Project committee approves $130,196 change order for fire dampers, clears invoices; turnover set for May 14

The John Walsh Middle School Project Building Committee voted unanimously April 16 to approve PCO 54, a $130,196.18 change order to add smoke-rated dampers in wings three and four after a fire marshal inspection required the work. The committee also approved routine payments to consultants and vendors and heard construction and architect progress reports that put turnover on track for May 14.

The committee’s owner’s project manager, Henry, told members the dampers were requested by the fire marshal during final inspections for wings three and four and that the work had to be added into the existing contractor’s scope. "We don't want to bring in introduce another contractor, which then could...jeopardize the one-year warranty on the work that's already been completed," Henry said, explaining why the work was assigned to the contractors already on site. He also said the cost had been negotiated down from an earlier figure near $190,000–$200,000 to the current total.

Committee members expressed unease at the timing and procurement approach. "I have a problem with it then," said committee member Joe Herpy, who questioned whether the work should have gone out to competitive bid and asked how long ago the fire marshal made the requirement. Members said additional notice to the committee would help them vet large changes earlier in the process.

Daniel, the construction manager, and other staff said contracting the current builders for the additional work preserves warranty coverage and that separate procurement could make the work ineligible for state reimbursement. Jim (staff member) agreed the work would be considered standalone if re-bid, which could affect reimbursement eligibility.

The committee moved and approved PCO 54 by voice vote; the motion was made by Joe Herpy, seconded by Tim Newton, and passed unanimously.

In other business the committee approved several invoices: Friar Architecture’s monthly invoice for $7,495.38; a CSG invoice for $22,209.53; and a Sign Pro invoice for $299.90 for custom egress signage revised per the fire marshal’s direction. Each payment was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Daniel presented a change-order package labeled PC CO 12 (totaling $144,336.22) that aggregates PCO 54 and other items — framing conflict resolution, deleted furring at new alcoves, gas-line moves in wing six, and additional finish work. The package will be compiled for the state reimbursement request as PCCO 12. The committee voted unanimously to approve the package.

Architect Mike Bennett of Friar Architecture said punch-list work in wings three and four is winding down and that he will walk the site while school is on break to finalize remaining items. Daniel reported that millwork, carpeting, ceiling lighting, and plumbing fixtures are complete or near-complete and reiterated that the turnover date is planned for May 14, with student move activities following the last day of school on April 22 and a scheduled move walk-through.

Members asked that large PCOs and change-order documents be circulated earlier in the week (Monday or Tuesday) when possible so committee members have time to review before voting. With no public comments, the committee adjourned.