BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY,FEBRUARY 6, 2006
Members of the Board Facilities Committee met on Monday, February 6, 2006, at 8:10 p.m. in the Superintendents Conference Room at the Education Center. Present were School Board Members Diane Rowe, Margaret Williams, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Loretta Leeson, Judith Dexter, and Rosario Amato. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Robert Gross, assistant superintendent for human resources; Stanley Majewski, assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; Scott Gilliland, director of facilities and operations; Arif Fazil, district engineer (DHuy Engineering, Inc.), Joseph Santoro, principal, Broughal Middle School; Sharon Montayne, Esquire, Sweet, Stevens, Tucker & Katz; Student Board Representative Isaac Sharkan; representatives from the Broughal Community Advisory Group; and representatives from the press.
Mr. Amato, chairman, called the meeting of the Board Facilities Committee to order at 8:15 p.m. The following items were discussed:
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
None
OPEN FORUM
No discussion
After discussion, the board committee unanimously agreed to bring the following agenda items to the February 27, 2006, Regular Board Meeting:
A. Authorization to Expend 2001 Bond Funds Bids Opened February 15, 2006, Nitschmann Middle School and Fountain Hill Elementary School Roof Replacements and Miscellaneous Repairs
B. Indoor Air-Quality Testing Proposals District Buildings
C. Lawn Care Services Bid Award Bids Opened February 9, 2006
D. Chemical Dispensing Systems Bid Award Bids Opened February 8, 2006
E. Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds Liberty High School Renovations and Additions Change Order
Mr. Fazil also noted that with the boards pending approval of these change orders, Plan Con I will also be submitted for board action.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Broughal Middle School Architect Comments
Five (5) Minutes Each (15 minutes)
Mr. Fazil asked the board to allow him to recuse himself from any further discussions on the architectural selections for the new Broughal Middle School. He stated for the record that he has professional working relationships with all three architectural firms and DHuy Engineering has never had any ethical or professional problems as a result. He mentioned his relationship with Architecture Furst has always been well known and documented. He further stated, Ive never kept it a secret. It has been very difficult for me and my family to have my professional ethics and responsibilities questioned. Mr. Amato asked Mr. Fazil to stay but then mentioned, it is your decision. Mr. Amato then accepted Mr. Fazils recusal. Mr. Fazil left the meeting.
Mr. Robert Furst, Principal, Architecture Furst
Made the following statements:
A final thank you, Id first like to sincerely thank the school board and Administration for this opportunity to contribute our expertise in the design process of the new Broughal Middle School. Id like to address six issues discussed last Monday that I feel need clarification before your final consideration:
Competition: In my opinion, the purpose of this design competition was to judge the architects knowledge, talent, and vision of your program and range of possibilities available to you, the school district, and the community of taxpayers. A competition is to judge who earned the right to join your team? Who has a vision that will help you achieve your goals! I was very pleased that your overall evaluation contained many more positives than negatives. Those concerns you have raised would be taken very seriously. I believe our design and presentation has proven overall, that our design has more in common with Bethlehem Area School Districts vision. I believe our design is unique, not conventional or recycled. I believe our design purposely does not look like many other schools, on many other streets, in many other communities. I believe our design will inspire the future students attending Broughal. I believe our design will contribute to the continued growth and image of the Southside, including the Hispanic community. I believe both the City and Lehigh University will also benefit directly and indirectly from our design.
Our design essentially remains intact since our original submission, which was the result of our dedication to Bethlehem Area School District and this project. We could not have imagined the selection process would have extended from October until now. However, I want to assure Mr. Santoro, the Southside community, and each school board member that if selected I will value everyones input into improving the design.
Experience: I want to emphasize again, I have 26 years of education design experience dating back to 1980 and at last check includes 18 school districts to date. I believe this experience clearly shows in the districts evaluation of both the design concept and technical merits. It should be apparent that good design does not happen overnight or that the length of time an architectural firm has been established will guarantee the most creative, yet functional result.
Long-Term Relationship: I too have 15 years experience working with the Bethlehem Area School District dating back to 1991. In various capacities, some of the projects performed include the following: Asa Packer Elementary, Buchanan Elementary, Calypso Elementary, Farmersville Elementary, Governor Wolf Elementary, Hanover Elementary, Miller Heights Elementary, Rosemont alterations (utilized during many other major projects), East Hills Middle School addition, Nitschmann Middle School addition, Freedom High School science addition, Liberty High School lab center, Liberty High School stage, elevator replacement and Elizabeth Avenue electronic L sign design, SPARK building, Freedom High School gym and classroom addition, includes resolution of the entrance design flaw.
