SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 30, 2006
1. Mr. Wally Field said he would like to echo what Director Dexter said about costs. If this were his project and his money, he would want two things from the architects which he thinks they are well qualified to give. He would want them to cost their design out, giving a range of costs such as design costs from $35,000,000 to $37,000,000 or whatever it is. He would also want the architects to give an operating cost estimate over a period of time. Mr. Field said that he thinks the board is going to vote next week. He thinks that within a week the architects could get both those pieces of information. If he was making a decision, he would want to see some numbers, not pick somebody who is coming in three million dollars in a design higher than somebody else.
Mr. Field commented that he had a thought that if the district is looking about having somebody pay for the Astroturf, maybe someone would like to give a million dollars, but put the name on the auditorium.
Director Amato asked about listing the questions.
Dr. Lewis said it is also being taped, but they will script it, as well.
Dr. Lewis stated that one of the architects questions dealt with budget parameters. In answer to Mr. Fields question, all three architects have agreed their proposals are within the districts projections of scope for the project, as far as budget. He stated that Mr. Gilliland has that information, if Mr. Field would like to look at it.
Director Leeson stated she liked that question and thinks if a more refined estimate was available, understanding it could not be done down to the dollar, it would be worthwhile having that.
Director Amato said that we will get that estimate.
2. Mrs. Kim Carrell-Smith said that the Broughal Community School Coalition spoke with administration and Directors Amato and Leeson. Mr. Santoro was there. She asked if that should be reiterated.
Director Dexter said that none have heard.
Dr. Lewis said that they have her transcript. Director Amato wanted to distribute that later.
Director Dexter questioned, Mr. Amato wanted to distribute the transcript later?
Mrs. Smith stated not being sure which parts she should go over. In response to the three plans, just to preface before getting into specifics, she thinks there are a number of things the Coalition feels very strongly about. One is that, because they appreciated a couple designs with the inspirational sayings that speak to the importance of education, they are also really interested in having the entryway to the school in some way say that this is a very important place and we value education; we value this place. One thing they have now is the marble entry foyer. She doesnt know if that can be recycled. They are worried that they dont want to see a stark, icy lobby, but want to see something that says, This is of value. The Coalition is also very concerned that any designs that are picked would have obvious entrances into public spaces. In particular, they are thinking about the auditorium, the gym, library, cafeteria if possible, so that public spaces can be used. They are thinking about not just a door that looks like a door, but something that says, Welcome. Come in here, and is not intimidating. Nothing where you must go around the corner where something is hidden, because that is just asking people to do that much more which sometimes is not as comfortable. Certainly, the community space is one of those things the Coalition is most concerned about – the community or family center. The Coalition has a concern, since they dont quite know what that is yet, about setting limits on the size or specifying what kind of size, because nobody really knows what that is yet. Who the partners are and what it will contain need to be discussed as those dimensions are chosen.
Mrs. Smith stated that the Coalition is interested in what they have heard about exposed mechanical systems as an idea to incorporate into educational spaces so that it is part of the whole concept of a science and technology school. They are excited about the idea of being a green building, whether its a LEED green building or a spectacular green building. That is also learning for the community and something setting Broughal apart and makes it an exciting building. She hopes that might handle the air conditioning and heating problems. That would be part of the idea and would be a teaching thing for students.
Mrs. Smith said that the Coalition is a little concerned about community spaces being off of Brodhead or any of the major entrances or exits being off of Brodhead since that is now going to be Lehigh Universitys major entrance to campus with a new loop plan. It will be very busy. The idea of students coming close to the street there is a little scary.
Mrs. Smith stated that the Coalition is also concerned about parking, as everybody is on the south side.
Mrs. Smith offered pros and cons. On the first plan, the Coalition was interested in the way the faade was broken up. It was reminiscent of the south side and the idea of having row houses or separate spaces so that you dont just see a big wall. They liked the idea of breaking up each floor for different grades. The cafeteria overlooking the field seemed like a friendly, warm place where students could have an experience that was sort of restful. They liked the idea of incorporating old architecture. The Coalition doesnt want the board to miss the piece that they think they heard the first time around – that there would be stair steppy structure at the end where the arches are that would be built from the material of the old Broughal building. A lot is being incorporated at that end, not just the arches. Mrs. Smith commented it may be for skateboarders, but still pretty. The Coalition liked the idea of having the pillars on the sides of the school of the community spaces and having all of those be very accessible from the street. They liked the inspirational wall, as well as some kind of concept to be incorporated. In the Spillman plan, they liked the steps being the equivalent of an inspirational wall.
