BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2004
Members of the Board Facilities Committee met on Monday, June 7, 2004, at 6:15 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, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Rosario Amato, Diane Rowe and Margaret Williams. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools, Michele Kostem, associate superintendent, Stanley Majewski, director of business affairs, Monty Perfetti, director of operations, planning, and special programs, Lewis Lengyel, assistant supervisor of buildings and grounds, William Burkhardt, principal, Liberty High School, Frances Bentkowski, principal, Freedom High School, Dan Harrigan and Mark Ortwein of Spillman Farmer Architects, Robert Furst of Architecture Furst, P.C., 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 6:15 p.m. by Mr. Heske, Chairman.
The following items were discussed:
1. Open
Forum - No discussion.
2. Agenda Items
A. Agenda Items - June 14, 2004, Special Board Meeting
After discussion, the board unanimously agreed
to bring the following agenda items
to the June 14, 2004, Special Board Meeting for approval:
1.
Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds - Bids Opened June 10, 2004 -
Asbestos Abatement - Nitschmann Middle School and Freedom High School
- Asbestos abatement associated with Freedom High School Window
Replacement and Nitschmann Middle School floor replacement.
2.
Liberty High School Grenadier Boulevard Parking Lot Agreement with City of
Bethlehem
a. Mrs. Venanzi and the board inquired about controlling parking in the lot; e.g., cars parked overnight or for long periods that are not students. Maintenance plans to post the parking lot and enforce parking for authorized vehicles only.
b. Mr. Amato and the board requested that we investigate the possibility of angle parking along the east side of Grenadier Boulevard. This will be investigated with the City.
c. Mr. Craig recommended that, if angle parking on
Grenadier Boulevard is pursued, we make provisions for television
trucks/trailers that park there during stadium events.
B.
Agenda Items - June 28, 2004, Regular Board Meeting
After discussion, the board unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda
items to the June 28, 2004, Regular Board Meeting for approval:
1.
Authorization to expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds - Liberty High School and
Freedom High School Construction Projects - Incidental Fees and Charges
a. Mrs. Koch and the board asked for an explanation
of some of the fees. Mr. Fazil reported that these are not building permit
fees, but specifically review fees for organizations, such as Lehigh Valley
Planning Commission, DEP, City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, L&I, etc.
2. Liberty High School Additions and Renovations - PlanCon A and B Approvals
a. Mr. Heske asked if the natatorium FTE was
approved. Dr. Lewis and Mr. Fazil reported that the Natatorium FTE was
not approved because of the Act 34 capacity requirements per PDE. Mr.
Fazil reported that some other adjustments were made on the PlanCon
forms to accommodate the FTE. In addition, PDE is requiring that all
the science classrooms at Liberty High School be listed as science labs
which have a slightly lower FTE.
A. Projects in Design Update
- Education Center Fire Alarm System and Card Access is in the
design phase.
B.
New Northeast Middle School Update
- Project is on schedule.
C. Projects in Construction Update
- No report
Freedom
High School and Liberty High School
* Mr. Fazil reported that both the Liberty High School and Freedom High School projects are on schedule. The Act 34 Resolution is scheduled to be voted on at the Special Board Meeting on Monday, July 12, 2004, and the Act 34 Hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 16, 2004.
* Mr. Furst presented a power point presentation
of the updated site plan, floor plan, and building elevations with computer
aided perspective views of the new entrance addition, new gymnasium area, and
auditorium entrance addition. The elevations and plans were well received by
the board with the following comments:
- The general consensus was to incorporate a slightly darker brick at the gym addition with lighter metal panels that would match the existing limestone color mansard. Mr. Furst had presented two options; one with a darker brick and lighter panels, and the other with darker metal panels and brick to match the existing building, the same as the one used for the 1997 science wing addition.
- Mrs. Leeson confirmed that elevations fit well with the building but wanted to make sure that the front entrance was defined further. There was discussion on incorporating a new limestone pylon maybe along the sidewalk similar to that at the gym entrance to define the entrance.
- Campus type signage will be included on the site. Also, some building facade signs may be included. Dr. Lewis said this would be reviewed further.
- Mr. Craig asked that the security of all exterior doors be considered in the plans.
- Mrs. Venanzi asked that the aesthetics of the south elevation of the addition along Chester Avenue be considered.
- Mrs. Leeson asked if there was any consideration to providing a permanent stage in lieu of the permanent gym seating. After discussion, it was agreed that the permanent seating was more useful on a daily basis and for events. A portable stage (platform) can be provided for the few times it may be needed.
- Mr. Craig requested that the bleacher seating be designed to extend partially for smaller events. Mr. Furst confirmed that this was being done.
- Mr. Fazil reported that the new electronic sign shown on the gym entry pylon will be roughed in. The school will purchase this sign independently.
- The board asked if there were enough classrooms in the design for planned growth. Dr. Lewis and Mr. Perfetti both confirmed that there was enough space for the predictable growth and considering PDE reimbursement.
* Mr. Ortwein presented the plans of the updated
site plan, floor plan, and building elevation of the addition connecting
Memorial Gym and the Commons Building. The elevation and plans were well
received by the board with the following comments:
- The general consensus was to proceed with the proposed highlighting of certain entries with the Liberty red color around the door frames.
- Mrs. Koch asked if the plans addressed toilet rooms adjacent to the auditorium. The plan addresses this by incorporating toilet rooms into the adjacent courtyard on both sides.
- Mr. Craig pointed out that the plans are not primarily for a gymnasium addition. The net gain besides improving all the failing mechanical and electrical systems and failed natatorium is one auxiliary gym and approximately 13 classrooms. Also, many of the inadequate spaces, such as cafeteria, locker rooms, and band room are being improved.
-
Mrs. Leeson asked if there will be
any issues regarding humidity/moisture in the band room located above the pool.
Mr. Ortwein said the design would address this issue and also sound control
between the spaces.
Other
* No report
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:10 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Arif Fazil, district engineer, D'Huy Engineering, Inc.,
and Monty Perfetti, director of operations, planning and special programs.
_________________________________________________________
Monty Perfetti, Director of Operations, Planning and Special Programs
_________________________________________________________
Arif Fazil, District Engineer, D'Huy Engineering, Inc.