The Architecture FURST DESIGN APPROACH for BROUGHAL: First, to reemphasize; this building design is conceived on two major principles at this time: A. Science and Technology Theme. A modern design to portray a twenty-first century theme. Maximum program flexibility and student security. Landmark identification for Bethlehem Area School District and the community of the Southside. A conscience attempt not to identify with the gothic design of Lehigh University and be viewed as an extension of their campus. A building scale that would not overwhelm the surrounding neighborhood.
The South Facing Glass Curtain wall and Natural Lighting: Statistically our proposed curtain wall contains 1,800 square feet of glazing. Of which 50 percent is clear vision and 50 percent is spandrel type. We have provided an Alternate Elevation in response to your concerns and to assure the Bethlehem Area School District that we will take your concerns very seriously. Our design focused on minimal glass facing both south and west. Our design has no south or west facing classroom wings. Our cafeteria location also allows public access from rear parking lot and the ability to be used in concert with activities on the new athletic
field directly outside. Our auditorium, with limited glazing for the lobby and art gallery above is located on the northwest corner.
There are no classrooms facing the west afternoon sun. The lobby and gallery could be an exciting view from the passing streetscape on the approach to Lehigh new campus scheme.
High Performance School vs. Green Building: At the time of our presentation, I promised you the Architecture Furst design team would create a High Performance School in the normal course of design that may include some green features that have little or no cost implications. It would also integrate the building technology and systems into the curriculum wherever possible. Our design teams consulting engineer has experience in the design of the only gold-certified building in the Lehigh Valley. We will share that experience with the Bethlehem Area School District as part of our normal design fees. (We have provided literature on both topics for Mr. Gilliland to review or share with you at your convenience.)
Finally, this process is ultimately for the students: It should not be lost, that the goal of this competition, the goal of this project, must remain first and foremost in the best interests of the students of Broughal and the Bethlehem Area School District. You may or may not, determine that our design best meets your intentions, but I sincerely hope that the distractions surrounding the selection of the architect will not obscure your original goal, to keep your ultimate priority, that the students should come FIRST!
Mrs. Loretta Leeson asked if the consumer science rooms were the only two or three rooms that might not have natural light. Mr. Furst responded by saying yes, those rooms would be used for classes where major lighting would not be necessary.
Mr. Robin W. Breslin, President/Architect/AIA, Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects
Mr. Breslin also thanked the board members and guests for the experience to present their architectural design. He mentioned that Breslin Ridyard Fadero wanted an opportunity to serve the Bethlehem Area School District board. Residing in this district and having children attend Bethlehem schools was rewarding both professionally and personally. The process was enlightening and fun. Mr. Breslin acknowledged the other firms by stating, They are very worthy competitors.
Mr. Joseph Craig shared that for him, the location of the gym and athletic areas were of great concern. When asked if the locker rooms and gymnasium could have been flipped on the design, Mr. Breslin answered, Yes, but they didnt do it because of cost.
Mr. Dan Harrigan, Director, Spillman Farmer Architects
Made the following statements:
As requested, the following statement is intended to provide the board with information to assist members in selecting a qualified firm to provide the board with information to assist members in selecting a qualified firm to provide professional design services for the new Broughal Middle School.
It is not our intent to make negative comments toward our competitors and their schemes, but rather to highlight what we feel is pertinent information regarding Spillman Farmer Architects abilities to perform the necessary services for this exciting project.
Spillman Farmer Architects has 35 employes, 16 of whom are registered architects. We are one of the largest architectural firms in the region and have provided and will continue to provide the district with the best possible depth of professional knowledge and ability. This level of competence is important to the district to best ensure that they receive the highest level of professional service.
We have a vast knowledge base and experience in campus master planning and educational facility design field. Over the last decade we have designed public school projects totaling over $200 million.
Spillman Farmer Architects has brought in all of the Bethlehem School District projects under or on budget. The best indicator of future performance is to look at this past performance.
Spillman Farmer Architects has created unique and successful designs for the district including the signature Donegan Elementary School which was on a very difficult and steep site and Calypso Elementary School, where we removed the stone entry surround from the existing school (which was then demolished) and incorporated this structure into the new entry. This idea came from a community meeting that Spillman Farmer Architects had with the residents of the neighborhood. As noted in previous comments by the board, a similar strategy could be utilized for the new Broughal Middle School.
Spillman Farmer Architects has submitted the lowest fee for this project resulting in a fee $137,842 lower than the next bidder and $455,082 lower than the highest (based on a building cost of $33,620,000 as listed in the RFP).
