District says HVAC retrofit design complete but permits, utility timeline could delay work

Emmett Independent District staff updated the board on the EMS heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) project, saying design work is complete but the district still needs state and city permit approvals and a utility service agreement before major on-site work begins.

The update, delivered by district staff member Mister Kimball, said the district has submitted permit applications to the city and the state and is seeking a waiver of certain review fees for public schools. Kimball said the state reviews plumbing, mechanical and electrical plans and that comments from that review could require small changes to the design. He added long-lead HVAC equipment has been ordered and will be staged once permits are approved.

The issue matters because the district plans to phase work to reduce classroom disruptions and has budgeted based on the current design. Kimball said the district would present a finalized budget to the board “in the coming weeks” and cautioned that permit comments could raise costs modestly — he used an example that a final budget might grow from “100%” to “105%” if reviewers impose additional requirements. A board member asked about a recent invoice of roughly $131,000; Kimball said that invoice covers completed design services and that the district will provide a detailed breakdown on request.

Trustees heard that Idaho Power’s timeline for providing upgraded service is uncertain; Kimball described Idaho Power as the “weak link” in the schedule because the utility has not committed to a firm date for bringing the new service online. Staff said they have talked with Idaho Power but do not yet have a timeline. District staff highlighted a mitigation plan: they intend to start work in the district’s Tech Building (former wood shop) first because sufficient electrical capacity exists there.

Kimball described summer site work already completed: tree removal between buildings, fencing to secure the construction footprint and plans for privacy screening that may not be finished before students return. He said crews will schedule noisy or disruptive work for evenings and weekends once interior work begins to minimize impact on classes. Staff said there remain unknowns in the main building because some historic drawings are missing and hidden conditions behind walls could increase scope or cost.

Board members asked about payment processes; Kimball said architectural and design invoices are submitted and paid when work milestones are completed rather than paid in advance. He told the board staff will provide an itemized invoice showing what design tasks the recent payment covered.

Looking ahead, staff said permits must clear before major interior installation starts, and that the district will present a detailed budget and schedule at a future meeting.