Commission recommends 2-ply modified roof for Bethel High and forwards $4.0M estimate to selectmen

The Bethel Site and Building Commission voted July 8 to recommend a 2-ply modified roofing system for Bethel High School and to forward the consultant's cost estimate (about $4,004,745) to the Board of Selectmen for consideration in grant and referendum planning.

Commission members said EPDM membrane options carry higher risk where rooftop foot traffic and HVAC equipment are frequent. One commissioner summarized the concern: "The foot traffic on that roof several several days a week," noting maintenance staff and vendors regularly access rooftop air handlers. Another commissioner said EPDM can degrade from oils and chemicals near HVAC equipment and that walking pads are often bypassed in practice.

Staff and members described the next steps: the commission makes a formal recommendation and staff will draft a memo to the Board of Selectmen. The selectmen must approve any resolutions needed for a grant application and, because the anticipated expenditure exceeds $1,000,000, a town referendum will be required to authorize funding. The grant application and subsequent bidding would follow those actions; staff estimated construction could occur in 2028.

At the meeting Speaker 6 moved "to accept Silver Petrucelli's recommendation to install a 2-ply modified roof on the high school with a project estimate of roughly $4,004,745." The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote from commissioners present. Staff said they will prepare the memo to the selectmen and, if the selectmen support the recommendation, the matter will advance to the board of finance and a referendum schedule.

The commission emphasized design finalization and budgeting will include contingencies, owners-rep costs and insurance considerations, and staff said the selectmen or board of finance may request additional details before approving grant application or referendum language.