Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves dust-collection contract; district updates on HVAC issues and generator bids
Summary
The board approved hiring Universal Construction to facilitate installation of a dust-collection system for the woodshop (motion passed 7-0). Staff reported ongoing HVAC issues at the elementary (compressor failure), generation bid timelines, and snow-removal planning; estimated costs for HVAC work were discussed but not finalized in the transcript.
The Hiawatha School Board approved a contract to move forward with a dust-collection system for the district woodshop and received updates on HVAC issues and generator bidding.
District staff presented an updated estimate for the dust-collection project and explained that the figure was lower than initially expected; staff said electrical work could be an additional charge paid separately or folded into bids. At the meeting administration recommended contracting with Universal Construction to facilitate the project. A motion to proceed with Universal Construction 'as presented' passed by voice vote and was recorded as 7-0.
During discussion teachers and staff described the current dust-collection system as antiquated and raised health concerns about particulates in classrooms and shop spaces. One staff member urged the board to view the upgrade as a student health and safety investment.
Separately, staff reported a compressor failure on a 4th-grade-side elementary HVAC unit; a prior compressor had cost roughly $13,000 (as referenced in the discussion). Bids for a generator were announced as closing Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.; staff said they expect to bring bid results to the board in January or at a special meeting if timing requires.
Next steps: staff will solicit bids for the dust-collection equipment and installation, clarify whether electrical work is included in the contract price or bid separately, and return with bid tabulations for the board to approve.
