Boards table $6.6 million Torrington Middle School roof appropriation, ask BOE to weigh funding options

Torrington officials on Jan. 20 voted to table approval of a $6,612,375 appropriation and a $5,912,375 bond authorization for the former Torrington Middle School roof replacement, saying more time is needed to resolve rebidding and funding questions.

The motion to table was made by Board of Finance member Dan Thibault and seconded by City Councilor Paul Cavagnero; the boards voted unanimously to postpone action. Thibault said he had “many questions” about the rebidding process and asked for the Board of Education to join the next discussion.

Board of Education Finance Director Donna Labbe told the boards the BOE followed legal counsel’s guidance in formally rejecting the bids and has sent letters to all five vendors, clearing the way to rebid the project without pending litigation. Marc Loranger of Gale Associates, the project's designer, said the cost estimate was developed from firm designs and historical market data and noted a contingency of about $314,875, roughly 5 percent of the estimate.

Mayor Molly Spino outlined a proposed financing structure intended to reduce the tax impact. Under her plan the city would be authorized to issue up to $5,912,375 in bonds or notes; $700,000 has already been approved to be bonded for the roof and $286,359.98 was reallocated from a prior bonding round. Spino suggested the BOE could allocate $888,220 from its capital funds or its non-lapsing fund to lower the amount the city would need to borrow.

Attorney Sandra Dawson of Pullman & Comley told the boards there is no automatic sunset on a bonding resolution. She said if the city completes the project it must bond for it within 18 months of completion; if the project never starts, the appropriation and resolution would remain on the books unless repealed or otherwise acted on.

Several board members urged caution. Board of Finance member Wendy Traub and Labbe pressed for clarity on which BOE reserves can legally be used; Labbe said counsel previously advised that the non-lapsing reserve is for operational educational expenses, and that the 313 Capital Reserve might be a more appropriate source. Councilor Paul Cavagnero, noting past lawsuits over roof construction, asked for assurance the estimate reflects a fair and accurate construction cost so the city will not face additional contingencies later.

Christopher Anderson moved to table the item until the BOE could participate in the discussion; members agreed to seek a meeting within a week. Mayor Spino said the City Clerk will coordinate a joint session of the Board of Education, Board of Finance and City Council for next week to resolve outstanding questions.

The boards adjourned at 6:39 p.m. on a motion by Councilor Anne Ruwet, seconded by Christopher Anderson.