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Contractor SaveMore’s HVAC work at Bethl High School draws scrutiny as commission withholds retainage
Summary
The commission held processing of SaveMore invoice #17 until invoice #16 is resolved, discussed roughly $200,000 in retainage being held pending punch‑list completion and building inspector signoffs, and scheduled an on‑site review with the building inspector and commissioning agents.
The Bethl Public Site and Building Commission on June 24 pressed for resolution of outstanding work and documentation on the Bethl High School HVAC upgrade before releasing retained funds to the general contractor SaveMore.
Mark reported SaveMore submitted invoice #17 but the commission will not process it until invoice #16—previously rejected—has been reissued and resolved. Mark said the town is currently holding about $200,000 in retainage and that several punch‑list items remain open; he estimated there were about 13 outstanding items tied to labeling, insulation failures on ductwork, and other finish work.
Commission members discussed the role of SaveMore as general contractor in ensuring that systems are functioning and noted some issues stem from manufacturer settings or third‑party controls work. Jennifer and others said the superintendent must submit grant reimbursement requests and that final commissioning documentation is part of the reimbursement package. The commissioning agents have been on site and a final commissioning report is expected but not yet received by commission staff.
On site inspections: staff intend to attend the contractor’s next site meeting with the building inspector and commissioning agents to confirm whether outstanding items are contractor responsibility or sub‑contractor deliverables. Commissioners reiterated that final payment and release of retainage typically await satisfactory completion of punch‑list items and receipt of final commissioning and inspection reports.
Action: staff will confirm the date/time for the site meeting with SaveMore, Chris Baldwin (building inspector), SNE/SCES (commissioning/controls) and report findings at the next commission meeting, when the commission expects to consider the next reimbursement requests and any additional invoices.
