Board approves QKA ad-service contract as Tallman Gym project clears DSA

The Middletown Unified Board of Education unanimously approved a QKA ad-service contract for the Tallman Gym renovation after staff described changes in project scope and related architect fees.

Ray Green, the district’s facilities representative, told trustees the "bridal school gym project is DSA approved" and said necessary structural changes tied to new HVAC units increased costs but left the project viable and ready to bid. He said the district anticipates a contractor mobilization in the second week of September. "We know we have enough money to finish this project and other projects once we get out of the ground for that project," Green said.

During discussion staff and trustees explained the contract uses a legacy percentage-based master agreement that ties architect fees to construction costs. Green said the contract formula meant the design team’s contractually-owed fee could have been higher but the firm charged considerably less; he told the board the firm “by contract is owed about a 170,000 more than they're charging us.” Trustees asked whether the architects had earned the additional fee after expanded scope for HVAC and structural work; staff said the firm had performed significant additional work when the project’s scope grew.

Trustees pressed for clearer budgeting and project accounting. One board member requested a distinct study session dedicated to bond projects and predictable budget reporting so members would not face surprise spending requests during regular meetings. Staff offered a budget presentation with unaudited actuals at the Sept. 15 board meeting or a separate October study session focused on bond projects and balances.

The approval motion was moved by Patsy, seconded by Allison, and passed 4-0. The district plans to proceed to bid and begin early mobilization next month.