Board debates chiller design fee and weighs multiple capital projects including Whittier playground and softball-field lighting

Board members spent substantial time on March 31 discussing several facilities and capital projects, with debate focusing on the scope, cost and procurement path for a chiller replacement and related mechanical work.

At issue was whether the district should pay for an architect-designed RFP for the McNichols chiller. Director Casey urged a "like-for-like" procurement and criticized an estimated $64,000 design fee, saying those costs could be avoided by having contractors provide assessments. District staff and the owner’s representative cautioned that the chiller is 30 years old, the building’s HVAC components and distribution may not support a simple swap and alternative solutions (for example variable refrigerant flow systems) might be more efficient over time. "There's a lot of different variables ... we may need to design — we may not even need a chiller," a staff presenter said.

The board directed staff to gather more information, including assessments from the district’s HVAC contractor and interested vendors, and to include findings in the next board packet.

Other facilities items discussed:

- Scranton High interior vestibule doors: staff recommended awarding a $11,030 contract to Kelly Brothers to integrate remaining doors with the badge system.

- Whittier playground and parking: staff said moving the playground to the existing parking area and paving across an alley would cost about $500,000. The playground itself is funded by a Valley in Motion grant; relocating the parking would require a separate capital allocation and coordination with city/state authorities because the alley and adjacent street usage involve municipal and state roads.

- West Intermediate ceiling change orders: staff recommended approving four change orders (GCCO005, MCCO003, ECCO007, PCCO004) totaling $80,133.81 to remove acoustical lay-in ceiling tiles and provide an open ceiling in the gym, a scope that staff said is more appropriate for an athletic facility.

- Scranton High softball-field lighting: water intrusion damaged underground electrical lines and lighting controls; staff reported an estimated 900 feet of damaged 500 MCM cable and about $40,000 in wiring-material costs so far. The district has submitted a claim to its carrier and is awaiting a response; staff said they will solicit contractors to repair the wiring and replace lights if the claim is denied.

Why it matters: The chiller decision affects long-term maintenance costs and building performance; the Whittier and softball-lighting items pose both safety and operational implications and may require capital funding or insurance recovery. The board requested additional technical assessments and competitive input before approving large design or construction expenditures.

Ending: Staff will obtain HVAC vendor assessments, provide cost-comparison options in the next packet and report back on insurance responses and any city/state permitting needed for the Whittier parking scenario.