Putnam school board approves Melrose Elementary site-work package and third-party plan review

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — The Putnam County School Board on Feb. 6 unanimously approved a site-work contract package for the Melrose Elementary renovation and accepted an expedited third-party plan-review process intended to speed state-level approvals and keep the project on schedule.

Bill Pearson, with contractor Parish McCall, told the board the ERP/GMP 2 package covers site work and preparation for trades that will follow demolition and asbestos abatement. "This site work is really critical to allow us to continue to move," Pearson said, describing utility relocations, tree removal, and the work needed so foundations and concrete subcontractors can begin.

The board heard that asbestos abatement in Building 1 is already under way and that third-party monitoring will oversee abatement and demolition. Presenters said abatement is expected to finish in about a week to 10 days, after which selective demolition will begin. The project team also showed preconstruction aerial photos and described an aggressive phased schedule.

Board members asked which agencies would review plans and what permits would be required. Presenters said school plan review is handled through NEFEC and the Florida Department of Education, that stormwater and environmental reviews go through FDEP and the local water management district, and that the county fire marshal will perform plan review and inspections. Presenters added they do not expect state Department of Transportation permits because the work is on school property and not on State Road 26.

David Martin of Casper Architects explained the value of hiring an experienced third-party plan reviewer. He said the third-party review can reduce a months-long state review to a few weeks by providing a vetted set of drawings that NEFEC or other reviewers consider expeditiously. "It's a second set of eyes that's not in our house," Martin said, noting that reputable third-party reviewers can shorten the overall timeline and reduce on-site time and cost.

Some board members questioned the cost of expedited review. One member said expedited reviews can feel wasteful if the timing could have been planned earlier; presenters replied that expedited review is part of managing a phased, occupied-campus project and that drawings cannot be submitted until they are complete.

The board voted first to approve the ERP/GMP 2 site-work package presented by Parish McCall and then to accept the third-party plan-review item (C2) from Casper Architects. Both measures passed by unanimous voice votes. No public commenters spoke at the start of the special meeting.

Project managers said traffic patterns will change during and after construction: a gate off Road 21 will be closed to routine parent drop-off and parent and bus drop-off will be routed to State Road 26 in the permanent design. During Phase 1 the 21 gate will be used as a controlled construction access point. Presenters also described dust-control procedures, fencing, and staff positioning to protect student routes during any demolition that occurs while the campus is occupied.

The board requested that as many trees as possible be preserved and discussed future landscaping plans; presenters confirmed they will provide details and update school and community stakeholders as phasing proceeds.

The board adjourned after completing the votes and brief closing remarks. The project team said they plan monthly aerial progress photos and will return with a future GMP for the balance of the project once bidding and design are complete.