Board to consider $87,833 fire‑alarm replacement at Martarelli Stadium to meet NFPA 72

North Hills buildings and grounds staff asked the board on June 5 to add to the legislative agenda a recommendation to replace the fire alarm system at the Martarelli Stadium Athletic Complex to comply with current NFPA 72 standards.

Upgrading the aging system matters because the existing system dates to 2001 and is not up to current code; replacement will bring the press box, field house and visitor bleacher areas into compliance and will be paid from the capital projects fund.

Mike Santucci, buildings and grounds liaison, said the existing system “is original to the complex dating back to 02/2001” and that fire alarm systems typically have a 10‑ to 15‑year life span. He said the district solicited proposals in April and that Firefighter Sales and Service was selected — the company “submitted the second lowest proposal” but was chosen because of “prior excellent workmanship and customer service with the North Hills School District,” and because Westview Borough Code Enforcement Officer Richard Rapp “gave a glowing recommendation.” Santucci said the current system “is not up to current NFPA 72 code” and the proposed replacement would update equipment and add required devices to meet NFPA 72.

The budgetary impact presented to the board was $87,833 for removal and installation of the new hardware, to be covered by the capital projects fund. Santucci moved the item to the legislative agenda; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The district indicated a desire to standardize fire alarm equipment districtwide; work began last year with an overhaul of the middle school system by the same vendor.