BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2002

Members of the Board Facilities Committee met on Monday, April 15, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., in the Dining Room at the Education Center. Present were school board members Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Julie Venanzi, Margaret Williams, William Heske, Craig Haytmanek, and Joseph Craig. Also present were Thomas Doluisio, Superintendent of Schools, Michele Kostem, Assistant Superintendent, Jack Wittenberger, Acting Director of Maintenance/Security, Arif Fazil, District Engineer (D’Huy Engineering, Inc.)Rich McIntyre and Steve Terperning from the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association (Bulldogs), and representatives from the press.

 

The meeting of the Board Facilities Committee was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mr. William Heske, Chairman.

 

The following items were discussed:

 

1.            Open Forum –

 

A.             Mr. Heske reported that he had recently attended the School Board Convention in New Orleans and had received important information regarding ideas on construction/ renovation projects which he would like to discuss with Mr. Wittenberger and Mr. Fazil to see how it relates to the Bethlehem Area School District’s projects.

 

B.             Mr. Craig inquired as to the status of the Miller Heights Elementary School parking situation. He noted that new “No Parking” signs had been installed but asked if anyone is monitoring this area to see that people obey the signs. Mr. Wittenberger replied that the Bethlehem Township police and school security are monitoring the area but it is hard to monitor it constantly. He will remind them to continue monitoring this site.

 

2.            Construction Update –

 

A.             Arif Fazil reported the following:

 

1.              Lafayette, Rosemont, Maintenance Annex, and Monocacy Renovation Projects –

All projects are on schedule.

 

2.              East Hills Middle School Chiller Project –

It has been determined that a new electrical substation will be required, which will increase the cost of the project from $250,000 to approximately $320,000. The project design is being prepared for bid.

 

3.              William Penn Highway Improvements at Farmersville Elementary School –

The district is still pursuing the required project approvals. Because of the delay in obtaining these approvals, the work will not be scheduled until next summer when students are not in class. Mr. Craig asked if the township is requiring sidewalks at all locations or are they being selective. Mr. Fazil replied that the township is requiring all new construction sites to install sidewalks.

 

4.              Transportation Diesel Bus Heater Outlets –

Bids will be received on May 1, 2002.

 

5.              Northeast Middle School Construction Project –

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the use of the existing Northeast Middle School for implementing the district’s 10-Year Plan.

 

            Mr. Craig asked if the little league team that uses the athletic fields was notified of the schedule for construction. Mr. Fazil reported that all parties involved have been notified.

 

3.            Agenda Items – April 29, 2002, Board Meeting –

 

The board unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda items to the April 29, 2002, Board Meeting for approval:

                        (A)       Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds – Donegan Elementary School Construction Project – Change Order Deduct

            (B)       Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds – Marvine Elementary School Construction Project – Change Order Deducts (3)

(C)       Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds – Rosemont Building Miscellaneous Improvements – Mesko Glass and Mirror Company

(D)          Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds – Rosemont Building Miscellaneous Improvements – Change Order – Cope Carpet

            (E)       Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds – Rosemont Building Miscellaneous Improvements – Change Order – Albarell Electric – Board Ratification

(F)           Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds – Rosemont Building Miscellaneous Improvements – Site Work - Change Order – Grace Industries

            (G)       Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds – Spring Garden Elementary School Main Sewer Line Replacement Project – Bid Awards

(H)       Ticket Prices and Student/Family Ticket Programs (Athletics) – It was noted that there would be no change from 2001-2002 athletic prices.

 

4.            Discussion Items –

 

A.             Farmersville Elementary School – Development of Soccer Fields –

 

Representatives from the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association (Bulldogs) were on hand to answer questions regarding their proposal to lease the fields at Farmersville Elementary School for the purpose of developing three soccer fields. The board unanimously agreed to allow this organization to pursue this request, provided they meet all BASD requirements. A lease will be developed and approved by the district’s solicitor. All costs for this project will be the responsibility of the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association.

 

B.             Freedom High School Athletic Facility Concerns –

 

Mr. Wittenberger reported that he and Mr. Fazil have met with the Freedom High School administration and have identified concerns relating to the Freedom High School athletic complex. Mr. Fazil noted that, when the Capital Improvement Plan is updated in October, the field house request will be placed on the matrix for consideration. Mr. Craig requested that someone from the administration contact the “FAIR” group and notify them of this action. However, Mr. Wittenberger noted that the administration feels one concern should be addressed now, and that is the purchase of nine sets of exterior bleachers, each seating approximately 50 people, for the Freedom High School sports complex. He noted that the approximate cost would be $40,000. He also noted that the maintenance department would pour the concrete pads for these bleachers. The board agreed unanimously that the administration be allowed to pursue the purchase of these bleachers, using 2001 bond funds.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

           

Minutes prepared by Charlotte L. Zimmerman, Confidential Secretary

 

____________________________________________________ Confidential Secretary