BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2003

Members of the Board Facilities Committee met on Monday, September 8, 2003, at 6:00 p.m., in Superintendent’s Conference Room A at the Education Center. Present were school board members William Heske, Joseph Craig, Loretta Leeson, Julie Venanzi, Charlene Koch, Rosie Amato, Margaret Williams, and Dr. Craig Haytmanek. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, Michele Kostem, Associate Superintendent, Monty Perfetti, Director of Operations, Planning, and Special Programs, William Burkhardt, Principal, Sam Senneca, Athletic Director, Liberty High School, Jack Wittenberger, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, Arif Fazil, District Engineer (D’Huy Engineering, Inc.), 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:

 

I.               Open Forum – Nothing to report.

 

II.             Agenda Items – September 22, 2003, Regular Board Meeting –

 

After discussion by the administration, the board unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda items to the September 22, 2003, Regular Board Meeting for approval:

 

A.    Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds – New Northeast Middle School – Upgrade Exterior Insulated Glass Panes – Change Order.

     

B.    Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds – New Northeast Middle School – Additional Exterior Security Cameras – Change Order.

 

C.    Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds – New Northeast Middle School – Construction Permit Fees.

 

D.    Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds – Freedom High School – Concession Stand.

 

All agenda items were discussed and recommended for board approval at the September 22, 2003 Regular Board Meeting.

 

III.           Construction Projects –

 

1.     Capital Improvement Projects for summer of 2004 are in design.

2.     New Northeast Middle School is on schedule – Foundation installation has started.

3.     All summer 2003 projects were completed.

 

IV.           Discussion Items

 

Mr. Fazil reviewed the four handouts and a slide presentation of photos relative to the Liberty High School pool and the capital improvement plan.

 

 

 

 

Page 2

Facilities Meeting Minutes

September 8, 2003

 

 

Mr. Fazil reported that the Liberty High School pool recently experienced another crack and there was a substantial loss of water. There are also potential concerns that the existing foundations have been undermined. The pool needs structural repairs, in addition, concerns with the condition of all the mechanical systems and general condition of the pool area and support spaces require total renovations and preferably replacement of the pool as outlined in the capital plan.

 

The rationale for considering total renovation include the following:

 

·      Perform total renovation of Commons Building, Memorial Gym and Classroom Center since all the systems (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) at these facilities need to be replaced.

·      Integrate and improve efficiency and use of the buildings.

·      Take advantage of PDE reimbursement through PlanCon for this major project.

·      Take advantage of available temporary space at the old Northeast Middle School for phasing and relocation of this major project.

·      Replace all building systems needing replacements such as boilers, windows, finishes, electrical, etc.

 

The various options for locating the pool and general phasing concerns were reviewed. The school board generally agreed that immediate renovations to the current pool would not be prudent and fiscally responsible as a long-term solution for the Liberty High School pool.

 

The board further agreed that a pool facility at Liberty High School is needed and discussed whether or not a separate pool construction project would get a pool built sooner. A separate pool construction project may reduce the overall renovation time line by approximately 4 months.

 

Dr. Lewis explained that this would, however, not be a PlanCon project and would also add construction costs. This could be an approximately 20 percent additional net cost to the district. In addition, it was pointed out that all the Liberty High School Commons Building systems including boilers, electrical, and finishes, etc., are very old. The building and pool were constructed in 1922.

 

The board will discuss the Liberty High School pool options and capital plan including the other district capital plan needs such as Broughal Middle School and Freedom High School further at the next meeting.

 

Mr. Senneca and Mr. Burkhardt confirmed that competitive swimming at Liberty High School will continue by sharing the Freedom High School pool. The board requested that the physical education swimming program be reviewed to make sure this program is available to students.

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:15 PM.

 

Minutes prepared by Arif Fazil, District Engineer, D’Huy Engineering, Inc.

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________

Arif Fazil, District Engineer, D’Huy Engineering, Inc.