Board reviews and advances multiple facilities bids; asks for more quotes on high-cost blower coil

The Siren School District board considered a package of facilities items during the meeting, approving some work and requesting additional bids on other high-cost repairs.

Boilers: The board reviewed a proposal from Total Mechanical Services for boiler maintenance intended to improve reliability through the winter (presentation characterized as increasing likelihood of operation from roughly 50% to 75%). Trustees moved and approved the maintenance bid.

Blower/coil replacement: Administration presented a quote to replace a major blower/coil unit (the transcript records a figure around $223,000). Several trustees urged the district to obtain multiple competitive bids given the cost and vendor relationships. The board agreed to seek additional bids and to return the item to buildings & grounds or budget committee for a formal recommendation rather than award the work that night.

Roofing: The board reviewed bids from Paul Sheet Metal & Roofing to replace several roof sections (excluding section 7, which remains under warranty until 2037). Trustees moved to accept the roofing quote contingent on passage of the 2024 referendum; that approval was recorded as contingent pending referendum passage.

The board approved the boiler maintenance bid and the roofing bid contingent on the referendum but deferred the blower/coil replacement pending additional vendor quotes.

Next steps: administration to solicit additional bids for the blower/coil work, finalize contract documents for approved maintenance work, and report back to the buildings & grounds and finance committees.