Board of Education

Middletown Public Schools -Board of Education BOE Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes November 17, 2021 at 5:30 PM The meeting was held over Zoom and streamed in YouTube. Chairwoman Deborah Cain called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM. Present: Deborah Cain (Chairperson), Peter Staye, Marco Gaylord, David Bauer, Dan Penney, John Giuliano, Board of Ed Committee member Charles Wiltsie, Committee Secretary Leslie Spatola and Ray Linehan from BOE IT department. I. Introductions II. Review of the October 20, 2020 Meeting Minutes Chairperson Cain made a motion to accept the minutes and was seconded Mr. Penney III. Update of Macdonough Feasibility Study – M. Gaylord Mr. Staye stated that they have met with the State of Connecticut Office of Construction Grants & Review (OSCGR) who had toured the site as well as a meeting via Zoom and are supportive of this project. OSCGR believes this would be a ‘new construction’ project for multiple reasons. The next step is to have an architect create a presentation for the Mayor and various committee members and go through the process after the Mayor returns from vacation. The feasibility committee members are Ed Ford, Dina Ford, Grady Faulkner, Christopher Puorro, Delta Rose Daniels, Cody Altieri, Dr. Michael Conner, Dr. Alberto Mayo-Vazquez and Ms. Joyce Carey. IV. Status of Beman Middle School Construction Project – P. Staye The work continues with a focus is on commissioning, completing the auditorium, soccer field on the east side (front) of the building and paving of Wilderman’s Way. The goal for the auditorium is to obtain certificate of occupancy this Friday (November 19). The lighting and flooring in the aisles still need work and training on use of the audio board is scheduled for November 22, 2021. Training will be video-taped. The line painting of the south parking lot is scheduled for Saturday, November 20 along with the binder course for Wilderman’s Way. The contractor is looking to complete as much as possible from the punch list during the December holiday break. The building is working well and testing of all systems continues. The next building committee meeting is on Monday, November 29, 2021. Mr. Gaylord reviewed the issues that with the wheels on Smith System student chairs, which leak lubricant that marks floors. Smith System is proposing to replace casters in one room. If the problem goes away they will replace all the casters. Mr. Penney inquired about the emergency generators(s) being under full load and Mr. Staye gave confirmation they were approved by the Fire Marshal, the commissioning agent and himself.  - Page 2 - The lockers are installed but the increase in enrollment due to T.E. Edison magnet school closing has created a shortage of 100± lockers. Approximately 70 lockers do not close properly due to a design flaw. Replacement parts have been ordered and will be installed upon receipt. V. Update of Snow and Farm Hill Schools Roofing Projects – P. Staye The Farm Hill School roof project has been approved by the state OSCGR. Committee is waiting to hear from the city if it will fund a PV Solar Electric System for approximately $500k. If the city approves funding, the committee will apply for funding from the State for approximately 66% of the cost. Farm Hill project will go out to bid in January 2022. Snow School has not been approved by the State as yet. The school also has the potential for a PV system. VI. Discussion on the 5-year Plan for Capital Projects for 2021/2022 Mr. Staye presented a spread-sheet of projects which is the third integration of the 5-year capital plan. An updated narrative will be prepared for the next meeting. VII. Facilities Department – Staffing Vacancies – P. Staye The number of vacancies has grown since last month. The City has not posted vacancies or expand the list of persons eligible to become custodians. Chairperson Cain stated that she had spoken to Justin Richardson of the City Human Resources department who understood the urgency of getting replacements and she recommended getting temps as soon as possible. Several temporary staff need to be tested to establish their eligibility for permanent positions. The last test was in April 2021. IX. Miscellaneous Committee congratulated Mr. Staye on his upcoming retirement on January 7, 2022 and commended him for all his hard work and successfully completing the Beman Middle School. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 PM by Chairwoman Cain and seconded by Mr. Wiltsie. The next Board of Education Facilities Committee meeting will be on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 5:30 PM. Minutes recorded by Leslie A. Spatola, Leslie A. Spatola Leslie A. Spatola Facilities Committee Secretary