County updates on bond-funded parks, animal shelter and medical examiner project

County staff delivered a multi-department update on Feb. 19 about the status of voter‑approved general obligation bond projects, procurement schedules and plans to consolidate purchases for efficiency.

Karen Davidson, the county purchasing agent, outlined ongoing CMAR (construction manager at risk) activity for the Office of Medical Examiner (Baines Construction), including the current phase in which subcontractors submit pricing that will roll up into a guaranteed maximum price amendment. Procurement timelines for the County Animal Shelter were shared: a televised preproposal meeting is scheduled for March 17 and written proposals were due April 9 (subject to change), with an anticipated award later in 2026. Davidson said the county is televising preproposal sessions to increase participation.

Public Works and parks staff described park projects funded by the bond program. Reisinger, Westway and Aguadre parks were in community‑engagement or construction-kickoff phases; staff said they were coordinating community meetings, survey tools and plans for groundbreakings in March and April. Parks staff highlighted a 'shelter bundle' procurement (estimated ~$2.73M) intended to buy site furnishings and shelters at scale for multiple parks to achieve economies of scale and faster delivery.

For the Office of Medical Examiner project, county staff reported completion of a 75% design package and ongoing subcontractor pricing work; officials expect guaranteed maximum price negotiation and a potential groundbreaking in late April or early May, subject to procurement outcomes. County staff also said the procurement team will audit subcontractor processes and bring contract amendments to the court for approval when ready.

Communications staff described outreach plans for upcoming community meetings and said the county would provide survey links and summary materials for those unable to attend in person. Commissioners expressed particular interest in ensuring basic amenities in parks (for example, restrooms) and pushing procurement and project delivery to reduce schedule slippage.

No formal procurement awards were approved at the Feb. 19 session; staff committed to return with contract amendments, award recommendations and community meeting results in coming months.