Trustees approve award of Big Sky High HVAC project pending final negotiation

Trustees voted unanimously to approve awarding the Big Sky High School HVAC upgrade project, pending successful negotiations with Garden City Plumbing. Facilities staff told the board the base bid was $36,200 and that accepting three alternates would bring the total project to $144,700.

Mr. Mccobilly, the district's project presenter, said the project was bid over the previous weeks and bids were opened the day of the meeting. He described the scope as replacing several cabinet heaters that predate the original building, upgrading controls in the administration wing, and replacing units in girls' locker and weight rooms. "We are making a recommendation to award the project, pending a successful negotiation with Garden City Plumbing," he said.

Vice Chair Walker Andrews asked the presenter to repeat the amounts; Mccobilly confirmed a $36,200 base bid and a $144,700 total if three alternates are accepted. Trustee Hayes asked whether the new units would prevent smoke from entering the building; the presenter replied the replacements are standalone units that will draw fresh air via the gymnasium air handlers and "it's not gonna help prevent keeping smoke in there any more than it does now." Vice Chair Garris asked about funding; staff said the work will be paid from permissive levy funds allocated in prior years, and a similar project at Hellgate is planned for a future board meeting.

The motion to approve the recommendation to award the project was moved by Trustee Wake and seconded by Vice Chair Garris. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees noted the award is subject to successful contract negotiation and did not provide additional conditions during the meeting.