Board rejects enclosure bid for Scots Hill project, orders redesign and rebid

The Henderson County School Board voted on March 17 to reject the current bid for the Scots Hill enclosure project and direct staff to redesign and rebid the work after large cost overruns were reported.

Director of Schools Mr. Beichum told the board bids came in "so significantly higher than our original estimate" that staff, the finance director and the projects manager recommended a redesign and rebid to reduce costs and allow fair competition. He said the district does not have $1,151,000 for the project in this year's budget.

Projects manager Reese and consultant Mr. Hartzfield of TLM said switching from concrete masonry unit (CMU) block construction to a steel-stud structure with brick veneer could substantially lower material costs while preserving the enclosure’s function. Reese said the firewall connections to existing buildings would still require CMU to meet three-hour fire-rating requirements; the redesign would therefore change only portions of the structure.

"I do recommend that we redesign and rebid," Beichum told the board. He added that a redesign could take less time because the structure's appearance and purpose are already defined; staff estimated a potential delay of about three months with an expected completion near September rather than this summer.

Board members discussed budget timing and whether the district could start work with capital outlay funds while accounting for the remaining amount in next year's budget. Staff said moving forward would also require seeking a budget amendment from the county commission if the district proceeded within the current fiscal year.

A motion to reject the bid, redesign and rebid was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Staff said they would return with revised bid documents and updated cost estimates; no final contract award was made at the meeting.