Facilities update: site study for Sheehan athletic complex, boilers arriving at Lyman Hall, concerns raised about Cook Hill portables

Facilities staff reported multiple project updates at the Feb. 10 operations meeting, including a civil-engineering study for the Mark T. Sheehan athletic complex, a pending boiler feed-tank installation at Lyman Hall, and continuing concerns about portable classrooms at Cook Hill.

Mark Deptula (facilities) said Titan Environmental’s civil-engineering report for the northern end of the Mark T. Sheehan athletic complex reached conclusions similar to District staff’s prior findings and recommended work to separate field drainage from the site wetlands — including excavation of wetland areas and rerouting the seasonal (dry) stream to flow directly to the wetlands rather than mingling with field drainage. Deptula said he will research whether state agencies (DEP) have performed similar work in other communities and whether state assistance would be available; if necessary the district will go out to bid.

On building systems, Deptula reported Lyman Hall’s third boiler is piped and ready but that the boiler-feed system requires a new feed tank and three pumps; staff expect delivery and installation of the feed tank by the end of the month after which the third boiler will be fully operational.

Board members raised alarm over Cook Hill portable classrooms. One board member recounted a parent’s report that an adult stepped through a classroom floor recently; Deptula said past problems have been caused by dry rot and shell leaks that allow water intrusion into plywood subfloors and that staff repair individual issues as they are found. Board members asked for a more proactive inspection program. Deptula said the town building department is not charged with that inspection type and that an engineering study would be required; the superintendent and staff agreed to investigate, verify recent repair records and provide an update to the Board within the week.

Other updates: the school sign shipment was damaged and is on hold, lockboxes were installed but additional key sets are still outstanding at police request, and the district received a preliminary plan from Silver Petrucelli & Associates for the 444 Fayetteville Boulevard project (adult education, Wallingford Transition Academy and central office) with an aggressive schedule aimed at fall 2025 occupancy for those programs. Staff noted the district’s lease for current offices runs through April 2026 and that the district is discussing potential earlier lease termination with town attorneys and the landlord.

Committee members requested that staff follow up with the town building inspector or commission an engineering inspection of the portables and report findings back to the Board.