Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Repairs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District weighs $20,517 intercom replacement and explores water softeners after pipe failure
Summary
Buildings and grounds reported a $20,517 quote to replace the failing high school intercom system and a water test result of 7.4 hardness; the committee asked for additional quotes and expert assessments before approving water-softener installations estimated at $15,000–$18,000 per building.
The committee discussed facilities repairs after a high school intercom failure and a water main-related pipe break.
Buildings and grounds (speaker 11) told the committee the high school bell and intercom system has degraded and presented a quote from a contractor to replace it for $20,517, recommending the item be put on the full-board Monday agenda for approval. "So with everyone's approval, I'd like to put that on Monday's agenda," he said. Members emphasized security concerns tied to a nonfunctional intercom and discussed long-term budgeting to avoid surprise repairs.
The same facilities presentation covered the recent high school water pipe failure. After testing, a vendor reported the district's water hardness at "7.4," which the facilities lead said justifies exploring whole-building water softeners for the middle school, high school and Slatington/district office. A vendor estimate ranged from about $15,000 to $18,000 per building for installation; committee members asked for additional vendor quotes, annual maintenance and media/salt cost estimates, and recommended bringing in outside experts to assess pipe integrity before committing to a major capital outlay.
Some members urged caution. One committee member questioned whether the failure might have resulted from a single faulty fitting or installation and called spending "a shot in the dark" without more investigation. Facilities staff said additional inspection options (full maintenance plumbing checks or third-party assessment) will be pursued and that quotes will include service schedules and expected ongoing costs.
The committee asked administration to continue gathering quotes and technical recommendations and to return with a recommendation to the full board; no formal vote was taken at the committee meeting.
