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Council debates full structural review of Onancock school after wide variance in engineering quotes
Summary
Council reviewed three engineering quotes (AWB $5,500; McPherson $6,300; Becker Morgan $17,007.70) and debated whether to commission a full structural and mechanical assessment. Residents and commenters urged a comprehensive study, warning of potential $5–7 million repair needs and calling for transparent public forums.
Council members spent the longest portion of the meeting debating how to evaluate the old Onancock school building and what scope to order from engineering firms. The town had solicited quotes from three firms: AWB (time & materials not to exceed $5,500), McPherson ($6,300) and Becker Morgan ($17,007.70). A council member said the AWB firm had done prior work and was willing to proceed on a time‑and‑materials basis; other members argued the council should seek a complete structural and mechanical engineering assessment covering roof, windows, HVAC, electrical and basement before committing to loans or repairs.
Council members asked whether travel costs were included in quotes and whether firms had assumed existing as‑built drawings. One member noted financing constraints: USDA lending typically matches loan terms to asset life (mechanical equipment ~10 years; structural/roof ~40 years), and the school lessee cannot take a loan on a building it does not own. Public commenters, including speakers who referenced a 2011 Becker Morgan assessment and more recent surveys, urged a full assessment and warned commissioners that repairs could total several million dollars. The council directed staff to clarify the scope and costs with the three firms and to draft a written RFP so members could decide whether to proceed with a fuller package at the next meeting.
