Buried objects, soils create unforeseen problems at police, court site

LANCASTER- Work is progressing on the construction of the new Lancaster Police and Court facility, according to Gwen Howard, senior project manager of Foit Albert Associates, but due to unexpected obstructions in the ground and unforeseen soil conditions on the site, it was recommended that the town board approve additional funds for the project, which is still within budget.

The construction company, Javen Construction, hired by the town board in May, stated in a letter that the site, located at 525 Pavement Road, “has at nearly every spot possible had numerous findings underground.”

“They have completed about 80 percent of the foundations,” remarked Howard. “They are working on the interior piers, and about three weeks ago on the northwest corner of the site; they encountered a buried object that was not on any of the site plans. It was steel cylinder with another steel cylinder inside of it, at least 20 feet below grade.”

The construction company tried to excavate this object, but it was determined that was not a viable option because the ground started to cave in and the contractors were concerned that the excavator would slide into the opening.

Working with the structural engineer, Howard explained they needed to find a different foundation system that could be used to bridge this area because the soils around it are both inconsistent with anything else that is there and particularly incompetent. The solution became to install newly designed piles and use concrete reinforcements to “mesh over” the area and bridge it. `

“It happens to be in an area where there is [going to be mechanic room] and one of the brace frames for the structural system,” said Howard. “It is an important area of the building to maintain the integrity in.”

The work necessary to modify the foundation is $82,580.

Also, workers at the site have encountered a number of different types of soils, which Howard said regardless of where the soil boring tests were conducted the soils and buried objects, most of which were buried four feet below grade, were not on any record documentation so there was no way of knowing. There was an allowance included in the contractor’s contacts for excavation of unsatisfactory soils and replacement of those soils with structural fill.

“They were expected at a minimum to have to remove 2,800 cubic yards of unsatisfactory soils and replace 1,600 cubic yards of selected fill,” said Howard. “Beyond that all contractors as part of the bid were asked to submit a unit price for any cubic yard of unsatisfactory soils that were taken out above and beyond that point and the bid from our selected contractor, Javen Construction, was $51 a cubic yard. This is less than the average unit price of all the bids which was $54 a cubic yard. So, it was definitely within the pocket.”

On bid day, Howard stated the total cost of the project was $6.8 million. The additional costs would come to $228,066, but Howard recommended approving $350,000.

“This is well within the budget for the project,” she said. “We’re significantly under budget by $1,154,300 and that would leave within the capital portion of your budget a cushion of $804,300.”

Town of Lancaster Supervisor Dino Fudoli remarked that they expected the majority of problems, issues like this, to be in the ground.

“Once you get above ground, there isn’t too much to worry about,” he said.

Howard recommended for the board to allow Fudoli to pass a resolution not to exceed $350,000. This includes the cost of the soil remediation and a built-in contingency to cover any potential additional soil remediation.

Fudoli said the resolution would have to be added on the agenda for the next meeting.

On other police related news:

• The board approved to enter into an agreement with Pyramid Brokerage Company of Buffalo, Inc., to sell or lease the former Colecraft Building, 3949 Walden Ave., currently owned by the town. The town is required to pay a commission of 6 percent of the purchase price, five percent of the aggregate gross rents payable under lease to the broker with respect to lease. It was also recognized that the town has entered into conversations and/or negotiations with two parties, Harper International Corporation and Erie Engineered Products. If within 90 days of this property is sold to either parties, Pyramid will not receive a commission.

• William J. Karn was appointed as police captain due to the retirement of Timothy R. Murphy on July 21.

• Police Officer Michael D. Cronin and Jeffrey D. Smith were appointed to the position of police lieutenant.

• The board approved to increase the number of police lieutenants from eight to nine, but will not increase the current department.

• Five new 2013 Dodge Charger police vehicles were purchased at a combined price of $128,802 for a total expenditure of $104,302, which includes the trade-in allowance.

The next Town of Lancaster Board meeting will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, at the town hall, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster.