Subcommittee hears updates on MHS and Vets roof projects; town says contractor payments withheld
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Summary
Subcommittee members were told pre-functional testing for the high school roof is imminent and long-lead HVAC equipment is expected in June. Separately, Vets roof work damaged interior spaces; the town says it has paid $0 to the contractor and will withhold payment until a mutually acceptable remediation plan is agreed.
Speaker 3 opened the meeting by flagging an update on the high school (MHS) roof project. Speaker 3 said pre-functional testing was scheduled “the week of next week,” and that long-lead mechanical equipment has been released and is “currently expected to be delivered sometime in June.”
Speaker 1, who gave the detailed facilities update, described the pre-functional testing as an inspection of rooftop systems and ventilation that will identify what is working and what needs replacement. “That way, anything that does go back on the roof … if it wasn't working before it was taken off, then it's on us,” Speaker 1 said, explaining the checks-and-balances approach the district will use during reinstallation.
On timing, Speaker 1 told the subcommittee that while the main project is expected to start in mid-to-late June, rooftop HVAC units likely will not be installed until mid-to-late July because of sequencing and lead times.
Separately, Speaker 1 reported problems on the Veterans (Vets) roof project. The subcontractor allegedly wrapped new roofing material over drain weep holes, allowing water to run behind the membrane and causing damage to a lower section of the building. That damage affected a small number of classrooms and space used by the district’s MHTV operations. Speaker 1 said the contractor has submitted a proposal to remedy the issues but that town staff “do not necessarily agree with all points of their proposal.”
On payments, Speaker 1 stated plainly: “I can tell you that we have paid $0 to this contractor,” noting the project began in late August or early September and the town had not released funds because it believed the contractor had not delivered contracted services. Speaker 1 said the town intends to withhold payment “until we've got some significant progress made toward some resolution.”
Subcommittee members pressed that the priority is to make the building safe and operational, and Speaker 1 said staff are pursuing a remediation plan acceptable to both the town and the contractor while avoiding public statements that could affect potential future litigation.
The subcommittee did not take a formal vote on the Vets or MHS roof projects during the meeting; members scheduled follow-up meetings and committed to reviewing contractor minutes and scopes when available. The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn that passed on roll call.