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School committee narrowly approves $11,127 change to standardize plumbing fixtures
Summary
The School Building Committee approved a $11,127 change order to replace specified plumbing fixtures with the district's Sloan standard after a divided vote and discussion about procurement rules and future reimbursement.
The School Building Committee on an 5-2 vote approved a $11,127 change order to replace the plumbing fixtures specified in the Norton elementary school contract with the Sloan fixtures used across the district. Chris Dadde moved the measure and the motion passed after a roll-call vote.
The change was requested by district facilities staff to "conform all plumbing fixtures to the school department standard," said Vin, a school staff member, during the meeting. Vin told the committee the estimated construction cost came in at $10,008 and the committee was being asked to approve the additional ONG markup that brings the PCO to $11,127.
Committee members debated procurement and long-term operations. "This is the beginning of a slippery slope," said Dennis Ryu, a School Building Committee member, explaining his vote against the change. "I think the minute that we start nitpicking what the contractor is trying to provide for the project, we probably start ending up in trouble." Chuck Neff, also a committee member, said he would vote no: "I'm good with what we have."
Supporters said standardizing fixtures produces operational benefits. "Sloan has been the standard in our schools for many years," Vin said. He said spare parts inventory and the ability to swap parts between schools were important reasons to standardize. Justin Hopkins of Tekton Architects added that the original bidding process required alternates and that the contractors submitted or-equal products under the required process.
Committee staff said state procurement rules changed and that the state no longer requires preauthorization for sole-source approvals, which shifts certain determinations to local authorities. Dustin, a staff member, told the committee that district reimbursement specialists believe the change order is likely reimbursable at 50% by the state when submitted for audit.
Roll-call votes recorded at the meeting: Chris Dadde (yes), Sean Kimball (yes), Chuck Neff (no), Dennis Ryu (no), Megan Rockwell (yes), Greg Rosenblatt (yes), Sarah Stevens Morling (yes); Jeff Solon was not present. The motion passed.
