Board previews Alltown contract renewal, HVAC projects and plans for PPEL vote
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Summary
Board members discussed renewing the Alltown transportation contract (staff favor option 2, a two-year renewal with a three-year option), debated chiller and HVAC replacements at Adams and Davenport Central, and heard staff plan to place a PPEL renewal on the March 3 ballot. A formal Alltown vote is expected Jan. 12.
Board members and staff discussed several operational matters that will require follow-up decisions, including a proposed renewal of the district’s transportation contract with Alltown, HVAC failures at multiple schools, and the timeline for a physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) renewal.
Staff said Alltown has improved service and reduced past staffing problems. Kevin, district finance/staff, described two renewal options and said the administration is likely to propose option 2 — a two-year renewal with a three-year option — because it smooths anticipated rate increases and helps with staffing continuity. "We've been working with Alltown about options ... they have done some fabulous work for us," said Josh (representing operations/Alltown participation), and staff said they will bring the contract forward for a formal vote at the Jan. 12 meeting.
Facilities staff reported that a chiller at Adams has failed; the district is using a temporary, costly solution and proposes replacing the chiller in spring with a unit that can be moved if needed. On the Central band and orchestra HVAC issue, staff said humidity is damaging instruments and cited potential replacement costs for instruments "around $300,000." Staff said they are working with Trane and are confident an upgrade or reconfiguration will address the problem, but that the repair will be expensive because Davenport Central is an older building.
Kevin outlined the district’s plan for a PPEL renewal, saying the board will be asked to adopt a resolution at the next meeting to place the question on the March 3 ballot; staff emphasized the levy is an extension of the existing levy rate and said, during the meeting, "The dollar 34 levy is the current levy. That is not going to change, so it's not a new tax." The meeting transcript uses that phrasing; the district did not provide a clarifying statement of the exact numeric format in the public remarks.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff will prepare contract materials and pricing options for the Alltown renewal for the Jan. 12 meeting, further evaluate HVAC replacement and instrument-protection options for Davenport Central, and bring the PPEL resolution forward for board adoption in advance of the March 3 vote.