HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The public elevator at the Law Enforcement Center needs refurbishment, and the bids to do it are on the agenda for the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday.
According to agenda documents, both elevators at the LEC are original to the building and parts are hard to find. The county's plan was to modernize both elevators this year, and was budgeted accordingly. However, since that budget was adopted, the State of Kansas has implemented new requirements for elevators throughout the state.
This triggered quite a number of things that were not in the original budget. The City's lease agreement states that they will reimburse 50% of the cost. So, after discussions with them, the county has agreed to recommend modernizing the public elevator first, and then budget for the secure elevator in a future year.
Earlier this year, the main hydraulic cylinder on the public elevator developed a leak, so it's been out of order. This project would retain the car, but replace the cylinder, modernize the controls and mechanical equipment, and bring the elevator up to current state code requirements.
The county received bids from TK Elevator, Sunrise Elevator, and Schindler Elevator. Otis declined to bid.
TK was the lowest bid with Sunrise close behind. County staff believes the best overall bid is from Sunrise Elevator due to the fact that their contract terms and conditions are more favorable, leaving less risk on the county for things that could come up during the project.
The commission is being presented three options.
1. Award the bid to Sunrise Elevator, Benton Kansas in the amount of $149,857.64
2. Award the bid to the low bidder, TK Elevator, Wichita, Kansas $144,140.25
3. Repair the public elevator this year to get it back in service and defer modernization of both elevators until another year.
The Board of County Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.