Helix board accepts KNCC guaranteed maximum price for shop remodel and approves CM/GC method for gym seismic work

The Helix School Board moved forward on two campus construction projects that officials said will expand career‑technical education and address seismic risk.

At a Dec. 23 special meeting, the board accepted a proposal and the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) from Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company (KNCC) for the Helix Shop CTE remodel. KNCC representative Shawn Towne summarized the bidding process and said allowances were included for items that may not be needed; if unused, allowance amounts “will go back into the budget.” The board’s motion to accept the proposal and the GMP of $853,398 carried 5‑0. The board asked district staff about who would cover owner‑responsibility items and about availability of long‑lead electrical equipment.

Separately, during the board’s Jan. 14 regular meeting the board reviewed and adopted a Finding of Fact to use the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) delivery method for a seismic rehabilitation of the Griswold High School main gym and authorized staff to issue an RFP for CM/GC services. The motion, made by Bobby Corey and seconded by Friday Bracher, carried by recorded vote.

Why it matters: The shop remodel will house expanded Ag/Science and welding CTE courses the district has prioritized; the seismic work addresses structural safety in the main gym and locker rooms, a project the district said it plans in coordination with engineering and grant funding. Both projects must clear additional permitting and contracting steps before construction begins.

What the board recorded: The Dec. 23 special meeting minutes record the KNCC presentation and the GMP vote. Shawn Towne presented a GMP summary and explained that allowances are included for specific subsystems; the board formally accepted KNCC’s proposed GMP of $853,398. At the Jan. 14 meeting the board voted to proceed with CM/GC procurement for the gym, directing staff to publish the RFP and follow the schedule outlined by IMEG and district consultants.

Numbers and funding context: The board accepted the KNCC GMP of $853,398 (Dec. 23 motion). KNCC’s bid summary in the packet shows tabulated subtotals and a “Totals” line of $870,642 for bid comparisons (documented in the GMP material). The district’s audit and capital planning materials note a combination of local, grant and bond funds under consideration for capital work; a separate seismic grant award of $2,499,992 appears in the district’s planning materials but the transcript does not name the awarding agency.

Next steps: District staff and KNCC will proceed to permit work and finalize owner‑responsibilities for the shop project. For the gym, staff will publish the CM/GC solicitation and evaluate proposals per the timeline in the RFP packet; the board noted it expects finalists and interviews before selecting a CM/GC.