Toms River buildings & grounds: water tests cleared, switch gear failed at Intermediate North, boiler and roof projects move forward

Facilities staff reported several operational updates at a buildings & grounds committee meeting.

Water testing required by the state has been completed and certified; only one or two fixtures were taken offline for remediation and have been addressed. During a June heat wave the district participated in demand-response procedures at Cedar Grove and Silver Bay. Staff said an old electrical switch gear at Intermediate North melted and caused smoke and minimal boiler-room damage but was discovered by a custodian and there were no injuries; the component had already been slated for replacement this budget year.

Capital projects: staff recommended awarding engineering/design work to proceed with a boiler replacement at Intermediate North so the project can enter design and state-approval stages before bidding for contractor work next summer. Pre-construction work for a roof replacement at Beachwood produced bids under estimate; staff said those savings allow replacement of additional roof sections and shop drawings and permit filings are in process.

Other items: district classroom moves for ESY (about 400 students across 18 classrooms) were completed and staff thanked custodial and maintenance teams; a water-service tie-in at High School South is being designed by a partner (Viola) and the district is evaluating whether in-house plumbers can do the work or procurement is required. Planned removal of a Hooper Avenue overhang is delayed because of staff availability but the area has been marked and deemed safe.

The committee opened public comment (policy 0167) and no members of the public spoke.