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Chartiers Valley board approves multiple construction change orders and an owner's‑rep agreement
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Summary
The Chartiers Valley School District Board approved three construction change orders totaling net increases and unanimously approved an agreement with American Risk Management Services Inc.; trustees also debated hiring an owner's representative and disclosed a potential appearance conflict.
At its Feb. 14 meeting, the Chartiers Valley School District Board approved a series of construction change orders and authorized an agreement with an owner’s‑representative firm.
The board approved Mucci Construction Change Order #05, a deduct of $7,403 (motion by Mark Kuczinski, seconded by Julie Murphy; voice vote unanimous). It approved Rycon Construction Change Order #04, an added $50,202 (motion by Mark Kuczinski, seconded by Eric Kraemer; voice vote 7‑1), and Merit Electrical Group High School Change Order #02, an added $35,941 (motion by Julie Murphy, seconded by Sandra Zeleznik; voice vote 7‑1). The board’s vote tallies were recorded as voice votes with the counts noted in the minutes; no roll‑call vote breakdown by individual member was provided in the transcript.
During a construction update, Mr. Day reported active work in Phase 1 — roofing, exterior framing and sheathing, insulation and air‑barrier work — and said the district expects the northern portion of Phase 1A to be fully enclosed with glass by mid‑March. He reported that the high‑school auditorium work is finished, painting in the Performing Arts building is nearly complete, ceiling grid installation has begun and rooftop units will be set on the tech‑ed addition and performing‑arts building the following Monday. Mr. Day told the board there were "no major concerns with the schedule." Board members also discussed air‑infiltration testing and the contractor change‑order explanations provided by Mr. Day.
The board debated whether to hire an independent owner's representative. Nicholas Morelli told trustees that the selection committee requested revised RFPs and added a termination clause; one firm proposed an hourly arrangement. President Tony Mazzarini argued for hiring a representative to protect taxpayers, saying the district "need[s] to have someone protecting our interest and our tax payer’s interest." Several trustees said the district's risk‑management fund and bond issuance provided budget room for the service; Julie Murphy said the Risk Management fund currently had sufficient funds to cover the cost, while Dr. Brian White cautioned that other risk exposures could arise.
Jamie Stevenson disclosed a familial connection to an energy‑consulting firm and said he would abstain if matters involving his brother’s company ever came before the board. Solicitor Don Palmer cautioned Stevenson that he should "refrain from engaging in any discussions that may come up regarding particulars" to avoid the appearance he was advocating for a relative’s company. The board agreed to revisit the owner's‑representative issue at the next meeting.
Later in the meeting the board approved an agreement with American Risk Management Services Inc., subject to the solicitor’s review (motion by Jeff Choura, seconded by Eric Kraemer; voice vote unanimous). The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.