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Committee approves multiple school construction and maintenance contracts; Brookside HVAC, Tracy upgrades, asbestos abatement among items passed
Summary
The Land Use and Building Management Committee unanimously approved a package of contracts and project authorizations related to school building repairs, HVAC upgrades and school-construction technology, and also authorized contingency allowances for two municipal construction projects.
At its Feb. 5 meeting the Land Use and Building Management Committee unanimously approved a series of construction contracts, change-order authorizations and contingency allowances tied to Norwalk Public Schools projects and city facility work.
Key approvals included agreements to remove underground oil storage tanks at Brookside and Tracy elementary schools; an asbestos floor-tile abatement and replacement project at Fox Run Elementary; a Tracy School air-conditioning and electrical upgrades contract; selection of a construction manager for five HVAC-improvement school projects; a contractor award for Brookside’s HVAC project; and approval of a technology package for South Norwalk School. The committee also approved owner construction contingency allowances for the new Norwalk Community Recreation Center at 98 South Main Street and for the Cranbury Park Gallagher Mansion project.
Highlights and outcomes
- Underground oil tank removal and boiler conversion (Brookside and Tracy): Committee authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with B & W Paving and Landscaping LLC to remove underground oil tanks at Brookside Elementary (state project 103-0266CV) and at Tracy Elementary and convert boilers/igniters where required; total contract not to exceed $587,000 with state reimbursement at an indicated 60 percent rate. Motion moved by Greg Burnett; vote unanimous.
- Fox Run asbestos abatement: Committee certified final plans, project manual and cost estimate for Fox Run Elementary School asbestos floor tile abatement and replacement (state project 103-0268CV) and approved the pre-construction submission to the state as required. Motion moved by Nicole Eady; vote unanimous.
- Tracy School air-conditioning and electrical upgrades: The committee authorized a contract with Olympus Construction (a division of Cataruzza LLC) for Tracy School HVAC and electrical upgrades, not to exceed $526,800, and authorized change orders up to $52,680. Motion moved by Council member (Miss) Harris; vote unanimous. Project uses a mix of electrical upgrades and window/mini‑split units based on classroom needs.
- Construction manager for five school HVAC projects: The committee authorized awarding preconstruction/construction-management services to Newfield Construction Group LLC for five HVAC-improvement projects (Rowayton [Row 8?], Naramake, Marvin, Silvermine and Brien McMahon High School) with listed preconstruction fees and contingency/fee percentages; committee moved by Nicole Ayres; vote unanimous.
- Brookside HVAC contractor: The committee approved an agreement with F & F Mechanical Enterprises Inc. for Brookside Elementary School HVAC improvements, not to exceed $2,084,000, with change orders capped at $208,400. Staff said rooftop units are in failing condition and the contractor has been vetted; motion moved by Greg Burnett; vote unanimous.
- South Norwalk School technology package: Committee authorized state-contract purchases for LAN switches, phone system, digital signage and visitor-management software for South Norwalk Elementary School for a combined total of approximately $217,000; motion moved by Greg Burnett; vote unanimous.
- Owner contingency allowances: The committee approved owner construction contingency allowances of $423,329 for the Norwalk Community Recreation Center (Newfield Construction Group) and $125,640 for the Cranbury Park Gallagher Mansion improvement project (Downs Construction Company, LLC). Motions moved by Nicole Eady and Nicole Ayres, respectively; votes unanimous.
Several members and staff noted the complexity of phasing, equipment lead times and state reimbursement timing for the broader HVAC grant program. City staff said equipment delivery windows and the sequencing of multi‑site work require detailed scheduling and that some full-project installations may take more than one summer to complete; preconstruction services were authorized to assist scheduling and phasing decisions.
Outcome: All items were approved by unanimous committee vote and will move to the Common Council where required for final action or mayoral signature per the administrative process.
