Novi Board approves $875,000 contingency increase for structural steel and fire-safety work

The Novi Community School District Board of Education on Jan. 13 approved an $875,000 increase in project contingency to cover unforeseen structural steel reinforcement and additional fire‑safety work uncovered during demolition of a building being repurposed.

The change order was approved by a 7‑0 vote after district staff described conditions exposed during renovation work that required structural engineer review and recommendations. "We uncovered some unforeseen conditions primarily dealing with the absence of structural steel, that jeopardized the structural integrity of the roof," a district staff member said during the meeting.

The superintendent's office told the board the remedy includes reinforcement of roof bracing and fire blocking in soffits around the building perimeter. The board was asked to fund the work from the district's owner contingency account; staff said adequate funds exist in that line. Trustee Betsy Beaudwine moved the motion and Trustee Mary Anne Rooney seconded; the motion passed 7‑0.

Trustee Paul Cook pressed staff on whether the recommended fix could be a short‑term solution, asking whether the reinforcement would be "kicking the can down the road." A staff member who was present (identified in the meeting as Mr. Donnelley) said the district's structural engineer evaluated options and recommended the current approach as a permanent solution rather than a temporary repair. "I do not feel that we're kicking the can down the road," he said.

Beaudwine told the board she appreciated that staff presented the additional work as a single lump‑sum increase rather than multiple small change orders, calling that clearer for the public. Trustee Cook and others acknowledged additional, more extensive rebuild options would likely be sturdier but would also be significantly more expensive.

The board approved the measure as presented. District staff said the work is largely complete or near completion of demolition and evaluation, and that the change orders address conditions exposed during that work.

What the board approved: an $875,000 increase in project contingency to cover structural steel reinforcement and fire‑safety change orders, funded from the owner contingency account.

The board did not set an alternative schedule or additional conditions beyond approving the funding.

Ending: District staff said they would continue to report to the board on project status and final costs as the renovation moves toward completion.