Contractor McKinstry briefed the Nogales City Council on Nov. 5 about ongoing construction and design work for three city projects: the Administrative Services Building (the former Chase Bank), a Public Safety Operations Center (former armory), and restoration work for the historic fire station and city hall.

Joe Leichner of McKinstry said the firm has completed hazardous-materials abatement in the Chase building, plans to reuse existing lobby tile and many interior elements, and will add accessible restrooms, new office and file areas, a conference room and a public drive-through window. McKinstry presented a construction-services proposal of $2,300,000 in addition to $205,000 in prior design work and $167,000 for abatement; the firm said it is offering the city a 10% discount on McKinstry labor.

"We're hoping to finish mid-April to exceed expectations, but our contract shows May as the completion date," Leichner said. Council members questioned elevator access and Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations for both the Chase building and the historic fire station; Leichner said the project will reuse the existing Chase elevator and that the historic station likely will require an internal chair lift or other accommodation to preserve the exterior.

Leichner said the Arizona Department of Public Safety grant covers 50% of the Public Safety Operations Center, and that design and construction must be coordinated to meet the grant deadline in June. He added that McKinstry and consultants have donated pre-design hours for the historic fire station and plan volunteer work to sand floors and paint as part of an interior restoration effort.

Council later approved two budget transfers that fund continuing renovation work: up to $300,000 from the City Manager's capital line and up to $200,000 from general fund reserve. Separately, the council approved a $493,612 payment from a communications facility agreement to be applied to continued renovation work.

Leichner said McKinstry obtained several local bids and expects to spend roughly $1 million locally on materials and services, but some subcontract prices were higher than Phoenix quotes. The contractor offered a guaranteed maximum price proposal and said the contract includes contingency language tied to scope changes and long lead times for electrical gear.