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Bond projects: pool filling, chillers arriving and punch-list work continues at Ralston schools
Summary
District staff reported Sept. 8 that the pool painting is finished and being filled, new chillers are on site for later installation, intruder alarms and intercoms are live at some sites, and about $3.5 million in committed bond funds remain for outstanding work and punch-list items.
District facilities staff updated the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education Sept. 8 on bond-funded construction and maintenance work across the district, saying several projects are near completion but punch-list work will continue into late fall.
What staff reported: The district said the high-school pool interior painting is finished and the pool is being filled; a new pool boiler must be brought up to operating temperature before regular use. Two new chillers were delivered to the site and will be installed when seasonal conditions allow — staff said mid-to-late October was a likely window for full HVAC installation. Card readers and intruder alarms are nearly complete; the intercom is functioning and school bells are restored.
Ongoing items and timing: Staff told the board they expect punch-list activity to continue through November and December. Bloomfield Elementary has a drain/backup repair and associated repair and drying work; the district is considering bringing a third-party contractor in to balance HVAC performance at that building because utility consumption is running higher than expected despite new units.
Money remaining and planning: As of Aug. 31, staff reported about $18.4 million in bond proceeds received and approximately $3.5 million in remaining committed funds. Administrators said they will provide a more detailed, itemized plan for remaining projects at the next meeting and separate projects into work the district can do internally (to save contractor markups) versus those needing competitive bids.
Arbitrage and longer-term planning: Staff explained an estimated arbitrage figure of about $1.5 million tied to bond proceeds, but said the final calculation depends on the timing of expenditures. The district is working with bond advisers to minimize any required arbitrage payments to the federal government by timing expenditures appropriately.
Roofs and future bidding: Staff said large roof tear-off and replacement projects (examples given: Wildwood and Meadows) will require careful timing and potentially multiple bid packages to avoid capacity shortages from single contractors; historically, contractors provide the most competitive bids in winter months when they plan next-year schedules.
Ending: Facilities staff emphasized the district is near the end of major building work but will continue targeted projects and monitoring, and that administrators will present an itemized list of proposed remaining work and funding use at a future meeting.
