Committee debates replacing three school lifts and a new elevator as alternates; decision deferred

The Middletown Building Committee on July 16 reviewed alternate pricing related to the elementary school complex (referred to in the meeting as Dahlia Elementary) and debated whether to replace three existing vertical lifts and whether to add a new two‑stop elevator adjacent to the nurse's suite.

Justin, an owner's representative, reported the new two‑stop elevator and associated infrastructure was priced at $733,701. He said the elevator noted in the estimate includes significant structural underpinning and infrastructure work. Justin also reported that replacing all three existing lifts was priced at about $138,000, separate from an amount already budgeted for repairs to the existing lifts.

Several committee members and staff weighed operation and accessibility factors. One member said the existing lifts are primarily used to move supplies and materials; custodial staff reported two lifts work consistently and one has occasional issues. Another member urged replacement now to avoid operational disruptions for staff and students, saying a modern, enclosed lift would serve either permanent or temporary mobility needs.

Sean Brown, the town administrator, and other committee members emphasized timing and phasing: roofing and other work tied to project phasing may require decisions months in advance to secure contractors and equipment. Justin recommended decisions about roofs be made by year end for summer work; lift replacements would require a several‑month lead time before the chosen construction summer.

The committee did not act on approvals at the meeting; members agreed to defer final decisions. Justin said the project team will gather input from principals (the high‑school principal was absent) and that more precise costs will be available as GMPs are finalized. The item will return to the committee agenda.