BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005

Members of the Board Facilities Committee met on Monday, May 9, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at the Education Center. Present were School Board Members Charlene Koch, Diane Rowe, Julie Venanzi, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Loretta Leeson, Margaret Williams, Rosario Amato, Joseph Craig, and William Heske. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools, Michele Kostem, associate superintendent, Jack Wittenberger, acting director of operations, planning and special programs, Stanley Majewski, director of business affairs,William Burkhardt, principal of Liberty High School, Frances Bentkowski, principal of Freedom High School, Robert Furst of Architecture Furst, Charlie Shoemaker of Spillman Farmer Architects, 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. Heske, chairman. The following items were discussed:

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS (15 minutes allowed) – No discussion

 

OPEN FORUM – No discussion     

 

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY PROPOSAL – Dr. Farrington presented the attached report. There was a brief discussion of the proposal by Dr. Farrington.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR MAY 9, 2005, SPECIAL BOARD MEETING –

Mr. Fazil reviewed the handouts of all the bid tabulations for the Freedom and Liberty High School projects.

 

Mrs. Leeson inquired about the large discrepancy between the two general construction bids for the Liberty High School project. Mr. Amato asked if both companies were following plans and specifications. Mr. Fazil reported that all apparent low bidders were requested to review the bids, and they should all be bidding on the extensive bidding documents issues. Dr. Lewis noted that the bidders had until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2005, to withdraw if they had an error. Mr. Fazil further noted that similar or larger discrepancies could be shown on the electrical bids between the high and low bidder had we not received the third bid. There are also substantial differences in the asbestos bids. The apparent low bid general contractor had confirmed they felt their bid was fine.

 

Mr. Heske asked for an explanation of some of the energy efficiencies being incorporated into the projects. Mr. Fazil gave an overview of the dual fuel capabilities, lighting control systems, energy recovery systems, and various occupancy sensor systems being implemented in the projects.

 

The board reviewed a number of the alternates, and Mr. Fazil reviewed the detailed approach taken toward considering the various add and deduct alternates that were being recommended.

 

 

After discussion the board committee unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda items to the May 9, 2005, Special Board Meeting following the Board Facilities Committee Meeting:

A.    Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Freedom High School Additions Project – General Contractor

B.    Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Freedom High School Additions Project – HVAC Contractor

C.    Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Freedom High School Additions Project – Plumbing Contractor

D.   Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Freedom High School Additions Project – Electrical Contractor

E.    Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Freedom High School Additions Project – Asbestos Abatement Contractor

F.    Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Liberty High School Additions and Renovations Project – General Contractor

G.   Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Liberty High School Additions and Renovations Project – HVAC Contractor

H.   Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Liberty High School Additions and Renovations Project – Plumbing Contractor

I.      Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Liberty High School Additions and Renovations Project – Electrical Contractor

J.     Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bid Award – Liberty High School Additions and Renovations Project – Asbestos Abatement Contractor

K.   Freedom High School Additions Construction Project – Plan Con G Submittal

L.    Liberty High School Additions and Renovations Construction Project – Plan Con G Submittal

     

AGENDA ITEMS FOR MAY 23, 2005, REGULAR BOARD MEETING –

Quotes for the Freedom High School baseball outfield fence and warning track were discussed. Mr. Wittenberger reviewed the agenda item for installation of 693 feet of a 6-foot high chain-link fence and a 640-foot long by 11 foot wide warning track. The board committee unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda item to the May 23, 2005, Regular Board Meeting for approval:

 

A.    Quotations for the $4,000–$10,000 Cost Category

 

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS -

Projects in Design Update – Projects on hold until 2006. No Report.
New Northeast Middle School Update – Project is on schedule.
Projects in Construction Update –

            – SPARK Early Childhood Center – Project is on schedule for completion in June.

            – BASD Stadium Turf (Variance for Signs) – A zoning variance for the signs in the
           stadium has been applied for.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS – No discussion.

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m.

 

Minutes prepared by Arif Fazil, district engineer, D’Huy Engineering, Inc., and

Jack Wittenberger, acting director of operations, planning, and special programs.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Jack Wittenberger, Acting Director of Operations, Planning, and Special Programs