School committee approves high school roof bid, recommends 30-year option pending council funding

The Portsmouth School Committee voted unanimously to award the Fort Smith High School roof repair and replacement contract to Commercial Roofing and Contracting and recommended the board and town pursue the contractor's 30-year roofing option.

The vote followed a report from the Capital Subcommittee that Commercial Roofing and Contracting was the lowest bidder in a five-bid procurement. The subcommittee recommended accepting an add-alternate that upgrades the roof system from a single-ply “20-year” membrane to a two-ply “30-year” membrane to extend the expected useful life.

The recommendation and award are contingent on Town Council approval of project funding. The committee discussed financing options, including using capital reserves and seeking state emergency recovery assistance for projects that bridge fiscal years.

“The 30 year roof is a 2 ply roof, 20 year roof is a single ply roof,” said Senator George, a school committee member, explaining the committee’s preference for the longer-life system. “This particular roof…is a mechanical roof, meaning that we have to go up there often to do service on a lot of the equipment on the roof…A 30 year roof for the short money considering your return on investment, it’s a no brainer, in my opinion.”

Committee members noted the district will seek Town Council approval for the funding request at an upcoming council meeting; Town staff member Mr. Raynor was preparing to have the matter placed on the council agenda. Committee members also discussed potential state recovery reimbursement: the district may apply for emergency recovery funds up to $500,000 per year, of which approximately 40% would be reimbursed to the municipality for eligible, bridged projects.

Committee members said the award covers the A, B, C and D buildings, plus the auditorium and band area. It does not include recently replaced sections (library/cafeteria), the newer G wing, or an older E wing that has a pitched roof and has not shown problems in the current leakage cycle.

Capital Subcommittee members said the work could begin as early as the end of the school year, with a preference to start sooner if logistics (including staging and parking) can be arranged.

The committee recorded a 7-0 vote to approve awarding the bid to Commercial Roofing and Contracting and to strongly recommend the 30-year option when presenting the funding request to the Town Council.

The school administration said it will present the committee’s recommendation and cost estimate to the Town Council and pursue the final financing decisions with councilors. No additional contingency amounts beyond the contractor bid were specified at the meeting.

Committee members thanked the Capital Subcommittee and school staff for their work in developing the bids and bringing the recommendation forward.