Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Upper Adams School District staff present $785,000 estimate to update high school auditorium; board urged to protect $1 million reserve
Summary
District staff told the board the high school auditorium's lighting and rigging are antiquated and an Integrated Illumination estimate came in at about $785,000; staff recommended continuing discussion while keeping at least $1 million in the capital reserve to cover unexpected failures.
Upper Adams School District staff told the business and operations committee that the high school auditorium's lighting and rigging systems are so outdated that replacement bulbs are no longer available and the facility's curtains do not meet current fire-safety codes, and they presented an Integrated Illumination estimate of about $785,000 to update lighting, rigging and curtains.
Mr. Graham, a district operations staff member, said the estimate "actually came in at 785" and that the price covers a full lighting change and rigging updates but does not include a separate audio upgrade. He noted that AV Solutions performed partial audio improvements five to eight years ago and that audio work could be pursued as an alternate scope.
A staff presenter warned the board that the district's capital reserve was $2.1 million at the end of January and that several committed payouts remain, including roughly $100,000 for a delayed Camp Miakonda tower project. "I would recommend to the board not to go any lower than the $1 million," the staff member said, arguing the district should retain a cushion for unanticipated boiler or roof failures.
Staff and board members discussed procurement options, including cooperative purchasing to avoid a full architect/bid process and the possibility of seeking donations or used equipment from industry vendors, but they cautioned about installation qualifications and prevailing-wage rules. A board member noted that prevailing wage rules typically apply once a project exceeds about $25,000 and can add a substantial percentage to overall costs.
Staff recommended that the board authorize further discussion and refinement of numbers and return with final bids and options. No formal motion or vote on the auditorium project was recorded at this meeting; staff said they expect to begin work as early as summer with completion targeted for fall or early fall if the board chooses to proceed.
