Story · Public Safety Building Committee

Geotechnical services selection

The chair reported that the committee narrowed the geotechnical (soil and ground study) requests for proposals to two firms and scheduled follow-up interviews. It also sent out a request for qualifications. The committee aims for a proposal on the March ballot because costs are expected to rise.

How it happened

Jun 17 · MinutesFirst mention

On 6/17/2026 the committee reviewed five responses to its request for proposals (RFP) for geotechnical services. Geotechnical work studies the soil and ground under a building site. The firms were Beals Associates, Verdantas, Gale, Dubois and King, and Northpoint Engineering. Members saw differences in schedules, scope and pricing. Some firms gave detailed timelines and others gave general task lists. They discussed what each cost estimate includes, such as subsurface investigations and alteration of terrain permits. They also weighed relevant experience, local connections and presentation quality. The committee talked about narrowing the list to two or three firms and agreed to prepare a standard set of questions for the firms.

Jun 17 · Minutes

The committee planned to invite the top two firms, Beals and Verdantas, for interviews on June 24th. Each firm would present separately at staggered times. Members agreed to give every candidate the same questions on cost breakdowns, scope of work and project timelines. The committee's chair said he would contact the firms to confirm they are available and would email the committee the final schedule. Members also considered backup dates and times, and said a quorum is needed for the interviews. A quorum is the minimum number of members needed to hold a valid meeting.

Jun 17 · VideoDecided

The committee met on June 17, 2026. It reviewed five written responses to its request for proposals (RFP, a public request for bids) for geotechnical services, which means studying the ground and site for the new public safety building. The firms were Abeles Associates, Verdantas, Gale, Dubois and King, and Northpoint Engineering. Members compared timelines, prices, experience and permit plans. Northpoint said it could finish by October 31 if told by July 1. Gale and Dubois and King gave later dates. Only some firms gave prices. One firm's price covered the first phase. Others offered hourly rates. Members said the site work would likely disturb more than 100,000 square feet, which would need a state Alteration of Terrain permit, and they said a back driveway would add to this. Members said some firms had more relevant experience than others and that the firms' costs were unclear. Members agreed to bring in two firms to explain what their first phase includes and what it costs. The committee also said it needs a budget figure so enough money is left for the next phase. Members also reviewed a draft request for qualifications (RFQ) for the next phase and agreed on edits. These included naming the building as a fire, rescue and emergency management building, using one firm instead of several, and moving the proposal due date to Wednesday, June 22 in the draft's wording. The chair said the committee would start at 5:15 pm next Wednesday and would contact the firms about times.

Minutes from the prior meeting were approved with a correction to the attendance list; one member opposed. Members agreed in discussion to invite two firms for interviews, with no recorded vote.

Jun 17 · Agenda

The committee is set to review submissions it received in response to a request for proposals (RFP), which is a public notice asking firms to bid on work. The work is geotechnical and professional services. Geotechnical work means studying the soil and ground at a building site.

Jun 23 · Minutes