Peck School near completion; contractor to provide extended window workmanship warranty after failed tests

The Holyoke City Building Committee heard a construction update on progress at Peck School, learned that recent window air-and-water tests failed and were remediated at no cost to the city, and set a ribbon-cutting date as the project moves toward final inspections.

Chris, a project representative, told the committee the contractor is finishing site and interior work and that "the quality of the workmanship that's going into the school is, is very good. We've had no issues, to date with the work, and it continues to proceed, accordingly." He said roughly "80 to a 100 workers on-site depending on the day" and that about "95% of the casework has been installed." Flooring, ceilings, lighting, the wood gym floor and climbing wall are in place, and furniture and loose equipment deliveries are scheduled for July, with setup and training planned in July and early August.

The update included required energy-code and window testing. Chris said the building will undergo a full blower-door (air leakage) test required under the new state energy code before the building department issues a certificate of occupancy, and preliminary tests "were very positive." On window testing he said the team conducts random air-and-water tests (two windows per 25% installed) and that "the last 2 windows we were testing, both had failed." He said Pella and the installer identified the defects, performed remedial work, and re-tested.

On cost, Chris answered a committee question directly: "There is not" any extra cost to the city for the window remediation. He said the manufacturer and contractor performed corrective work on installed units and removed trim where necessary to apply required sealant.

To provide longer-term assurance, Fontaine Brothers (the contractor) offered to extend workmanship coverage: the contractor will provide a 10-year workmanship warranty for window work in addition to the manufacturer's 20-year window warranty and will perform annual inspections. Chris said this will be documented and reviewed with the OPM team and the school department.

Committee members asked about ordinary warranties and maintenance: Chris said products have manufacturer warranties and public-works projects carry a standard one-year workmanship warranty; routine operation and maintenance requirements and recommended service contracts will be detailed in the project's O&M manuals and covered in owner training prior to turnover. He said MSBA follow-up and commissioning checks will continue after occupancy, including a commissioning agent visit about 10 months after the building is in operation.

The committee also reviewed near-term schedule items. A final roof inspection with the roofing manufacturer and consultant is scheduled for the coming Monday, furniture deliveries are expected July 7–11, loose equipment deliveries begin after July 1, and staff training on systems is planned in late July into early August. The committee set the ribbon-cutting for August 14 at 2 p.m., with a rain date of August 15 at 10 a.m., and agreed to continue meetings until the project is closed out (likely transitioning to less frequent meetings over the following year).

Votes at the meeting were procedural: the committee approved the May 8 meeting minutes (motion by Anthony; second by Dave; unanimous voice vote) and approved a motion to adjourn at the end of the session (motion by Anthony; second by Dave; unanimous voice vote).