Board to consider HVAC, solar, outdoor‑classroom bids and grant applications next week
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Summary
Facilities staff recommended multiple contract awards: HVAC upgrades at Univille Elementary (with potential state facility grant), building‑automation controls, rooftop solar at Unionville High (TerraSol recommended) and outdoor learning classrooms; projects are on the agenda for the next regular meeting.
At the Jan. 12 work session the district’s facilities team reviewed five projects headed to the board for votes next week, including HVAC upgrades at Univille Elementary, building‑control system work, a rooftop solar array at Unionville High School, outdoor learning classrooms at Unionville and Chadds Ford elementaries and equipment for a gym/stage projector.
For the Univille HVAC project the team recommended awards for multiple contracts: Gaudelli Brothers (HVAC), SB Conrad (general construction work), Guy & Cooper (plumbing) and Shipsea Electrical, with a projected total project cost of about $2,830,000 and an anticipated reimbursement opportunity through the Pennsylvania Public School Facility Improvement grant (district would supply an estimated 25% match). The district said awarding the project would also trigger a resolution authorizing grant application next week.
Facilities recommended awarding building‑automation controls to Triand Group under the PA Costars contract (proposal $293,000) to ensure compatibility with district control systems.
The board packet also included a rooftop solar array at Unionville High School. The district said it received a $300,000 state grant for the system and recommended the low bidder TerraSol Energies (a local company) at $935,008.70 (including a deduct alternate). Presenters estimated the system would offset roughly 25% of the high school’s electrical use, with a payback of about nine years and projected net savings of roughly $1.1 million over 25 years; the administration noted market volatility in capacity charges that increases the value of on‑site generation.
Facilities also reported a successful rebid of outdoor learning classrooms at Unionville and Chadds Ford elementaries, reducing prior prices by about $4.4 million; the team recommended awarding GMB Construction and Shipsea Electrical for those sites, with work slated for late spring and summer.
Board members asked about bid withdrawals (an electrical bidder withdrew within 24 hours due to a miscalculation) and about grant obligations and matching requirements; facilities staff said the grant allows submissions up to $5 million and requires a local match (presenter cited a 25% match as typical). Several trustees disclosed connections to local solar firms and said they saw no conflict for the TerraSol item.
These projects will appear as formal action items at the board’s regular meeting next Tuesday; the work session contained no final contract approvals.
