facility to the design of the Jackson County Detention Center.
JE Dunn-Axiom held a M/WBE trade partner meeting on July 14, 2022,
which was well attended. Photos of the detention center site at 7000 E. US
40 Highway were presented showing all trailers have been removed, the
grass has been cut, and utilities have been disconnected and removed.
JE Dunn-Axiom has continued with design development to determine
project costs. Progress has been made on zoning for the site. A Zoning
Determination Letter was received from the City of Kansas City confirming
that zoning is compliant, and the detention center can be built on the site.
Applying for a Special Use Permit is the next step in the zoning process.
The biggest concern is the cost escalation and inflation. The strategy to
mitigate costs is to get as many trade partners involved and to make
commitments as early as possible. This is part of the GMP (Guaranteed
Maximum Price) process.
Scott Burnett, County Legislator, asked about the Zoning Determination
Letter and who with the City of Kansas City handles these matters. Mr.
Musser said it is the Planning and Development Department at the City
and its director Jeff Williams. After staff approval is received, the project
will go to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Charlie Franklin, County Legislator, asked about finding strategic partners
to keep costs down. Jeff Jenkins said this will be through a competitively
bid process.
Dan Tarwater III, County Legislator, asked if they plan to hire local
workforce personnel. Mr. Jenkins agreed. Mr. Tarwater asked about the
square footage of the center. Mr. Jenkins said it is estimated at 427,000
square feet. Mr. Tarwater said he drove through the site. Everyone has
moved out except for more than 1,000 used tires stored in someone’s
trailer. He saw they only lost one trailer. Troy Schulte, County
Administrator, said they are investigating that loss.
Theresa Cass Galvin, County Legislator, asked about the need to build up
the ground eight feet. She asked if that has gone out to bid. Jeff Jenkins
said it has not. Ms., Galvin said the rumor is that this will cost between $30
and $50 million dollars. She asked if Mr. Jenkins considered this an
accurate estimate or an inflated estimate. Mr. Jenkins said this amount
exceeds their internal estimates of that cost.
Matt Webster, Financial Advisor with Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc., said they
continue to monitor the capital markets. There is less interest rate inflation
and bond rates are down slightly. Stifel will consult with Troy Schulte