Hoover Fire Station 1 still behind schedule; chief asks council for 30‑day window to finish work

Hoover Fire Chief Bentley told the City Council the Fire Station 1 construction project remains significantly behind schedule and outlined the city's approach to completing the work without triggering a lengthy termination process.

"We are two years into this project. the project was supposed to be 15 months. Um so we're eight months behind," Chief Bentley said, describing repeated delays, multiple change orders and a lengthy punch list that at one point ran to roughly 240 pages. He said the city engaged the bonding company and later secured a signed contract intended to finish remaining work.

Chief Bentley told council staff expect substantial completion by the end of May if the contractor performs. "If they don't complete it by May 30th, we'll be back to you and you will have to make the decision to separate employment with this contractor," he said. Staff described trade‑level issues encountered in the field — including damaged electrical wiring that involved ALDOT — and said most outstanding work was in the final punch‑list phase.

City staff said change orders related to the project have been evaluated for necessity and fairness and that the net effect of recent settlements, liquidated damages and revisions is a contract price close to, or slightly under, the original amount (staff estimated a net reduction on the transcript in the range of about $45,000). They said the change orders do not require additional appropriations at this time and that warranty and bonding considerations factored into the decision to allow the contractor time to finish.

Council members asked for a follow‑up at the next council meeting and for staff to provide additional procurement and prequalification options for future projects. Chief Bentley acknowledged resident frustration and said he would provide another public update as the May 30 deadline approaches.