Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears explanation of Bellamy HVAC change order after cost overruns push project past $300,000 threshold
Summary
Staff told the board that additional work uncovered during Bellamy HVAC repairs (DDC controls and related fixes) pushed a contract over the $300,000 approval threshold; members requested context and comparison numbers and asked staff to bring replacement vs. repair cost estimates to a future meeting.
Staff told the board that change orders discovered during Bellamy HVAC repairs expanded the work beyond the initial scope and raised the project total above the $300,000 approval threshold, requiring board review.
A district staff member explained that the DDC digital controls and other items were omitted from the original scope and were necessary once technicians began repairs. Board members asked whether such increases are common, and one member asked for context: how much a brand-new HVAC system for a similarly sized building would cost versus incremental repairs for an existing system. The administration said it would provide comparative estimates at the next meeting.
During the discussion the board noted the building is approximately 48,000 square feet and that older systems often reveal additional defects once work begins. One member warned of the risk of "throwing good money after bad" and asked how the district gauges when to replace rather than repair.
Staff confirmed the change order required board approval because of the district threshold and the board agreed to review detailed cost comparisons at the next meeting before any formal approval vote for the larger dollar amounts.
