BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MAY 14, 2007

 

Mr. Rosario Amato, chairman, called the meeting of the Board Facilities Committee to order at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2007, in the Auditorium at the East Hills Middle School. Present were School Board Members Charlene Koch, Diane Rowe, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Loretta Leeson, Judith Dexter, Joseph Craig, William Heske, Margaret Williams, and Rosario Amato. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Robert R. Gross III, assistant superintendent for human resources; Anthony R. Villani, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction; Thomas K. Washington, director of student services; Robin Lutcher, director of information technologies; Richard T. Agretto, director of special education; Scott T. Gilliland, director of facilities and operations; Joseph Santoro, principal, Broughal Middle School; Dr. Dean M. Donaher, principal, Liberty High School; Arif Fazil, district engineer (D’Huy Engineering, Inc.); and representatives from the press.

 

The following items were discussed:

 

OPEN FORUM –

 

Mr. Amato asked for an update on safety issues in our schools. Dr. Lewis indicated we have implemented everything discussed in prior meetings. Student fighting is a Level 4 in the code of conduct and is an expellable offense. After visits with cabinet and meeting with student representatives of our high schools the importance of safety and badges were discussed. Safety announcements on WLVT-TV are airing with five spots of school safety. Training for our hall monitors is scheduled for the near future. Dr. Lewis indicated that two additional monitors are being hired at Freedom. He stated that as a district we are bringing awareness to the situation.

 

Mrs. Leeson suggested to produce a “show box” of items such as (knives, plastic guns, etc.) to explain to students what will get them expelled from the Bethlehem Area School District should they choose to bring these types of items to school. Mr. Amato agreed with Mrs. Leeson’s suggestion.

 

Mr. Amato asked Dr. Lewis to find out from our solicitor what constitutes legal residency for Bethlehem Area School District students. Dr. Lewis stated that we interpret residency to mean that a child sleeps in this home daily. He further stated that it’s a Pennsylvania State Lawmaker’s issue. When students of the Bethlehem Area School District are discovered to be residing here illegally, we do take action to take the student off of our roles.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS –

 

None

 

AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MAY 21, 2007, REGULAR BOARD MEETING –

 

After discussion, the board committee agreed to bring the following agenda items to the May 21, 2007, Regular Board Meeting:

 

A.  Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Bituminous Paving – Freedom High School, East Hills Middle School, and Transportation Facility

B. Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Parking Lot Lighting – East Hills Middle School and Freedom High School

C. Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Floor Repairs – Fountain Hill and Freemansburg Elementary Schools, and Freedom High School.

D. Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Roof Repairs – Calypso and Fountain Hill Elementary Schools, and East Hills Middle School.

E.   Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Gymnasium Repairs – Fountain Hill Elementary School

F.   Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Boys and Girls Locker Room Repairs – Freedom High School

G.  Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds – Bids Opened May 8, 2007, Repairs and Recoating Tennis Courts– Freedom High School

H.   Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bids Opened May 10, 2007, General Construction – New Broughal Middle School

I.      Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bids Opened May 10, 2007, Electrical Construction – New Broughal Middle School

J.     Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bids Opened May 10, 2007, HVAC Construction – New Broughal Middle School

K.  Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bids Opened May 10, 2007, Plumbing Construction – New Broughal Middle School

L    Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Bids Opened May 10, 2007, Asbestos Removal – Broughal Middle School

M. New Broughal Middle School – PlanCon Part F Attachment C Submittal

N.       New Broughal Middle School – PlanCon G Submittal

O.       Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – New Broughal Middle School – Construction Testing

P. Execution of Developer’s Agreement with City of Bethlehem – New Broughal Middle School

Q.       Authorization to expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds – Freedom High School Additions Construction Project – Change Order                              

R.       Freedom High School Additions Construction Project – PlanCon I

            S. Agreement for Property at Farmersville Road and Freemansburg Avenue

            with Ashley Development Corporation

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS –

 

Mr. Gilliland explained the agenda items A through G is part of the Bethlehem Area School District Capital Improvements for 2007. The summer projects would begin June 5, 2007 and projected to end August 10, 2007. On May 10, 2007 the Broughal bids were received. Mr. Gilliland reviewed the bids and the various recommended alternates which will be put before the board for approval at the May 21, 2007 regular school board meeting.

 

 

Mr. Gilliland informed the board that the bids came in at about 8.5 percent higher than originally expected due to the volatility of the construction market at this time.

 

Mr. Gilliland reported that we are fortunate that the bids were not as high as other districts have experienced.

 

Mr. Majewski told the board he believes the district will need to borrow an additional $5.5 million in the next two to three years to fund the Broughal project in its entirety.

 

Dr. Lewis noted that the project costs translate to $211 per square foot. He reminded the board we are known for building quality buildings and paying our bills on time. He speculated that had this not been the case, the bids could have been much higher. Dr. Lewis further indicated that this is the most challenging building site out of the thirteen buildings he has been responsible for. He indicated the building presents numerous staging site, and subsurface restraints and complications for contractors as well as a complicated parking garage.

 

Mr. Amato mentioned the board was well aware of the ten to twelve percent increases projected. To come in at approximately 8 ½ percent is terrific.

 

Mrs. Leeson suggested since the bids are over budget she would recommend pulling out the greenhouse.

 

Mrs. Dexter asked Mr. Villani who will use the greenhouse for educational purposes and how are we developing the curriculum?

 

Mr. Villani responded that all three grades sixth, seventh, and eighth graders would have curriculum utilizing the greenhouse.

 

Mr. Santoro also indicated it would be used for a five week summer program with math, reading and environmental studies and teachers and committee members are developing curriculum.

 

Dr. Lewis reviewed a proposed agreement between Bethlehem Area School District and Ashley Development Corporation affecting the property at Farmersville and Freemansburg Avenues which is currently leased to a local farmer who maintains the vacant lot on our behalf. Ashley must conduct a traffic study for developing the PPL property along the river. The administration is recommending they provide all the aspects of curbing, egress, lighting, major intersection corrections, and appropriate infrastructure for utilities at absolutely no cost to Bethlehem Area School District. In return we would subdivide our property to allow for the re-alignment of Farmersville Road which Ashley is required to do. The board agreed to have it put on the May 21, 2007 board agenda.

 

It was noted that this would be a considerable savings to the district should they decide to build a school on this site.

 

Mrs. Rowe, who resides near the intersection, thanked Dr. Lewis for the initiative. It’s very much needed.

 

FREEDOM AND LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOLS PROJECT UPDATE

 

Mr. Gilliland reported Freedom and Liberty High School Projects are progressing nicely.

 

Dr. Lewis recommended that the board consider an invitation to tour and conduct the June 11, 2007 Facilities Committee Meeting in the Gallery of the Liberty High School Commons Building. Further consideration will be given to that invite.

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m.

 

 

Minutes prepared by:

 

__________________________________________________________

Joanne Carraghan, Secretary to the Director of Facilities and Operations

 

 

_____________________________________________

Scott T. Gilliland, Director of Facilities and Operations