Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers introduced the Mount Vernon City Council on November 10 to consultants recommended for assisting with the construction and renovation of new city offices, police headquarters, and a municipal court services building.
"Tonight, Council, I want to introduce two key partners helping us to navigate the next major phase of our municipal facilities plan that includes the police station, the Justice Center Project, the municipal Center, and the fire station," Salyers said. "As we move from vision and discussion and to implementation, we're relying on professional partners to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely, every square foot is functional, and every step aligns with Council's expectations and communities' needs."
According to Salyers, Pizzuti Solutions of Columbus was chosen as the owners' representative for the city's municipal facilities projects. In this role, Pizzuti will serve as the city's advocate and adviser to maintain project integrity while prioritizing the city's interests. Nine firms responded to the city's request for proposals, with Pizzuti deemed most qualified. The firm had already been collaborating with the city on the police station.
Jim Russell from Pizzuti addressed the council via video, stating that their firm aims to support local government through its expertise in design and construction financing. More importantly, Russell expressed a commitment to delivering municipal projects tailored specifically to city interests while being as economical as possible. He emphasized their goal of identifying new savings opportunities while ensuring clients avoid future operational and capital costs.
Salyers explained that as an owner's representative, Pizzuti would oversee project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and communication among all parties involved. This includes architects, contractors, finance teams, and city staff. The firm would ensure data-driven and cost-effective decision-making by reviewing project feasibility and fit as well as studying construction methods and budget assumptions. The owner's representative also keeps projects on track within scope and budget.
The council agenda included a second reading of a resolution authorizing a contract with Pizzuti.
