BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2002
Members of the Board Facilities Committee met on Monday, May 6, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., in the Superintendents Conference Room at the Education Center. Present were school board members Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Margaret Williams, William Heske, Craig Haytmanek, and Joseph Craig. Also present were Thomas Doluisio, Superintendent of Schools, Michele Kostem, Assistant Superintendent, Monty Perfetti, Director of Secondary Education, Roberta Whitcomb, Principal of Northeast Middle School, Jack Wittenberger, Acting Director of Maintenance/Security, Arif Fazil, District Engineer (DHuy Engineering, Inc.), Charles Shoemaker from Spillman Farmer Architects, 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. Craig noted that there are numerous tiles missing from the walls around the Freedom High School pool. He requested that the administration check into getting this area repaired. Mr. Wittenberger said that he would look into this matter.
2. Agenda Items May 20, 2002, Board Meeting
The board unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda items to the May 20, 2002, Board Meeting for approval:
(A) Northeast Middle School Construction Project PlanCon A and B Approvals (information item only)
(B) Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds Donegan Elementary School Construction Project Change Order Deduct
Mr. Fazil informed the board that the engineers and contractor could not find an anti-graffiti coating that would not change the color of the exterior bricks so the contractor will be issuing a change order deduct for this option. He noted that, in the interior of the building, the masonry block does have a coating of epoxy paint.
(C) Authorization to Expend 1998 Bond Funds Transportation Diesel Bus Block Heater Outlets Bid Opening May 1, 2002
(D) Authorization to Expend 1998 and 2001 Bond Funds Various Projects Reimbursement to Contractors for Permit Costs (at no mark up) Change Orders
(E) PPL Request for Right-of-Way - Governor Wolf Elementary School
Mr. Fazil noted that he had just received a right-of-way request from PPL for power service from Governor Wolf Elementary School to the adjacent East Hills Moravian Church and did not have the agenda item available for the meeting, but it will be available for the May 20, 2002, Board Meeting.
3. Construction Update
A. Arif Fazil reported the following:
1. Lafayette and Maintenance Annex Projects
Mr. Fazil reported that bids will be opened on May 23, 2002, and the recommendation for award will be provided at the Special Board Meeting scheduled for June 3, 2002.
2. William Penn Highway Improvements at Farmersville Elementary School
This project has been postponed until next Summer.
3. Transportation Diesel Bus Heater Outlets
Bids were received on May 1, 2002, and an agenda item for the awarding of this bid is on the May agenda.
4. East Hills Middle School and Liberty High School Projects
The East Hills Middle School chiller/cooling tower is in design. Quotes for grease trap repair/ replacement at Liberty High School and East Hills Middle School will be obtained.
5. Northeast Middle School Construction Project
Mr. Fazil again noted that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the use of the existing Northeast Middle School for implementing the districts 10-Year Plan. Mrs. Williams asked if this would change the percentage reimbursement amount. Mr. Fazil replied that it would not change it.
Mr. Charles Shoemaker of Spillman Farmer Architects reviewed the elevation plans for the new Northeast Middle School. He noted that the project is on target and that he has met with the design team and individual groups at the school for their input. He noted that, if the board approves the elevations, the next step would for him to bring a model of the new facility to the Act 34 Hearing scheduled for July 8, 2002. He also noted that the new facility would have three unique elements: the science classrooms, the library/main entrance, and the auditorium area. He stated that the design blends traditional with high-tech and would be quite an addition to the neighborhood. He displayed samples of the interlocking 22-gauge galvanized steel panels that would make up a portion of the exterior of the new building. Mr. Shoemaker estimated that these panels could save the district $6 per square foot compared to limestone and is appropriate because of the areas steelmaking history. Mrs. Leeson inquired if the designers could incorporate more of the regions historical look, like those found on the Moravian buildings, into the design. She thought the plans were too stream lined and had a high-tech look to them like buildings located in the local industrial parks. She noted that small changes could make a big difference. Mr. Fazil and Mr. Shoemaker noted that you will never see the whole school all at once the way you are viewing them in the architects drawings. They also noted that the architect could make any changes that the board deemed necessary, but may not be able to stay within the current budget if they did. It was also noted that, since PlanCon A and B have been filed, changes could not be made to the floor plans without refiling these forms with the Department of Education and this would delay the entire project. The team will, however, restudy the exterior faade of the building and implement any feasible changes.
It was noted by the administration that the designed core spaces are ample in size for current and future programs, but it also has the flexibility for future additions should the need arise.
Mr. Haytmanek inquired if the new facility would be air-conditioned. Mr. Fazil stated that it would be. Mr. Heske noted that it is not wise to economize on the HVAC plans because in the long run it ends up costing the district more money. Mr. Fazil reviewed the proposed multi-zone HVAC system with a desiccant system controlling outside air. The system would provide efficient and quiet HVAC for the facility.
The proposed high performance roof, which slopes to an internal drainage system, was also reviewed with the board.
Mr. Shoemaker and Mr. Fazil also noted that they will be meeting with the City of Bethlehem in the next few weeks to discuss the water run-off and drainage systems.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Charlotte L. Zimmerman, Confidential Secretary
____________________________________________________ Confidential Secretary