District moves forward on turf bid packages and recommends HVAC/roof upgrades at Boyertown Elementary

Consultants from CHA (formerly Dewey Engineering) presented updates on two facilities projects: a bid package for new synthetic turf at Memorial Stadium and an adjacent practice field, and a mechanical/electrical/roof study for Boyertown Elementary School.

Turf field update Chris Holler, project manager for CHA, outlined a base bid that would replace turf at the stadium and include a second field (Field 1) as part of the base. The base package as presented included lining for football, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse, two‑tone turf surfacing, underdrain and stormwater systems, removable netting at both ends, relocation of throwing events (shot put and discus), and provisions for owner‑provided bleachers and ADA access paths. The consultants described several alternates bidders would price separately, including: treating earthwork as unclassified (contractor assumes all subsurface unknowns), using a Brock (organic) infill instead of rubber/sand, extending the turf warranty from eight to ten years, and a deduct alternate to remove Field 1 from the contract.

CHA estimated a total project cost (base bid plus soft costs and escalation) of roughly $7.2 million to $7.5 million if both fields are included. They estimated a possible $2.5–3.0 million deduct if Field 1 were removed, which would put a one‑field scenario in the neighborhood of $4.5–5.0 million (CHA called these figures approximate and tied to bid day results and alternates). Holler said the design team was seeking municipal and conservation permits and recommended waiting for permits before bidding; anticipated bid timing was late summer/early fall (September–October) with construction in summer 2026 to minimize conflicts with athletics.

Board concerns and clarifications Board members and the public asked about netting and safety for nearby homes, maintenance equipment and warranties, underdrain/stormwater design, and vendor options. CHA confirmed netting would be included and sized to protect homes behind the end zones; grooming/maintenance equipment and manufacturer responsibilities for impact testing through warranty periods were stated to be part of the base bid. CHA listed four likely turf manufacturers to be offered in the open bid process: FieldTurf, AstroTurf, SprintTurf and Shaw.

Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof study CHA presented four HVAC options for Boyertown Elementary and recommended a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system paired with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) and a natural‑gas feed for the DOAS (administration recommended accommodating future gas needs). CHA said this approach offered the best energy savings while avoiding wholesale replacement of newer equipment. The study also recommended a new single‑ply roof (TPO recommended, with EPDM as an alternate) and electrical upgrades including replacement/upsizing of switchgear and a new outside generator. CHA estimated HVAC/electrical work at about $7.3 million, roofing at about $5.1 million (including a budget line for the Mansard), and an all‑in estimate near $15.2 million with soft costs and escalation; CHA advised splitting major work across the summers of 2026 and 2027 to address lead times and minimize school disruption.

Next steps CHA and district facilities staff said they would return when permits are complete and before bids are issued to present final bid packages and schedules. Administration said the board could be asked in March to authorize CHA’s design contract so design and bid procurement could proceed. CHA noted contingency and escalation in its estimates and that final costs will depend on contractor bids and alternates chosen.