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Measure X projects face sequencing delays; community questions rising fencing costs
Summary
Project manager Joseph Martinez told the Coalinga-Huron board that sequencing and subcontractor issues have delayed site-security fencing and other Measure X Phase 1 work; trustees and residents pressed for cost breakdowns and whether bond funds or general fund are paying held projects.
District project manager Joseph Martinez updated the board on Measure X Phase 1 and other capital projects, describing progress and hurdles at multiple school sites. He said the Sunset classroom wing is at DSA review and the Huron Elementary library multimedia building is delayed because the municipal fire-water system does not yet meet the flow requirement (about 1,500 gallons per minute; current flow reported near 1,100 gpm). Martinez said contractors have begun work at some sites but sequencing problems — in particular a subcontractor delay in pouring concrete footing strips — have slowed installation of fencing panels at several locations.
Martinez explained the installation sequence: demolition, fence subcontractor post augering, then concrete contractor pouring footing strips. If the concrete crew delays, fencing panels cannot be installed because posts lack required footing stability; the minimum cure time cited was seven days. He said the district is documenting daily progress and can pursue contract remedies including liquidated-damage provisions if milestones are added in future procurements.
Community members raised concerns that fencing change orders and escalating costs are diverting funds from other priorities such as auditorium seating and locker-room repairs. Budget staff clarified that the projects currently on hold are affecting the general fund rather than bond-funded Measure X work; bond projects remain ongoing and the district has sold about $11 million in bond proceeds to date. Board members requested more detailed cost and drawing information for specific sites (for example, Dawson parking lot estimates and Memorial Bowl sidewalk and berm access) and suggested staff present revised milestones and cost breakdowns at a future meeting.
Action related to project oversight was approved at the meeting: the board extended a project-management contract with Triton Consulting through June to provide additional staffing and monitoring capacity; the estimated extension cost is about $310,000.
Next steps: staff will produce more detailed cost estimates and diagrams for questioned sites, continue daily documentation of contractor performance, and return with clarified budgets and proposed milestone language for future contracts.