Mrs. Smith said that on the Spillman plan, the Coalition liked the access to the community spaces and the access to the field through the under-stepped archway entrance. They thought it would be useful outside of school hours, useable for special events. The Coalition liked the faade, for a completely different reason. The faade seems to reflect the south side and the heritage with Bethlehem Steel and the importance of steel in the community. They werent very fond of the plain brick walls at the bottom part, but also thought, if possible, to change that in some way. It also means not having so much glass along that bottom area. They liked the light, open lobby of the Spillman plan, the exposed systems, the idea of the open entranceway because it also provides cover for students when weather is bad. Broughal does not have that currently and students must come into the auditorium. In the first plan, there is a covered area but it goes straight along the building, along Morton Street, which would be the main access to the building and where buses would be coming through. The Coalition liked the three floors. Most saw that as a pro; some as a con. One of the reasons the Coalition liked looking at the Spillman plan was that they were asked a number of questions by some people associated with Spillman Farmer who came because they heard of the Coalitions interest in the school. They felt their plan was flexible, at this point, because they wanted the input from community, faculty, and administration.
Mrs. Smith said that the Coalition appreciated that Breslin has a lot of experience in school planning and design. They liked the initiative shown on some of the areas they enlarged, based on their own experiences. The Coalition is not as fond of their faade. There was a portion of the first faade, as Director Amato alluded to, that the Coalition is not so fond of, with the little windows. Anything making it look less like a correctional institution would be fabulous. As far as cons, the Coalition is not thrilled in a unanimous way with the faade of Furst, but they like the chopped up idea. The library in the Furst plan isnt as near a public entrance, isnt as accessible. A lot of the Coalition members are still hoping the library will be something accessible to the community, to possibly have access to computers. They are concerned about lack of enough cover for students in the rain on the front. They are not sure where the loading dock is.
Mrs. Smith said that Spillman cons were that the Coalition was concerned about the need to move the family center/community center space, particularly because of access on Brodhead, but also because of access for health vans because that is an important component of what will probably be done, rather than building in-house facilities. Broughal still has access to the Fowler Family Center and St. Lukes. The classroom layout disturbed the educators amongst the Coalition who were worried that it was too linear.
Mrs. Smith said that the Breslin plans family center needs to move so that it is not off of Brodhead. They are a little worried about the gym and locker room access, the loading dock. They are not as fond of that faade because they would like a break from what Lehigh has in that area. They would like something with a little more punch, a little more oomph, and that doesnt resemble that area. It could also blend in with the part of Lehigh that more south siders love – the older parts of Lehigh.
Mrs. Smith said in a final comment on the artificial turf, in an informal poll of her row, they are concerned about the idea of it having public access. They talked about that a number of times while looking at the plans to make sure they were not looking at anything that was closed off to the community. Friday afternoon, there were probably 80 people out on that field, all kinds of people: Lehigh students, a group of the one source workers who play soccer there, and a group of Broughal students. It was wonderful. That is a community meeting space.
Mrs. Smith said that the Coalition spoke to one more item in their discussion with the administration and the others who attended. That was that they will miss that historical faade. They will miss the auditorium, as well. A lot of them really wanted to know if it was possible to revisit the feasibility study to know that it is not really feasible to build on to the old building, to gut the old building, and build something on the back. She still thinks that a lot of people in the community are talking about how could it be saved; how could this remnant be part of the community. They would not want to save everything about the interior of Broughal, but parts are truly spectacular and in the fabric of the community. Although it is not on the table now, the Coalition thought it was necessary to make it known that it was not just a few individuals who were interested in that. It was many people. As Mr. Antalics alluded to, they tried to prioritize their interests and recognized that if the district is not interested in saving the building, they would not speak to that because they are really interested in it staying in the community and having some ability to affect what goes on at the school, it being a community school in the community schools model, not just in the community.
3. Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, stated he enjoyed the heated exchange between Directors Dexter and Amato.
Mr. Antalics read: Recognizing that the officials and employees of the city of Bethlehem representing the city and its government, officials and employees gives Code of Conduct (He interjected he has been wondering this.)avoid conflict of interest. And the other is avoid actions which create the impression of impropriety. Mr. Antalics said he has had extensive exchanges with the superintendent by email and some conversations also with the director of facilities and the contract engineer. All have been very open, friendly, and giving of their time. Going back to the first announcement of Broughal going to the top of the hill.
Director Amato interjected, stating that the board would like to get the input from him and the community, at this time, on the three architectural proposals. A lot of people have stayed a long time to voice their views. He does not think we should revisit top of the mountain or other issues. Please provide input on the three architectural plans presented.
