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Committee recommends $3M bond for Ellsworth Avenue School roof after questions on reimbursement and scope
Summary
The Committee of the Whole voted to recommend a $3,000,000 ordinance to fund the Ellsworth Avenue School roof, with bond counsel and staff clarifying that the ordinance covers only that project and state reimbursement (about 64%) will determine the final bond amount.
The Committee of the Whole of the Danbury City Council voted to recommend an ordinance authorizing up to $3,000,000 in bonds to finance the planned repair and replacement of the roof at Ellsworth Avenue School.
The measure, moved by Councilperson Andrea Gartner and seconded by Councilman Frank Salvatore, was discussed at length by council members concerned about how state reimbursement and bond proceeds would interact. Councilman Ben Chienese asked whether the city could repurpose any funds left over if the state reimburses roughly 64 percent of the project. "This ordinance covers just this project," said Glenn Santoro of Robinson Cole, bond counsel to the city, adding that any reallocation of proceeds would require a later council ordinance amendment.
City engineer and public works director Antonio Adarola gave an on-the-record estimate: "the approximate value of the roof repair replacement will be about $3,000,000," including design fees and related work. Adarola said the existing roof is about 18 years old and that installers added solar panels roughly eight years ago; panels will be removed and disposed as part of the project rather than reinstalled. He said the administration may specify a metal roof as the base bid to shorten installation time and increase longevity, and that construction contingencies will be included to cover unforeseen interior damage discovered once the roof is opened.
Bond counsel and finance staff explained process details: the city typically issues temporary notes during construction and only converts to long-term bonds for the net amount required once grants or reimbursements are applied. For that reason, Santoro advised the bonds will be issued for the remaining cost after state funds are accounted for, and council review would be required before any repurposing.
After the discussion, the chair called a voice vote; the motion was carried and the committee recommended the ordinance to the full City Council.
Next steps: The ordinance will go to the City Council for final consideration and — if adopted — the city will proceed with architect selection, design this winter and bid the work with construction expected next summer.
