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Chowan County approves high-school change orders and $1.75 million HVAC project for local schools
Summary
The board approved two change orders for John A. Holmes High School and authorized replacement of HVAC at White Oak/DF Walker at a project cost of $1,753,261; the board also approved using remaining lottery funds to replace Chowan Middle School's surveillance system.
The Chowan County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 approved two change orders for John A. Holmes High School and authorized a $1,753,261 project to design and install a new HVAC system at White Oak/DF Walker schools.
Superintendent Tammi Ward introduced MB Khan representative Bob Sebire, who said Change Order 12 included four items: masonry piers added to the gym, electrical-panel revisions based on a final power study, a credit for deleting a duct bank for the generator, and relocation of a roof access hatch. Sebire said the structural engineer added the masonry piers after work began and that those items were not previously paid. "The cost was excluded because it came out in another change order," Sebire said.
Chairman Bob Kirby and other commissioners questioned whether the structural changes indicated design errors; County Manager Kevin Howard said some adjustments were necessary to make the building more structurally sound and that contingencies in the budget exist to cover overages. Commissioner Chris Evans moved to approve Change Orders 12 and 13 and the motion passed unanimously (7-0).
On separate school requests, Superintendent Ward asked to use remaining lottery/Repair & Renovation funds (about $49,000 remaining from a prior $300,000 drawdown) to replace the security surveillance system at Chowan Middle School; the board approved that request unanimously. Maintenance Director Chris Brabble described humidity and mold remediation issues at White Oak/DF Walker and said the vendor will condition the air to avoid repeat problems; County Manager Howard said about $5 million in potential funding sources are being considered and recommended approving the project now and finalizing funding and the change order later. Commissioner Ellis Lawrence moved to approve the project bid as presented and the motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Board members said they expect the schools to pursue recoupment where appropriate and noted contingencies and contract protections are in place to manage cost increases. The approvals authorize staff to proceed with contracts and to return with final funding details and change orders where the manager’s authority is exceeded.
