BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2007
Dr. Craig Haytmanek, school board president, called the meeting of the Board Facilities Committee to order at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, in the Dining Room of the Education Center. Present were School Board Members Michele Cann, Charlene Koch, Diane Rowe, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Loretta Leeson, Judith Dexter, and William Heske. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Robert R. Gross III, associate superintendent; Thomas K. Washington, director of student services; Scott T. Gilliland, director of facilities and operations; Dr. Dean M. Donaher, director of special programs and athletics; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; JoAnn S. Durante, principal of Liberty High School; Arif Fazil, district engineer (DÕHuy Engineering, Inc.); Sharon Montayne, solicitor; and representatives from the press.
The following items were discussed:
COURTSEY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS Ð
The board extended courtesy of the floor regarding agenda item 1, home field side request, to hear all of the public input.
The following people addressed the committee with comments:
Linda Hunsicker, 910 West Market Street, Bethlehem, PA
Bill Ruth, 3705 Trythall Street, Bethlehem
Jane Prestess, 28 West Minister Avenue, Bethlehem
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem
Patrick Buss, 4282 Kathy Drive, Bethlehem
Greg Marcincin, 1330 Madison Avenue, Bethlehem
Meghan Fluck, 312 Summit Street, Bethlehem
Bill Shollenberger, 3257 Regency Court, Bethlehem
Robert ÒRockyÓ Sawyer, 4271 Kathy Drive, Bethlehem (Liberty Board Student Representative)
Gail Justice, 1619 Linden Street, Bethlehem
Kathy Halkins, 968 Rainbow Drive, Bethlehem
Jason Roeder, 610 Barclay Drive, Bethlehem (Freedom Football Coach)
Andrea Harvey, 3535 Manor Road, Bethlehem
Maryann Liberati, 3547 Hecktown Road, Bethlehem (Spring Garden Teacher)
Victoria Edwards, 4070 Hunter Court, Bethlehem
Fred Harris, 1360 Armstrong Road, Bethlehem (Freedom Athletic Director)
Samuel Senneca, 4450 Pond View Court, Bethlehem (Liberty Athletic Director)
Margo Gaines, no address given
Stephen Antalics, a 1947 Liberty graduate stated that there was no logical issue with switching sides. He continued to suggest that both schools appeal to the district to build a field or stadium for Freedom as they [school board] were already spending $700 million on renovations. He said it was a matter of equal rights, and the school district could afford it as they had Òbig, fat, deep pocketsÓ.
Mrs. Leeson then suggested the school district build another press box on the other side of the stadium since the chains in the stadium seem to be creating the problem; both sides would then be equal. She proceeded to ask Arif Fazil if he could come up with a rough estimate or idea of how much a new press box would cost.
Mrs. Rowe agreed with her stating that equality was the issue and liked the idea of building another press box.
Dr. Craig Haytmanek suggested that Freedom may sit on the home side of the field for all games except the Freedom vs. Liberty football game. He also stated that he would bring it before the board in a future meeting.
Mrs. Leeson stated that it was not about the boardÕs decision, but about the tradition. She suggested looking to the community to answer the question, not the board members.
SUMMER PROJECTS UPDATE Ð
Mr. Gilliland utilized a PowerPoint presentation to show board members the progression and/or completion of the summer projects. The upgrades included roofing, flooring, tennis court resurfacing, lighting, ceilings, new lockers, site lighting, and paving at various school locations.
Mrs. Rowe questioned the carpet tiles used at Freedom. Why they were used rather then traditional carpet?
Mr. Gilliland said that they wear better then regular carpet, are mold and mildew resistant, and also can be replaced easily if necessary. He continued on to explain that if a carpet square was to be damaged that it could be easily lifted and replaced as the glue stays tacky. One square could be replaced rather then the whole carpeting.
Mrs. Koch asked if the corners lift easily as she remembers carpets being duct taped together in her school.
Mr. Fazil explained that the cause of this is the failure of the seams and that with the 18Ó or 12Ó square tiles, this will be prevented as the carpet has more flexibility with the tile-type design.
Mr. Gilliland continued to thank the school board for approval of the ongoing projects. He believes that they are prioritizing correctly and doing the right projects. He then noted that line painting was done at some elementary schools were it was much needed, painting was completed at various locations, and that the Klein Center was moved to the commons building.
Mr. Gilliland noted the completion of fire system testing, fire extinguisher testing, pressure vessel testing, and water testing with Phase II of air quality testing to commence in January 2008.
DISCUSSION ITEMS Ð
Mr. Gilliland explained agenda items A through C for discussion for the September 17, 2007, Regular Board Meeting.
Dr. Lewis stated that for the record, the figure of $700 million was not accurate and is not what has been expended. He is proud of what has been done to the school district and did not want the public mislead as to where the tax dollars were going.
Mr. Fazil explained agenda item A, Liberty High School Campus Access Control Plan, in further detail for the school board. Items discussed included the Smart Card Access for personnel, LibertyÕs 107 access doors, and the location of the steel gates and fences. He said that if approved, there would be motorized gates on the Lab Center, Klein Center, and Stadium entrance. He further stated that in case of an emergency, such as a fire, the gates would automatically open. Call boxes would be installed at the Klein Center, Lab Center, and the rear parking area. Teachers would have access to enter these areas with a Smart Card.
