NEW MILFORD, CT — The Northville Elementary School roof replacement project is on track for bidding in January, although a structural assessment has identified corroded support columns and areas of rotted wood that will require attention.
Dean Petrucelli of Silver Petrucelli, the project's architectural firm, told the New Milford Municipal Building Committee on Oct. 1 that plans and specifications are complete and the project is moving toward its final state review before bidding.
Petrucelli said he expects to complete the state's Plan Completion Review paperwork by the end of the year, with bidding targeted for early to mid-January. State approval is required before bids can be solicited.
A structural assessment by Michael Horton and Associates found that the building can support the proposed replacement roof without additional structural reinforcement.
However, the report identified corrosion at the bases of two steel columns supporting the school's front canopy, where moisture and snow have caused rust near the concrete plaza.
Petrucelli said the deterioration does not require immediate attention but should be addressed in the future. A permanent repair would involve temporarily supporting the structure, removing the affected portions of the columns and concrete, and replacing the damaged sections.
The work would be separate from the roof replacement project, and costs have not yet been determined.
Public Works Director Jack Healy said a similar repair had been completed at Litchfield School. Petrucelli estimated the work could take about 2½ months and could be performed during the summer without interfering with the roof project.
The assessment also identified rotted wood behind exterior metal panels. Petrucelli said the damaged wood and lower panels would be replaced as part of the roof project.
The structural review also examined whether the school's roof sections could support photovoltaic panels in the future.
Petrucelli said five roof areas, including the gym roof, cannot accommodate additional loads without reinforcement. Four other sections have limited capacity, while several areas could support solar panels.
He emphasized that those findings do not affect the current replacement project. All roof sections can support the proposed roofing systems without additional reinforcement.
Petrucelli said the remaining work includes completing state review forms, updating structural details and obtaining signatures from town and school officials.
The committee is expected to review the documents for approval next month.
Mayor Pete Bass said he was pleased the project was progressing toward bidding.
The committee took no formal action because it lacked a quorum. Approval of the previous meeting's minutes was postponed until the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
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