Committee reviews elementary‑school alternates: elevator, lifts and roof testing draw cost questions

At its July 16 meeting the Billing Committee received an update on alternate work for the elementary school complex (referred to at the meeting as Dahlia Elementary), including pricing and schedule implications for a new elevator, replacement of existing lifts and roof system testing.

The owner’s representative said alternates labeled 1a through 1e are trending under the 60% construction‑document budget; other alternates vary. Greenwood Industries will perform an adhesion test to determine whether a fully adhered roofing system can meet the specifications, the presenter said. The project team said a mechanically fastened roof is not feasible given the existing substrate and that the adhesion test results will determine final pricing and whether a 20‑year or a requested 40‑year warranty is feasible.

The team reported a $733,701 estimate for a two‑stop elevator that would be located adjacent to the nurse’s suite; the presenter clarified the elevator equipment itself is only part of that cost and that a substantial portion is infrastructure and structural work to install it. Justin (presenting project costs) also said Bentley priced replacement of all three existing lifts at about $138,000 total; the presenter contrasted that figure with the currently budgeted amount set aside for repairs to the existing lifts (figure discussed at the meeting contained a transcription ambiguity and was not confirmed during the session).

Committee members debated whether to replace the lifts now or defer until phase decisions are finalized. Sean Brown, town administrator (as identified earlier in roll call), and other members pressed for input from the school principal to learn how often the lifts are used by students versus staff, and recommended staff gather that operational input before a final decision. The committee directed staff to gather principal input and to revisit the decision at a subsequent meeting; no approval or appropriation was requested at the July 16 meeting.

Why it matters: Elevator and lift work affects accessibility and long‑term maintenance obligations; timing affects trade procurement, seasonal work windows and how alternates are phased into the Guaranteed Maximum Price decision-making.

What’s next: Project staff said they will return with adhesion‑test results, principal input on lift usage, and updated costs; the committee will consider alternates when GMPs are finalized.