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Public Hearing and Special Town Commission Meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at 3:00 PM in the Town Hall Meeting Chambers  

The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Kaleel and roll call was answered by the following:  

Commissioner Allison               Commissioner Bingham

Commissioner Pugh                  Commissioner Schulte

Vice Mayor Kaleel  

Interviews of Architectural Firms for the Expansion/Renovation of Town Hall  

Digby Bridges , Marsh & Associates  

Mr. Mark Marsh introduced their firm and gave a background of their qualifications. Mr. Marsh stated that the members of the firm are all local and have been involved with municipal projects for several years. He advised that municipal projects are their specialty and that their record is unblemished. Mr. Marsh gave a power-point presentation and reviewed past projects that they have been involved in and mentioned that they have a history of completing projects on time and within budget. Mr. Marsh stated that Digby Bridges, Marsh & Associates should be chosen because they are local experts that have a clear understanding of Expansion/Renovation projects and that the firm also has a strong commitment to maintaining a budget.  

Comm Kaleel commented that Digby Bridges, Marsh & Associates have a vested interest in the project and questioned what design the firm sees. Mr. Marsh stated that they felt the building should be single story and the existing charm should be preserved. He also mentioned that the style could be increased and more efficient. Comm Kaleel questioned what time frame it would take to plan and build. Mr. Marsh advised that the firm would spend approximately 2 to 3 months working with staff and approximately 4 months budgeting. Comm Pugh asked if the budget figures would include the cost to relocate staff and equipment during construction. Mr. Marsh stated that the budget would include figures for securing a doublewide trailer or other temporary facility for the move out and back in. Comm Pugh mentioned that the project is time sensitive and questioned the length of time staff would be in trailers. Mr. Marsh advised that selection of a good contractor and maintaining good communication is helpful in keeping the project on track. Mr. Bridges mentioned that his firm overlooks the selection of sub-contractors and works with the whole contractor team. Comm Kaleel asked if it was worth trying to save the building and renovating. Mr. Marsh stated that the cost is higher to renovate and it could be more difficult.  

Robert Walters  

Mr. Walters stated that his firm has been located in Ft. Lauderdale for 23 years and have worked on several municipal projects. He advised that the firm specializes in municipal architecture and are public safety design experts. Mr. Walters also displayed several photographs and described several projects he has worked on. Mr. Walters commented that Ocean Ridge has character and should hold on to the small town appeal. He mentioned that his firm works with staff needs, design concerns, security and environment. Mr. Walters stated that his firm should be chosen because they are experts who have a strong knowledge of budget and a fresh approach to design.  

Comm Schulte commented that most of the buildings displayed in the presentation seemed modern. Mr. Walters stated that the type of work they do depends on the client and locations and also mentioned that their own offices in Ft. Lauderdale are from the 1920’s.  

BEA International, Inc.  

Mr. Tim Hullihan stated that his firm has extensive experience in municipal and public safety buildings. He mentioned that they completed a project in N. Palm Beach that was almost identical to the Town of Ocean Ridge. Mr. Hullihan advised that the firm listens to what the client wants, exceed the clients expectations and delivers effective solutions. He stated that their firm works with engineers that specialize in coastal permitting and felt a project management system would be important for the Town of Ocean Ridge. Mr. Hullihan felt that his firm should be chosen because they are experienced professionals who provide a single contact from the beginning to the end of a project and also because they have a commitment to quality.  

Comm Bingham questioned if the firm contracted out civil engineers. Mr. Hullihan advised that his firm is only architectural and they use outside engineers.  

Comm Kaleel mentioned that the Commission should take a field trip to nearby municipal and public safety buildings of similar size communities.  

Hanson Professional Service, Inc.  

Mr. Steven Knight stated that the Town Hall project was unique and commented that the Town was rich in history and character. He advised that his firm works to establish the present and future needs of the client by providing a full service architectural and engineering firm that is local to Palm Beach County . Mr. Knight mentioned that his firm is well established and has connections for possible grant acquisitions. He stated that they have been successful in keeping within the budget and have good media elations for news releases and fundraising. Mr. Knight mentioned that his team sets a tone for balance of a project and understands the needs and goals of their client.  

Commission Comments  

Comm Allison disclosed that Digby Bridges was a supporter to her campaign and Atty Spillias advised her that this was not a conflict  

Comm Pugh questioned if the Commission had a cost for the project. Comm Schulte mentioned that he was conducting an analysis of the Town audit and would have a projection done within a week. Comm Kaleel felt that approximately $2 million was a safe estimate to build what is needed.  

Town Manager Dailey mentioned that staff conducted reviews and checked the references of all the firms.  

There was a consensus for Town Clerk Hancsak to schedule a field trip to nearby municipal and public safety buildings before March 18, 2004 .  

Adjournment     

Meeting adjourned at 5:15PM