Milford School Construction Notes: West Shore Middle School Bid Awarded, Leaky Roofs Reported at 2 Schools

MILFORD, CT — The Permanent School Facilities Building Committee was busy with several significant school projects in the city including awarding a nearly $15 million bid for the West Shore Middle School renovation project.

Additionally, there was discussion at the meeting about adding air conditioning throughout the building. In a separate matter some concerns were expressed about some leaks in the roof at both Harborside Middle and Pumpkin Delight elementary schools, according to meeting minutes.

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You can read below for detailed notes on each school project via the meeting minutes:

Status Report RE: West Shore Middle School – Consideration of bids for Phase I

Chairman Woods reviewed the Committee’s request for 10% contingency for the project, which the Mayor revised to 8% and went on to review page 8 of the handout. He welcomed James LaRosa, LaRosa Building Group and turned the meeting over to
him.

Mr. LaRosa introduced his team to the Committee and provided the Committee with some background regarding the team that will be working on the West Shore Middle School project and LaRosa Building Company.

Mr. Nunno and Ald. Hardiman made and seconded a motion to accept the LaRosa Building Company bid for the West Shore Middle School project in the amount of $14,968,000, which includes bid alternates 1, 2, and 3. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. LaRosa provided the Committee with their preliminary schedule. He deferred to Mike Anderson, Operations Manager for further details.

Mr. Anderson provided the Committee with an explanation of the handout provided by LaRosa Construction, which included approximately 9 phases, conforming to those in the construction documents.

Chairman Woods asked about the CHRO element of the project.

Alderman Bryan Anderson commented he was excited to see the process finally coming to fruition at West Shore Middle School. He stated he came tonight to ask the Committee to consider air conditioning the entire addition at West Shore. He stated as an educator himself, he is aware of the guidelines required under the ADA and that those in need of accommodations are provided with them. He urged the Committee to have more discussion regarding air conditioning the entire school and bringing those discussions and concerns to the Mayor as well.

Mrs. Krushinsky expressed concern about design costs if the Committee were to add air
conditioning to the entire building. She stated going back and affecting new construction that has already been done would be cost prohibitive. She stated she felt it would be going backwards to add the air conditioning in a Phase III. A brief discussion ensued.

Mr. Cavanna stated the option of building future-needed classrooms above the cafeteria which is already fitted with air conditioning was a consideration. Discussion resumed.

Mr. Bradbury stated each year his staff moves around approximately 150 air conditioners throughout the district. He added that number increases by as much as 50 air conditioners each year.

Ald. Anderson thanked the Committee for entertaining the discussion regarding air conditioning.

3. Consideration of Payment Requisitions. (RE: Item 2)

Chairman Woods asked Mr. Silver if he found the payment requisition to be accurate and ready for payment.

Mr. Silver replied yes. He stated the independent commissioning agent is required for the State mandated high performance checking and is in constant contact with the architect.

Ald. Hardiman and Mrs. Krushinsky made and seconded a motion to approve payment to the Commissioning: IES Engineering (#10686) in the amount of $3,080.00 for the West Shore Middle School Expansion and Alterations. Motion carried unanimously.

Ald. Hardiman and Mrs. Krushinsky made and seconded a motion to approve payment to the Commissioning: IES Engineering (#10788) in the amount of $1,100.00 for the West Shore Middle School Expansion and Alterations. Motion carried unanimously.

Ald. Hardiman and Mrs. Krushinsky made and seconded a motion to approve payment to Silver Petrucelli Design thru bidding (#16-2582) in the amount of $9,643.99 for the West Shore Middle School Expansion and Alterations. Motion carried unanimously.

Status Report RE: Harborside Middle School Roof and Window Replacement

Project: Mr. Lisi stated the punch list work is complete regarding the roof, however they have not provided the documentation for the PCBs. He stated he would recommend holding some of the retainage due to some leaks that have been occurring.

Mr. Bradbury stated the problem is consistent with all the roof work done by Young Developers. He stated he needs to wait until spring so he can check the roof top units.

Chairman Woods asked if there were any leaks around the roof top units prior to the job commencing.

Mr. Bradbury stated no. A brief discussion ensued to consider the amount of retain age to consider.

Ald. Vitali and Mr. Ahrens made and seconded a motion to keep the full retainage (7%), which amounted to $53,345.40. Chairman Woods stated the retainage is two-part, the 5% contractual and the 2% CHRO retainage.

Mr. Ahrens commented the Committee did not have enough information and just did not
know where the leaks are coming from, so he would be in favor of keeping the 7% retainage.

The motion carried 5 yes (Hardiman, Vitali, Ahrens, Nunno, Krushinsky) and 1 no
(Woods).

Elementary Schools – Roof Projects

Mr. Lisi reported they are having the same problem with roof leaks at Pumpkin Delight School. Chairman Woods asked the number of roof top units at that school.

Mr. Bradbury stated there are 4 leaks. Mrs. Krushinsky asked if there were leaks prior to the commencement of the roof work.

Mr. Bradbury stated there was a very small leak with an old unit which is going to be replaced in the spring. A brief discussion ensued. Ald. Vitali and Mr. Ahrens made and seconded a motion to keep the full retainage in the amount of $65,224.20 (7%).

The motion carried 5 yes (Hardiman, Vitali, Ahrens, Nunno, Krushinsky) and 1 no
(Woods).