Sportsplex contractor reports unforeseen foundation issues; excavation and pay apps underway

Andrew, the presenter on the Sportsplex project, told the board the team mobilized in early May and began interior demolition before discovering foundation problems on the west wall facing the parking lot and a portion of the south wall. "We did discover we had some unforeseen conditions with that existing building, specifically with some foundations," he said, describing excavation to remove slab and install new footings and foundation walls.

Andrew said crews will backfill and pour slabs once foundation work is complete, and that work on the addition’s excavation will begin shortly when weather permits. He said the project team certified the first pay applications for each of the four contractors and will submit pay requisition number 2 before the next board meeting. "I've hereby certified those for payment on behalf of the town, as of last week," Andrew said. He added that the arena finish floor will be matched to the new slab and that interior work on bathrooms and concessions will continue concurrently with the addition.

The presenter warned that some scheduling adjustments were required after a brief period of downtime with the general contractor but reported steady progress in recent weeks. The board discussed a damaged portion of a silver siding and agreed to monitor the condition for now; siding color for the insulated metal panels was approved as "driftwood" to match the nearby school to keep the area visually consistent. The board was told canopies are less time-sensitive and can be decided next week because insulated panels need fabrication lead time.

The board did not set a revised completion date in the discussion; Andrew said the immediate priorities were foundation remediation and continuing monthly pay applications. The board noted the project remains active and will return for routine updates and pay application reviews.