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Referendum construction update: roofing, HVAC and turf work on tight schedule, presenter says
Summary
Ethan Sipple, the district presenter on the referendum construction project, told the board that an unforeseen roofing issue required a more invasive repair, that power restoration tests and HVAC hookups are scheduled later this month, and that turf and paving are being coordinated to meet school opening timelines.
Ethan Sipple, who introduced himself during the referendum update presentation, told the Hartford UHS School District board the construction schedule is advancing but has faced a few unforeseen issues, most notably a change in roofing work that required shifting from a minimally invasive approach to a full replacement in a west-end section by the small gym and orchestra.
"The roofing piece is really the biggest chunk of that was a roof type had to change from the minimally invasive part to the most invasive part to pull the whole thing apart," Sipple said, describing the decision to remove and replace the deck structure in that area.
Sipple said much of the addition is ready — painting and lighting are complete — but interior systems will rely on power and HVAC hookups. He described a planned multi-day power switch and testing operation targeted for the week of the 27th and said the district is preparing contingency steps to keep critical spaces usable.
"Once we plug it in, the HVAC systems will work," he said, adding that distribution panels and critical pumps have been installed and pressure-tested and are ready for final integration.
On the athletics side, Sipple said field work is moving quickly: a shock pad was delivered, AstroTurf installation was scheduled to begin this week (crew mobilization expected Thursday–Monday), and paving for the track must cure 20–28 days before the final track surface is applied. He also said the fencing and bleacher pads will be staged to follow turf installation.
Sipple warned the board that several indoor air handlers were delayed by the manufacturer and that the district had been notified of a ship-date around Aug. 10. He said the district has engaged regional and factory representatives and is developing contingency plans with inspectors to define what a temporary occupancy might look like for the two-story section affected by the delayed units.
"Anything that we don't get by that point, we're going to try and meet with the inspector to understand what would a temporary occupancy state look like," Sipple said, noting the delay affects primarily a two-story section and a specific mechanical room that serves the library and lecture hall.
Board members asked whether the air-handler delay would cause cascading delays in other construction tasks; Sipple said he did not believe it would but that the startup and programming of the units will require additional time when they arrive.
The district will continue coordinating with contractors and inspectors and will update the board as delivery and power-restoration plans are finalized.
