Resolution setting a public hearing on June 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the Police Headquarters Dry Room Modifications project. Project # BM22-07

The Police Department’s new headquarters opened to the public in 2018. The headquarters building was built with two drying rooms that are used by the Crime Lab to dry large amounts of wet evidence. Drying of evidence is done to properly preserve evidence for the length of time necessary, in accordance with the requirements for the type of case. This process needs to be done under the supervision of crime lab employees with restricted access to protect the integrity of the evidence.

The installation of any exhaust system for the drying rooms was overlooked in the design of the building, when the oversight was caught in 2018, the City had an inline exhaust fan and ductwork to connect to the existing exhaust system for the sally port installed. This addition was not covered by the original construction or design nor is there any warranty for the system. In 2019, Crime Lab employees placed several larger pieces of evidence in the rooms that needed dried. Fumes from the evidence drying process permeated into the connected spaces and through the ventilation systems in the building. It was discovered at that time that the inline exhaust fan was installed backwards. The fan was reinstalled in the correct orientation, however, the problem occurred again in 2021 when a large amount of evidence needed to be dried again.

It has been found that the ventilation and exhaust systems in place are unable to properly remove the potentially hazardous fumes from the drying room spaces and are unable to prevent re-entry of fumes into other building areas creating health and safety concerns for the occupants.

This project will replace the existing ventilation and exhaust systems with a new VAV box and ductwork that only supply the drying rooms, a dedicated exhaust fan and ductwork that are not tied into other exhaust systems, controls, and waterproof outlets for wash down of the spaces. To better separate the spaces from the rest of the building, drywall ceilings will be installed and painted. 

The estimated cost of this project is $65,615.00. The project will be paid from the Police Department’s FY22 operating budget.

Approval of this resolution to correct the ventilation issues in the drying rooms at the Police Department Headquarters and address the related safety concerns.