Mr. Antalics asked if he could follow up on the last statement concerning the wish of the community to maintain Broughal as is. Director Amato visually indicated no. Mr. Antalics said, Very good.
Mr. Antalics said that the plans that were submitted to the architect, a preliminary plan showing Broughal where it will be, as proposed, is attachment D by DHuy Engineering. One of the plans also showed Broughal staying where it is.
Dr. Lewis explained that that plan was submitted. He does not want Mr. Antalics misrepresenting the facts. The district had DHuy look at that option. Administration knew there was community sentiment and that some board members were interested in that. The district had DHuy draw that option. Then the district went about the study of the existing structure which was done time and time again before his administration, taking a look at the matrix analysis of what it would cost to save a particular building. It failed the test.
Mr. Antalics said that he respected that. But in the process, he had asked everyone if there was any kind of narrative form saying why Broughal should not be extended or kept as such. He was looking for a presentation made by a group advising there could be considerable money saved in terms of maintaining Broughal versus building a new building.
Director Amato again stated that he wanted input from the community on the three proposals at hand. Revisiting the issue of keeping Broughal and renovating it will waste another year in getting the project going. Director Amato said that he was one of those who wanted to keep Broughal as a historic building. When the costs came back to renovate Broughal versus going to a new structure, the district could not afford to renovate it. He told Mr. Antalics that he will let him finish and then the meeting will move on. We will not beat this dead horse. It is dead and buried.
Mr. Antalics said he has not seen a report by anyone within administration.
Director Amato said that the district would get the report to him. But it makes no difference because the district will not go that route. We are going to move on to building a new school on the south side. The last person who spoke gave an unbelievable report from the south side committee who has been working on this. He told Mr. Antalics that he believed he was a part of that committee.
Mr. Antalics stated that he doesnt know why there is this tremendous sensitivity and reaction to his concern about keeping the current Broughal.
Director Amato said the sensitivity is that every time we open up this can of worms again, it delays moving the project on. The district would love to keep that building on the south side. It is not cost effective so we are moving on with a new construction. He is sorry that we have to rip that beautiful building down. There is nothing else to do unless we want to go on and exist the way we were existing on the south side. Weve waited too long at this point. Director Amato said he will take input on the three proposals at hand, not renovation.
Mr. Antalics said that a study to maintain the building as is was never done or any formal proposal presented to anybody. Also, what he is saying is that it seemed to be a done deal that Broughal was going to move to the top of the hill. But when that failed, the new problem was what to do with the old building. That is where the problem started. It was never really addressed. He thinks Director Amatos reaction indicates there is something amiss here.
Director Amato thanked Mr. Antalics for his input.
4. Mr. Roger Hudak said that earlier he said to Joe Craig, Now you know why Tommy (Mr. Doluisio) didnt deal with this issue, because its a hot issue. He thanked the board for allowing the community to get involved in this to such an extent. This is the first time – he has been in Bethlehem all his life and works for the school district. He never had this kind of hands-on opportunity in the planning of Liberty High Schools Classroom Center or anything else. He likes Architect Fursts plan the best. A list has already been given of reasons. He does not have to repeat them. He agrees with every one of them. He likes the look of the front because it has the eclectic look of south Bethlehems Third Street and Fourth Street. Some of these look like the Wawa building, some like Lehigh Universitys dorms. He likes the way that faade looks.
Mr. Hudak stated that Mr. Antalics is right. The community really wanted to save that building. He told Mr. Antalics that the superintendent of schools did everything he could in the discussions that he was privy to as chairman of the mayors South Side Task Force. The task force looked at reasons why the building should go up to the top of the mountain. Lehigh University could have afforded to save that building. Lehigh University could have renovated it because they have the money. The school district does not. It would not have been only not cost effective. It would have been a waste of the taxpayers money to renovate it. The only thing we could do, if we want to keep that building in the community, was to build a new building on that site or sell it to Lehigh. Then, Lehigh would not guarantee that they would renovate the building or that they would keep the building for more than five years or so. They were going to use the classrooms. Mr. Hudak said that he talked to Dr. Farrington about this a long time ago. Mr. Hudak said that he loves that building, that auditorium. There is not another one that is that good in the whole school district and probably in the Lehigh Valley. We have to sacrifice.
Mr. Hudak said that one other thing is that the opportunity for partnerships here is fabulous. The green building, PPL. Director Craig and he have talked about this. We must get to the major corporations that are right here in the city to help us to that. There are Lehigh University alumni, Lehigh University itself, a new neighbor which we may see in August – the hotel people (and casino) that will be a tremendous asset to this community and already are a tremendous asset to it. This school district has to be able to cut in to that partnership.
