Brecksville Begins Reconstruction of Damaged Service Department Building
BRECKSVILLE, Ohio – The reconstruction of the city’s Service Department building, which suffered significant fire damage in February, has officially commenced. The city awarded a $540,900 contract to Johnson-Laux Construction Ohio, the lowest bidder among three proposals. Brecksville’s Service Director, Joe Kickel, confirmed that the entire project cost will be covered by the city’s fire insurance.
The fire, which erupted on February 25, originated in a street sweeper and resulted in the loss of four vehicles, including the sweeper. An investigation by the Ohio Division of Fire Marshal concluded the incident was accidental and highlighted the absence of a smoke detector in the facility.
In preparation for reconstruction, Brecksville has engaged several firms to enhance the project’s success. DSC Architects of Berea was hired for design services at $32,700, while IA Lewin PE & Associates will oversee construction administration for $8,500. Geotechnical and material testing services were contracted out for a total of $14,750 through ECS Midwest LLC.
Additionally, the city is investing $45,187 in a new exhaust extraction system for the mechanic’s shop, a replacement for systems lost in the fire, with all costs expected to be covered by insurance. Kickel noted that out-of-pocket expenses, primarily related to the destroyed vehicles, will be under $100,000, as they were fully depreciated.
As part of fire safety improvements, the city will also spend $1,800 annually on fire alarm systems for its service department buildings. Firefighters from multiple agencies contained the fire without any injuries, though the damage to the garage and its vehicles was extensive. The Northeastern Ohio Regional Sewer District has provided $327,349 to assist in acquiring replacement vehicles.
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