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Committee approves water-heater bids and a $17,000 evaluation to settle heating-tank options
Summary
The committee approved two Faelanx bids to replace water heaters at Ponaganset Middle and High Schools and voted to hire Alliance Environmental for a $17,000 evaluation to determine whether an above-ground or below-ground fuel tank is feasible, despite concerns from some members about bidding and cost.
The Foster-Glocester Regional School Committee approved bids and directed an environmental evaluation to resolve a long-running capital-project disagreement over heating fuel storage.
The committee awarded a bid to Faelanx for $217,860 to replace the water heater at Ponaganset Middle School and a second Faelanx bid for $428,140 to replace the water heater at Ponaganset High School. Both motions were moved, seconded and approved on voice votes.
Separately, the capital projects committee recommended, and the full committee approved, a $17,000 evaluation contract with Alliance Environmental Group to study options for replacing the high school’s fuel system storage. The evaluation will map wetlands and site constraints, estimate design and installation costs for potential above-ground and below-ground storage, and identify remediation or closure costs for existing tanks.
Several committee members questioned why the district contracted the evaluation without a competitive process; attorney Greg explained that professional services such as engineering evaluations are not always subject to mandatory public bidding rules. Members who opposed or expressed concern said they wanted assurance the district had sought competitive pricing for the assessment itself.
Capital projects staff and committee members said the evaluation is intended to end a year-long impasse by providing site-specific cost and wetlands analysis so the district can issue clear design-and-installation specifications for competitive bidding. Committee member Brendan said the report will help determine siting and the most cost-effective option while accounting for wetlands and long-term environmental protections.
The committee also approved resurfacing the Ponaganset High School tennis courts after discussion of scope and life-cycle maintenance. Members asked staff to provide clearer dollar amounts and a maintenance plan before work begins.
Committee members noted that Alliance Environmental Group is on the state master purchasing agreement, which staff said allowed prompt engagement for this technical evaluation.
