Permanent Building Committee
New Fairfield Town Hall
New Fairfield, CT 06812
Minutes
Call to Order:A special meeting of the Permanent Building Committee was held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009 immediately following the Board of Education meeting in the high school library. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Members in attendance were Temporary Chairman P Viola,
S. Merullo, D. Ricci, P. Bruno and J. Cunha.
S. Merullo, D. Ricci, P. Bruno and J. Cunha.
Guests-J. Hodge, Dr. Castagnola, A. Roy, M. Coelho, S. McLain, P. Ross, K. Hanson, K. Chance, R. Langham, V. Flagello, K. Biega, S. Pellman and C. Roof.
Appointments:
P. Viola elevated P. Bruno and J. Cunha to voting members for this meeting.
Public Comment:
Nothing new to report.
Nothing new to report.
School District Projects:
Discussion on future PBC/BOE meetings and procedures:
Discussion on future PBC/BOE meetings and procedures:
K. Biega presented the draft timeline. He stated that it might be possible to start the asbestos abatement in the summer of 2009. Discussion followed on the wording of the referendum. J. Hodge stated that the library board would like the question on the library renovation project on the same referendum.
MOTION: S. Merullo made a motion to go to referendum at the time of the first budget vote, with both projects presented as one question. Seconded by D. Ricci. The vote carried 4-1-0.
MOTION: S. Merullo made a motion to accept timeline as presented with the understanding that there may be some changes as we go along. Seconded by P. Bruno. Unanimous.
Discussion followed on the presentation of the project to the Board of selectmen. K. Biega stated that he and S. Pellman will present the project but he would need one person to take the lead from the BOE and PBC. The financial impact on taxpayers should also be presented at this time.
Update and Discussion:
K. Biega presented the conceptual design estimate dated Feb. 6, 2009. He presented the square footage breakout for the high school labs and MHHS renovation project. At this time any questions about the project were discussed with the architect and construction manager. S. Pellman answered a question regarding if a modular unit was looked at to replace the butler wing. He responded that a modular unit was looked at but it cost $900,000 more than a conventional building and had many limitations such as ceiling heights and unit ventilators.
K. Biega presented the conceptual design estimate dated Feb. 6, 2009. He presented the square footage breakout for the high school labs and MHHS renovation project. At this time any questions about the project were discussed with the architect and construction manager. S. Pellman answered a question regarding if a modular unit was looked at to replace the butler wing. He responded that a modular unit was looked at but it cost $900,000 more than a conventional building and had many limitations such as ceiling heights and unit ventilators.
S. Merullo asked if they had looked at all the options and that this is the best plan you are proposing? K. Biega responded yes it is. Discussion followed on the geothermal option. K. Biega will invite Concord Engineering to do a presentation at a PBC meeting on the geothermal
system.
Discussion followed that the geothermal system would be an add alternate to the project and value engineering would need to be done to find money if this option were to be included in the project. P. Viola stated that at the last meeting he presented an email from J. Landers. He stated that he answered her questions in regard to the sprinkler system and the selection of the architect and she is satisfied.
MOTION: S. Merullo made a motion to approve the school projects as presented by the Board of Education, BL Companies and O & G Industries, with the understanding that the geothermal system be taken out of the project. Seconded by P. Bruno. Discussion followed. P. Viola stated that he had planned to defer this vote until the next PBC meeting since the Board of Selectmen will meet this week and elevate alternates to regular members.
John Hodge agreed and added that a permanent chairman will also be in place at the next PBC meeting. J. Hodge stated that this is an important vote and should wait until the PBC‘s next meeting. K. Hanson encouraged the PBC members to get the financial impact statement before approving the project.
S. Merullo withdrew the motion.
Discussion followed that bonding is now at 1%. Dr. Castagnola stated that after the initial presentation to the Board of Selectmen the project can be presented to various groups in town such as PTO’s and other community organizations.
Dr. Castagnola stated that if the PBC gets the project approved at their meeting on the 19th, the presentation to the Board of Selectmen can be made in early March.
Adjournment:
MOTION: P. Bruno made a motion for adjournment at 9:10 p.m. Seconded
by S. Merullo. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Nahabedian
Secretary-PBC
QUESTIONS
So the BOS, PBC AND BOE are trying to have one question to cover both the library and school additions, typical ‘ good pill bad pill’ approach. A all or nothing vote that will most likely hurt the library. Wonder how the library board feels about that approach.
This approach was used by Dan Reese some years ago when he lumped a number of bond issue all together got voted down 2 or 3 times before they separated them; then 3 of the 4 got approved with the purchase of the Dunham Property going down for the final count.
By suggesting this approach they aren’t sure the taxpayers will accept either or, my option.