Mrs. Leeson questioned the ÒbandÓ drop-off area. She wanted to make sure that it was still there and accessible.
Mr. Fazil said that indeed it was, and in addition, the roads and buildings around that area have been improved. He explained that the stadium gates would have a 12-foot wide entrance and a call box to request access.
Mrs. Koch asked what would happen in the case of a fire. Would the fire engines be able to get in though the entrances?
Mr. Fazil stated that in case of a fire, all gates would open automatically as they would be hooked up electronically, and the gates would be wide enough for fire engines to fit through. The school district would also need approval from the fire marshal in order to complete this project. He said that this is a feasible project.
Mrs. Leeson asked why a fencing system was necessary. She also questioned the cost of locking the doors compared to the fencing system.
Dr. Lewis stated that he did not feel that just locking the doors was secure enough. The court yard would remain wide open if the fencing system around the perimeter of the campus was not in place. Anyone can just walk up to the doors and be let in by a student.
Ms. Dexter stated that it is easy to say what we need, but what about putting metal detectors in place? She felt that we are not addressing the security issues that we currently have. Ms. Dexter asked what specific concerns at Liberty need to be addressed. She mentioned that she understands that student fights, thefts, and other matters involving students within the buildings are the primary source of incidents. If Liberty is experiencing a problem with visitors, this has not been brought to the attention of the board.
Mr. Fazil explained that everyone would be recorded coming in and out of the building as there would be security cameras at the four main entrances. He cannot say that it will prevent anything, but it would certainly be a deterrent.
Mrs. Durante felt that the gates, if put intact, would need to be treated as hallways. They should be locked after 7:45 a.m. and students would only be allowed to enter though the main entrance. It would cut down on the amount of students coming in and out for lunch.
Dr. Lewis stated that the gating and fencing system was designed to contain the campus and students, and to keep people who did not belong off the property.
Mr. Gilliland stated the most secure systems are only as good as the people who use them. Freedom has the same type of access that we are currently looking to install at Liberty, and it works well there.
Dr. Lewis concluded that the school district was trying to be proactive, not reactive.
Mr. Fazil gave a brief explanation of the procedures utilized to develop a new five-year service contact with Johnson Controls.
Mr. Gilliland explained items A through D of agenda item C, Engineering Services Ð Capital Projects.
Mrs. Dexter asked if Mr. Fazil if DÕHuy Engineering Inc. could be the resident project engineer as well as the district engineer. She is worried about a conflict of interest as he Òcan approve anythingÓ and there is no third opinion available if he is the construction administrator as well as the project engineer.
Dr. Lewis then directed the question to Ms. Montayne, solicitor. She stated that they would need further clarification and would render a decision based on her findings.
Mr. Fazil added that there is a retainer contact in place. He can advise on certain projects and drawings. His company provides facility support services, advice, and guidance on issues. His job with the capital improvement projects is to prepare drawings, design, bid, award, and administer the contract. He would not provide the design work for projects in which he would be designated as the construction manager.
Mrs. Leeson recommended that a community committee be assembled to steer any future Nitschmann project. Dr. Lewis agreed to comply with Mrs. LeesonÕs recommendation.
Mrs. Koch added that nothing has been decided about the project to date.
Mrs. Leeson asked if anyone knew what the new school on the Freemansburg/Farmersville Road was going to be.
Dr. Lewis answered that nothing has been decided as far as what type of school it will be. However, a schematic plan needs to be developed prior to the start of infrastructure improvements. This will guarantee that these improvements will compliment whatever type of facility will be built on this property.
Mr. Fazil added that many items such as a traffic study, sanitary/sewer and storm water designs could hinder the project. Also, gas line, sidewalks, and power supply need to be taken into consideration.
Mrs. Rowe said that she supports AshleyÕs plans as we may need them in the near future with all of the development going on in the city and township. She also added that it is a small investment now that will payoff later.
Mrs. Koch asked that if we pay for the plans now, are we locked in.
Dr. Lewis answered that the township should not come back and change their minds; they could, but it is not likely. They are just accepting general parameters for the time being.
Mrs. Dexter questioned item B, the estimated project fee for the Northeast Middle School demolition.
Mr. Fazil informed her that the total estimated project cost is about $5,000,000 including fees and contingency.
Mrs. Dexter stated that she wanted engineering services for the project bid.
Dr. Lewis added that he would not recommend it, but it was a board decision. Opinions were expressed supporting the idea of keeping DÕHuy Engineering as engineers for the Northeast project.
Mrs. Dexter stated that she was still concerned with the conflict of interest with DÕ Huy Engineering Inc. and requested more information from them and from the solicitor.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2007, REGULAR BOARD MEETING Ð
After discussion, the board committee agreed to bring the following agenda items to the September 17, 2007, Regular Board Meeting:
A. Authorization the Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond Funds Ð Liberty High School Campus Access Control Plan
B. Automatic Temperature Control and Chiller Service Contract for HVAC Equipment in all School District Facilities
C. Engineering Services Ð Capital Projects
OPEN FORUM Ð
None
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
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Kristen M. Snyder, Secretary to the Director of Facilities and Operations
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Scott T. Gilliland, Director of Facilities and Operations