Committee reviews site progress, approves $11.0M construction requisition for office and maintenance garage

The Icewind Building Committee on July 21 heard an update on progress at the office and maintenance garage site and approved multiple contractor invoices, including a $11,014,321.30 construction requisition that covers early construction work, bonds and insurance.

Jeff, the on-site project manager, said site work began in June with delivery of office trailers, security fencing and grading. "They started soil excavation for the installation of the deep drainage lines," he reported, and described a significant site challenge: "During the excavation, they encountered massive, glacial erratic directly in the pathway for the reinforced concrete pipe. They had to demolish it with their hydraulic hammer. It took almost 2 days for them to do that." The committee was told that removing that rock will likely produce a change order associated with additional capital expense.

Committee members and design staff said the town-issued building permit dated June 30, but actual on-site work began about July 6; the project team said they will consider July 6 the contractor's notice-to-proceed, moving the 12-month substantial-completion target accordingly. Design staff also described drainage modifications to extend piping to the pond on the east side of the site; staff noted that these changes will generate a change-order request for the committee to review at a future meeting.

The committee approved three invoices by voice vote. It approved Palmer Associates invoice 124.2 for $10,680 (described as 40% through design development), Pomeroy Associates invoice 25.124.1-07 for $35,282.40 (12% through construction), and Paige Building & Construction requisition #001 for $11,014,321.30 to cover early construction, bonds and insurance. Chair called the motions and members voted in favor; no dissenting votes were recorded on the audio.

Design staff and the contractor said submittals and RFIs are being processed without delay, and that flooring samples and security/camera pricing should be available next week. The committee also discussed options for bird-wire attachment hardware to avoid roof penetrations; designers said a standing-seam anchoring approach is expected to reduce roof-penetration risk and may produce a credit compared with prior stanchion designs.

The committee directed staff to return change-order documentation for review and formal vote once costs are finalized. The next meeting was set for Aug. 18 at 3:30 p.m.