A significant shortcoming of this competition is that the participants are effectively designing in a vacuum, which means that they have not had the necessary benefit of meeting with the staff and and administration during a typical design process to determine real operational needs and aesthetic preferences. A building which is conceived without the involvement of its users is a building that is set up for failure. We trust that you will utilize this process for this important project.
Spillman Farmer Architects will conduct numerous meetings work with the staff, administration, and users to develop a consensus-driven design to meet all educational and operational needs which we have done with all other projects for your district. A description of this process is outlined in our original proposal of October 24, 2005, and we invite the board to refer to this again for an understanding of our approach to public school design.
Design changes are inevitable and welcomed as a part of this inclusive process. Exterior materials, interior materials, and even plans will vary as we develop alternative layouts and exterior designs. The entire design team, including the district staff and board, require this process in order to make informed decisions in the best interest of the school district and the community. This competition has really been a study in alternatives, from which good ideas can be taken and transformed into the final developed scheme.
We ask that the board select Spillman Farmer Architects to be your architectural design form for the new Broughal Middle School.
We have the proven track record, will listen to your needs, and thorough the inclusive design process will deliver to you a school facility that will be an inspiring place in which to learn and teach.
As evidence of this, the Department of Education has recently recognized three Bethlehem Area School District school designs to be placed on the Department of Educations School Design Clearinghouse. Copies of the two letters were offered to the board.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Mrs. Dexter then asked a question to the architects, Last week at a different meeting did you feel we picked apart your designs and did we get it all wrong? Was there at anytime when you wanted to jump out of your chair and say no, wait a minute?
Mr. Harrigan commented that the principals comments were right on. He and his staff calculated a travel time of two and a half minutes from one end of the building to the other. We could study to relocate the cafeteria. Community activity added value to this design and glass always comes up in conversation. It is made locally, shuts out sun and there are shading devices for windows.
Mrs. Leeson commented that she loved the plaza but gathering concerns came up for her (skateboarding). The animation was great in the PowerPoint presentation and was much easier to read than two dimensional floor plans.
Dr. Haytmanek asked a question, With all this glass, architecturally what are the advantages?
Mr. Harrigan commented, Its a little more expensive than a brick wall. Dr. Haytmanek asked, Is it just as safe as brick? If a truck hits the building, is it going to shatter? Mr. Harrigan mentioned that it is heat-strengthened glass. You are very safe from the inside, and the glass will break if a truck hits the pane, but the structure of the building will be sound. It really depends on what projectile you are talking about. Glass has longevity and manufacturers are making it self-cleaning now and for the future. Its here to stay.
Mrs. Leeson commented about the old auditorium, and asked if there was any chance to recreate it or portions of it. She mentioned a conversation with Mr. Fazil that occurred a long time ago that it may be too expensive to preserve portions but maybe we could recreate the experience.
Dr. Lewis commented that Mr. Santoro and Mr. Gilliland will inventory salvageable items from the existing building. These will be reviewed at future meetings.
Mrs. Dexter then came back to Mr. Breslin and asked him as well, Your design, did we get it all wrong?
Mr. Breslin said he would not speak negatively about the plans. Without meeting with the client, to say what the plans look like or dont look like is speculation. For example, with the faade integrating with Lehigh University, we were really guessing. We didnt know about sixth grade on one floor, seventh grade on another floor, and eighth grade on another. The only time I wanted to get out of my chair and say you got it all wrong was the comment on the corridors. We felt they were not too long. We felt they were elongated and circular in nature.
Mr. Craig thanked the three firms for their contribution to the design competition.
Dr. Haytmanek asked whether it was possible to blend portions of the various designs and whether it was legal.
Mrs. Loretta Leeson asked if parts of those designs are proprietary for the architects.
Mr. Harrigan firmly stated that they could not take someone elses design and stated that it would be unethical. The moving of a gymnasium or atrium could be looked at.
Mr. Furst stated that is what the competition was for. It was meant to see three different designs.
Mr. Harrigan suggested in the future that the board offer standard guidelines for the competition. The additional cost took a lot of extra time and money to the architects going back and forth with requests. Some modification to streamline this production process would be very helpful.
Dr. Lewis personally thanked the architects. He stated that the district created work and you complied. We wanted a competition. I think probably more detail on teaming concepts and separate elements may have made the competition go more quickly. Thanks for staying the course.
The board will vote Monday, February 27, 2006.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
_____________________________________________
Joanne Carraghan, secretary to the director of facilities and operations
_____________________________________________
Scott T. Gilliland, Director of Facilities and Operations