Newark council approves $4.4 million contract with MAC 5 to manage replacement of Fire Stations 27 and 29

The Newark City Council on March 27 unanimously approved a $4,398,229 project management services agreement with Mac 5 (DBA MAC 5) to oversee replacement of Fire Stations 27 and 29.

City Engineer Mickey Sabota told the council the two stations are among the highest priorities in the city facilities master plan: Station 27 (built 1981, at Cherry and Mauy Avenue) and Station 29 (built in 1962 at Rushin Drive). Sabota said the existing facilities are outdated, do not meet current codes and include training spaces that require rebuilding. "We're ready to go," Sabota said, summarizing staff's view that the city has advanced planning needs and now needs a single, comprehensive project‑management consultant to carry the work through to construction.

Staff described the procurement process: the city issued an RFP in mid‑November, received two proposals and asked both firms to resubmit scopes that covered the full program of work. One proposer declined the full scope and proposed a two‑contract approach; MAC 5 submitted a full team including geotechnical, structural, mechanical and architectural subconsultants and was judged to best meet the city's needs.

Sabota said the recommended contract covers preliminary planning, design coordination, preparation of a bridging document for design team selection, and construction management, and that staff anticipates a four‑to‑five year timeline from start to finish. He also noted that temporary facilities or trailers will likely be needed during construction to maintain emergency response capabilities; staff estimated temporary arrangements could last about one to two years depending on the construction schedule.

Council Member Little moved approval of the contract; Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded. The measure passed unanimously.

What happens next: staff will execute the agreement with MAC 5 and begin consultant coordination and design work, with the project proceeding through design, utility coordination and permitting before returning to council as project milestones are reached.

Clarifying detail: the contract amount presented to the council was $4,398,229. Staff said the project is among the city’s largest capital projects by dollar value and will require planning for interim facilities so fire response is maintained during construction.