Jerome Township is one step closer to building a second fire station.
The Board of Trustees called a special meeting Tuesday to sign an agreement with a third-party construction administrator.
IAP Government Services Group will oversee the construction of a new fire station, remodel of the existing fire station and construction of a new salt barn. The company charges 8.5% of the project’s design and construction costs for their services.
Fire Chief and Director of Departments Douglas Stewart brought the potential agreement before the trustees at their April 6 meeting, after meeting with the company multiple times.
At the time, he said IAP would essentially manage the construction project, though Jerome Township officials would “stay involved 100% of the time.”
Trustee C.J. Lovejoy, who sits on a committee to build the second fire station, said he felt the agreement would be “money well spent.”
“My biggest concern is doing it once, doing it right,” he said of the new fire station.
While the trustees agreed, they asked for more information surrounding the contract. They also asked Stewart to send it to the township’s legal counsel for review.
On Tuesday, Stewart said legal counsel approved the agreement. Jennifer Schneider, with IAP, shared an overview of the company’s process before the board voted on the proposal.
She said IAP will manage the project from start to finish, before ground is broken.
IAP representatives will first meet with township officials to discuss their needs and price range for the projects, then create “task orders” for the fire station and salt barn.
From that point, Schneider said a project manager and chief estimator will be assigned to the projects.
They will create a Request for Qualifications and advertise it in local news outlets and through IAP’s various networks.
Township officials will be asked to sign off on a scope of work at this point, Schneider said. She noted that this is the first time Jerome Township will have any potential financial obligation, as a cancellation would cost $1,500 or 1% of the project.
If they choose to move forward, Schneider said IAP will evaluate the qualifications submitted and provide their recommendations for project architects.
Jerome Township officials will select the architect they prefer and IAP will begin negotiations.
“We’re not going to let you get taken advantage of because our number one priority is you,” Schneider said.
IAP will review the architect’s purchase order before it is sent to the township for approval.
Bids on the architectural drawings will then be advertised to find a builder. Throughout this process, Schneider said the project manager will conduct physical site visits with the potential contractors before they submit bids.
Once again, IAP will review the bids and provide recommendations for a builder before township officials select their preferred contractor.
Schneider said a “kick-off meeting” will be hosted following approval of the purchase order. At this point, she said IAP ensures all bonds and permits are in place and a site safety plan is established.
“From the beginning, we are on site, taking care of that project,” she emphasized.
While IAP employees will physically oversee construction, Schneider said township officials have access at all times.
She noted that they will be able to view photos and details of the progress online 24/7, but can also visit the site whenever they please.
Schneider said the project will be billed on a monthly basis. She said the costs for IAP’s services will be listed as a separate line item.
When the fire station is completed, Schneider said IAP will walk through the building with township officials and create a “checklist” of any final changes. IAP will then walk through with the contractor and advise of the township’s requests.
Schneider said IAP completes the process by providing the township with all warranty and maintenance information.
Stewart said he felt the agreement with IAP would ensure the fire station is completed properly and the structure is long-lasting.
“We don’t have that expertise,” he said. “They deal with architects every day. We don’t.”
The trustees unanimously approved the agreement with IAP.
Stewart emphasized that the new fire station is being funded by Nationwide Realty, through an agreement during the construction of Jerome Village. Levy dollars are not being used for the construction of the project.
The new fire station will be located in Jerome Village, near Abraham Depp Elementary School.