Joy Hampton
Staff Writer
CLAREMORE — Rogers County Commissioners heard presentations Monday by four competing firms who want to serve as Construction Manager at Risk on the County Courthouse and E911 Facility Project.
Crossland Construction Co. Inc., FLINTCO Inc., Key Construction, Inc. and Manhattan Construction Company came highly recommended by BKL, Inc., the engineering and architectural firm hired for the courthouse project. All four construction companies have worked with BKL in the past.
“We’re fortunate to have four world class businesses competing for the job,” said District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier.
The project is moving forward each week. Funding issues are winding down. Monday, a resolution approving a project agreement and “incurring of indebtedness” in the form of bonds “not to exceed $23,500,000” was tabled for one week.
Commissioners said they have a few questions regarding technicalities in the agreement, but that they support it. Money from the one-sixth of a penny sales tax, county use tax and another $200,000 annually is anticipated to serve as the funding stream collatoral to secure a low interest rate on bonds.
Title searches and land appraisals are being conducted on the proposed site for the courthouse across the street from the current location and adjacent to the jail.
The E911 center will be located separately for security purposes. Land was recently selected near the Rogers County Health Department for the “bunker style” dispatch center.
Attention is shifting now to the hiring of a construction manager.
Commissioners chose to use a Construction Manager At-Risk form of contractor for the project based on the recommendations of the architect.
A CM At-Risk is a consultant with a commitment to deliver within a guaranteed maximum price. This manager acts as general contractor during the construction portion of the process while controlling construction costs. If the cost exceeds the maximum, the CM incurs that extra expense.
The four companies that made presentations answered questions by commissioners regarding budget, bonding and hiring practices, “green” or sustainable building practices and more. This was the first of what will be an in-depth interview process. Commissioners will keep these interviews in the public eye for greater transparency.
The 15-minute presentations hit the following highlights:
Key Construction is a national company based in Oklahoma. Locally, Key has completed several projects in Claremore including the Robson Performing Arts Center. Rogers County is Key’s largest customer.
In addition to school and other projects in Claremore, Key built the Tulsa E911 Center.
Manhattan specializes in government work including courthouse projects. Locally, Manhattan’s projects include the new Drillers Stadium in Tulsa and the BOK Center in Tulsa.
FLINTCO has completed 17 projects in Claremore. Other work includes the Sapulpa Police Station and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
“It’s better to be proactive than reactive on the job,” said FLINTCO reps. The company has been rated in the top three in the nation for its safety program.
Crossland representative said they understand the “high visibility” expectations of voters.
“We work for you and the people of Rogers County. It’s a team approach.”
Crossland projects include the courthouse and call center projects in Cherokee, Craig and Ottawa counties, and a GRDA renovation project in Locust Grove.
