Oregon City SD 62 board approves six early‑work amendments for Holcomb school project

The Oregon City School District 62 Board of Directors voted unanimously on Feb. 26 to approve six early‑work amendments for the Holcomb school construction project, authorizing early shoring, design‑assist work, storm‑drain scoping, surveying, asbestos abatement during spring break and early procurement of long‑lead equipment.

Director Cancola, who led staff presentation of the items, told the board the six amendments were bundled because they relate to the same contract and were submitted the same day; most individual items would have been within his signing authority, he said, but bundling required board approval to avoid any appearance of splitting signing authority. "These are all, early work amendments, which are essentially work that we need to do early on the project prior to entering into our guaranteed maximum price amendment," he said.

The board was told the costs will be rolled into the project’s guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment and are covered in the existing project budget. In response to a board question about funding, Director Cancola said, "This is just work that we're buying out early. ... These six early work amendments will all get rolled up in the total value of the contract. ... These are all within our existing budget for the project. We're not drawing on program reserve or anything else within the project."

Board member Ryan asked whether the work would disrupt students or staff. Director Cancola said most activities are offsite or outside the building; asbestos abatement scheduled over spring break will occur in contained areas with worker ventilation and end‑of‑week air testing. "They have appropriate ventilation in there for the people working," he said. "They’ll do the abatement, all of the materials ... That will be disposed of, according to DEQ protocols. ... and does testing of the air to ensure that the air quality meets all the standards governed by DEQ, so that there is no asbestos containing particles or materials in the air and that it's safe for the school to be reoccupied."

On procurement, Director Cancola explained the rationale for buying certain equipment early. "These are actually long lead items. ... In order to get them in in time to do the installation on the project, we need to order them early," he said, describing electrical gear and related components that require long manufacturing lead times.

The board moved and seconded approval of each resolution (listed on the agenda as resolutions 2526‑229 through 2526‑234, corresponding to early‑work amendments Nos. 1–6). Each motion carried by voice vote. The district clerk read the resolution roll calls; the chair announced each motion carried.

The board confirmed upcoming meetings — a regular session on March 9 at 7 p.m. and a budget committee meeting March 30 — and adjourned the special session.

What the board approved: the six early‑work amendments authorize (1) temporary shoring at Holcomb, (2) early procurement and abatement design plus plumbing/HVAC equipment, (3) subcontractor design‑assist work, (4) exterior storm‑drain scoping, (5) surveying and catch‑basin assessment, and (6) asbestos abatement and supervision scheduled over spring break. The district said these costs are budgeted into the Holcomb project and will be included in the forthcoming GMP amendment.