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District to consider Red Cross shelter agreement for middle school; elevator electrical work quote updated
Summary
The district reviewed a draft agreement with the American Red Cross to use the middle school as a long-term shelter in a large-scale disaster, and operations staff reported an updated elevator electrical/HVAC quote that is about $10,000 higher than the initial estimate.
District operations staff announced they will recommend a memorandum of understanding with the American Red Cross that would designate Eastern Middle School as a potential long-term shelter in the event of a major regional disaster and reported an updated elevator service quote for additional electrical and HVAC work.
Operations and police staff described two recent short-term shelter activations at Paxinosa Elementary (for a Ferry Street fire and a Lafayette Hotel fire) and said the middle school’s single‑level layout, cafeteria and shower/restroom facilities make it suitable for longer-term sheltering needs. “Twice within the last 3 years we've been requested to provide shelter to members of our community,” a district official said.
The draft agreement includes a pet addendum to provide an area for residents’ pets (service and guide animals are exempt and would remain with owners). Staff said the Red Cross brings most logistics and resources when it sets up a shelter and that the district’s custodial and security teams have supported recent activations; the draft MOU has been reviewed by the district solicitor and will be recommended for approval at the next board meeting.
On capital work: staff said an earlier board agenda included a quote for additional elevator-related electrical and HVAC work. The vendor updated the price on short notice; the new total is approximately $55,000 (about $10,000 more than the previously published estimate). Staff said the increase is related to supplier and tariff issues and that the revised price remains within the capital-improvement plan budget.
Ending: staff said the Red Cross MOU and the revised elevator quote will be brought forward for formal approval at the board meeting scheduled next month.