Director Dexter commented that she thought we were going to hear about the plans, not the casinos. She asked if Mr. Hudak wants to go there. She wants to go there, too.
Mr. Hudak replied that the plan in his book and for southeast Bethlehems block watch is this one.
Dr. Lewis asked to comment because some people were leaving. He wanted to thank the Broughal Community Advisory Group and mention their names. They went beyond just meeting with administration. They also conducted meetings with the larger south side contingent. The district gave them full access to everything so that they would have it and be able to share it. Anything the district had, they got. Members included: Sis-obed Torres, Roger Hudak, Carmelo Huertas, Javier Toro, Ann Evans, Kim Carrell-Smith, Alugo and Megan Evans-Gartley, Vivian Robledo. Dr. Lewis stated the committee did a yeomens job in collecting community sentiment, also in providing input. Dr. Lewis personally thanked them. This has been a long process. There will be some continued follow-up meeting with them and involvement by them with whatever architect is selected in community forum to give the architect a flavor of their expectations.
5. Rev. Edith Roberts stated she has worked with children of this age group. We see them rollicking through the parking lot after school. As she looks at the Spillman proposal, she has real concerns about safety. The stairwells, the things they can jump up and off of. She would highlight things like safety in looking at decision making, security. There are many nooks and crannies in her church and young people can find them. She is concerned about that security and safety issue.
Rev. Roberts stated that partnership was spoken about. They will really be affected by this. There are large numbers of elderly people who are in their building every day. She would appreciate some partnership and communication. If something major is being done, to talk it over with them. Of all the people in the room, they will be most affected during the process. She would appreciate some help in their day-to-day ministry.
Dr. Lewis told her that the students will be in Broughal. The district will give her the same information that will be given Mr. Santoro as to certain schedules that might be loud or impactful.
6. Mr. Field stated that his comment is a brief follow-up of his previous question because Dr. Lewis gave him some numbers. The only architect that gave an estimate for his design was Spillman. It said applying a cost of $160 per square foot yields a building construction cost of $27,400,000 which is below the stated budget for the project. He did not see any numbers at all on any other questionnaire answers. In looking at the gross square footage, Breslins design is 15,000 square feet more than the other two, equating to about $2,300,000 if you use the $160 per square foot. He thinks the board would want to have the same kind of numbers that Spillman presented so that when looking at who they want to select they have the numbers. He added that maybe the district had given the architects parameters clearly defined it. If so, he is not aware of them.
Director Amato asked if a budgeted figure was stated on the specs given to the architectural firms. Mr. Gilliland replied yes. It was a per square foot number.
Mr. Gilliland said that then you have to look at Breslins proposal having 15,000 square foot more. Multiplying that by $160 is close to $2,500,000.
Dr. Lewis stated that this can be shared with Mr. Fields. This has not been discussed with the board because it is not at a point of electing to go with one of the three plans. Administrations point was that it would probably recommend to the board that there be a discussion, should Breslin be the successful candidate, of adjusting the space. If it was agreed that the core needed to be enlarged, we would need to adjust that space in other areas. Administration wants this to come in at the budget this board has authorized Mr. Majewski to seek funding for and will do the best to stay within those confines. If everybody comes in at 171,640 on the square feet, that price should be met. If the board were to increase the square footage, naturally those costs would go up. All the members, including Mrs. Dexter, are totally armed with the number so that they can make a good decision.
Director Amato stated that if the square footage went up and he stayed at the same budgeted figure, the district will get more square footage for the same cost, that is fine.
Mr. Gilliland said you have to be sure that is the case.
Director Amato said that we will absolutely know that.
Mr. Fazil said that we had 160.
7. Mr. Huertas said he will be glad when this whole thing is over and he doesnt have to be listening to all these experts. He thanked everyone. He knows that he has stood before the board sometimes and been kind of rough on his edge. When youre standing up with two or three minutes and you have to make your point, you just cant be too diplomatic, because then your point will never get across. The only thing wanted on the south side is a school that looks like a school and that looks like a middle school. We are not going to penny pinch for one dollar here, one dollar there. He asked the board to please not allow them or anyone to come from the street solely because they have grandiose ideas after they have worked so hard on this project. Mr. Huertas said he hopes that the decision on the blueprints and architect will be made this week and next week select the architecture and anybody having any other problem, let it go and be dragged down the beach. He is fed up with all the experts that come out the last minute and give figures here and there and you should have this and that. If he had all those experts around working for him, he would be a rich man now. If he has ever ruffled somebodys feathers, he apologized.
Director Amato stated that, if there is no other input from members of the community, the meeting will move on to phase four – the board discussion.
Director Craig .
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