Board partially releases retainage to contractor on District Operations Center, holding balance for final completion

The Indianola Community School District board approved a partial release of project retainage for the District Operations Center after facilities staff reported substantial completion and an agreed punch list between the district, the construction manager and the architect.

Facilities staff told the board they had reviewed outstanding items — many related to doors and paperwork — and determined release of most retained funds would still leave a margin sufficient to cover completion if needed. "Envision already has laid out what it'll take. Bernie has talked with Graphite…about what remaining items are," a facilities committee member said.

Board members asked about legal obligations to release funds when a contractor reaches substantial completion. Staff said the district could keep retainage if justified, but that because the project reached the substantive milestone and the remaining funds exceed expected completion costs, staff recommended a partial release.

During the meeting the board moved to release $252,687 to Graphite Construction Group and leave $84,702.48 in retainage to cover remaining work and a 30‑day period before final payment, according to discussion and the motion on the record. The motion passed unanimously, 6 to 0.

Facilities staff said Graphite indicated it intends to complete outstanding items within weeks and the district hopes for final acceptance in January, after which the final retained amount would be processed following required hold periods.

Board members also heard updates on roofing questions for the high‑school addition and the baseball/softball renovation; facilities staff said in‑house work on dugouts and other items could reduce project costs before bidding.