North Penn approves $15,386 change order to repair HVAC leaks at Penn Dale Middle School

The North Penn School District Facilities and Operations Committee on May 27 approved a $15,385.70 change order for Gem Mechanical to repair additional HVAC leaks and replace failed components at Penn Dale Middle School.

Committee members said the extra work was discovered only after contractors opened the systems while performing previously authorized compressor replacements and refrigerant servicing. The change order covers repairs to circuits and replacement parts identified during vacuum testing of the systems.

Mister Lenski, a district staff member presenting the item, said, "This work was unforeseen prior to, to starting the work." Lenski told the committee that a vacuum test performed after the compressor replacement revealed additional leaks, three failed contactors that required replacement and a failed solenoid valve. He said the original bid covered compressor replacement and topping off refrigerant, but the vacuum test showed further work was necessary.

Mister Slaughter, a district facilities staff member who led the agenda items, noted the district has compressors of similar age elsewhere in its buildings and that the repairs will be added to the capital projects list for future full replacements. Lenski said the district is already tracking another leak on a fourth circuit and expects to return with a separate change order for that work.

Committee Chair Ms. McMurtry called the vote; committee members voiced their approval and the motion passed with no opposition.

The committee treated this item as an administrative change order to restore building cooling ahead of summer use, and no additional policy actions were taken at the meeting.