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Chelsea board tables $653,990 site‑work approval after bidding, contract questions
Summary
The Chelsea School District Board tabled action on a recommended $653,989.60 site‑work package for the new WSEC field house after trustees raised questions about a newly added 10% contingency and whether the district must pursue a separate competitive bid for site work. The board voted to pause the item to verify contract and procurement details.
The Chelsea School District Board of Education tabled a recommendation to approve site work for the WSEC project after trustees requested further information about procurement and a newly added contingency. Chair opened the discussion and the board moved to delay action so administration could review contract language and confirm whether the site work must go out for competitive bid.
Superintendent Kupolka told the board the administration added a 10% construction contingency — $59,453.60 — to the site‑work recommendation "because this is site work and there's potential if you start to open up the ground there could be some added costs." He said the contingency is held in the district's sinking fund and is only used if needed.
Trustees pressed on procurement and fairness to other bidders. One board member asked whether the site work had been included in the original design‑build solicitation and whether the district could lawfully award the additional scope to the same contractor without a separate competitive process. Superintendent Kupolka said administration would recheck the awarded design‑build contract and state purchasing rules before bringing the item back to the board.
Board members also sought clarity on scope elements that could drive extra cost — including the two detention ponds in the recommendation — and on the timeline to break ground. Administration said the tentative break‑ground window is September but that a deferral to the August 17 regular meeting would likely push that date.
Chair moved to table the item so legal and procurement questions could be answered; a second was called and the motion carried unanimously. The board directed staff to return with contract language and any legal guidance at the next meeting so trustees could decide whether to approve the budgeted amount or pursue a competitive bid.
The board took no final fiscal action on the site work at the July work session; the item will return for further consideration once administration provides the requested contract and procurement information.
