox commented on boiler versus electric heat, saying, “There was a comparative discussion and we looked at some real figures on that, and at the end of the day, the electric issue just won out.”

At Friday’s meeting, County Attorney Jon C. Fultz suggested some verbiage changes to the contract that clarified “the intent of the parties.” 

Those suggestions related to defining the date of project commencement, the liquidating damages provision of $1,000 per day payable for each day’s delay as well as selecting litigation as opposed to arbitration in the event mediation of issues failed. All parties agreed that a project manager would be determined by the court.

Pct. 3 Commissioner Barbara Walker was not present at either meeting due to a death in her family.