APPROVED

Windham School Board

Public Session

Workshop Meeting

December 19, 2006 – Town Hall

 

 

School Board Members:          Galen Stearns, Beverly Donovan, Beth Valentine, Barbara Coish and Bruce Anderson

Superintendent:                              Dr. Elaine Cutler

Business Administrator:          Brian Gallagher

 

 

Chairperson Bruce Anderson called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 8:16 p.m. with a call of the roll.  All those in attendance stood to salute the flag and to observe a moment of silence.

 

Mr. Anderson reiterated Galen Stearns upcoming retirement from the School Board.  It was noted that Mr. Al Letizio would be filling Mr. Stearns’ position until March 2007.

 

Mr. Anderson gave an update on the progress with Windham High School.  He noted there were obvious, non-public legal issues that the Board had to deal with in the past few months.  A PowerPoint presentation was given outlining the history of the evolution of Windham High School.  Highlights from the presentation included:

 

 

Mr. Anderson stated there were intense negotiations that continued with Team Design from September through the end of November, 2006.  He further stated that the School Board started to investigate other options

 

Mr. Anderson stated that the Windham School Board agreed to terminate the contract with Team Design and engage the services of Lavalle/Bresinger Architects.

 

Mr. Anderson explained the Termination Agreement with Team Design, which included Team Design releasing site plans to the Windham School District and that the Windham School District would retain all site plan permits.  Per the Termination Agreement, the Windham School District could use all subcontractors.  The Windham School District would not hold Team Design liable for bid overruns.  Mr. Anderson stressed that this last issue was discussed at length with legal counsel and that it was not in the best interest of the District to pursue any legal action against Team Design.

 

New Architects

 

Mr. Anderson spoke of the newly hired architectural firm of Lavalle/Bresinger.  He stated that they have a successful partnership with Harvey Construction Co. along with extensive high school building experience.  Mr. Anderson stated that Lavalle/Bressinger will adhere to strict cost control throughout the design phase.  It was noted that it would be a benefit having Harvey Construction on board at this stage - so that their Estimation Department can be utilized during the design phase by Lavalle/Bressinger.

 

It was noted that road construction would be starting the beginning of January, 2007.

 

Presentation:  Lavalle/Bressinger Architects:  Mr. Fred Urtz, President

 

Mr. Urtz provided the public with information about his company.  He noted the core of their practice was school projects.  He stated we will design a flexible space based on the budgeted bond amount to date.  He noted it may not have all the components right now, but they will design a school based on the budget. 

 

Mr. Urtz also noted the great relationship his company has with Harvey Construction.  He feels comfortable coming back to the Board in early January with GMPS (guaranteed maximum pricing).  He feels confident that the school can open in 2009.

 

Presentation:  Harvey Construction Company:  Mr. Carl DuBois, Project Manager

 

Carl DuBois stated that it was not a concern of Harvey Construction to be able to open in 2009.  He stated the game plan was to fast track the project with Lavalle/Bressinger.  He further stated that their goal is to have a foundation poured in June 2007.  He feels comfortable with a 2009 timeframe.

 

Public Questions and Comments

 

Jan Mattleman – Questioned the condition of the steel market along with have an environmentally friendly- planned building.  She also questioned if the trees cut from the site could be sold.  Harvey Construction responded by stating they were please with the steel market right now and that they are looking to go forward with geo thermal building.  She also noted that the timber will be used by the clearer in exchange for a reduced fee to the District.

 

Stephanie Wimmer – Thanked the School Board and questioned if the building will be in the exact same place that was originally outlined.  Lavalle/Bresinger responded that the building will be in the exact same place, however, it will not be the same design.

 

Tom Case – Stated that masonry load bearing walls were not wise in this day and age.  Lavalle/Bresinger responded by stating that masonry is used only in areas that seem to take the most abuse.  Mr. Case questioned the potential warrant article for the total package of the high school.  Harvey Construction responded by stating the longer you wait, the more it will cost later on.  He also noted that add alternates would be up to the town to decide.

 

Steve Zaimes – Spoke about how frustrating it is for many taxpayers who have spent so much money so far and nothing has been done.  He further noted he was encouraged that work will begin in January, as previously stated.  He questioned if the Team Design drawings would be used.  Lavalle/Bresinger responded by stating they are using none of the Team Design drawings.  However, they did look at the ed. specs.  Mr. Zaimes requested that the Windham School Board submit figures to the Windham Independent, of where they are at financially, on a monthly basis – noting communication goes a long way.

 

Alice D’Angelo – Questioned enrollment increases and projections.  Beth Valentine stated the District obtains significant enrollment projections.  She further stated, after the transition years in 2014, we should top 823 students at the high school level.  Ms. Valentine stated we need to give voters the option.  Ms. D’Angelo questioned the negotiations with Salem.  Dr. Elaine Cutler responded by stating they are working with Salem currently, they are very agreeable.  They will not leave us out in the cold.  She did not see any difficulties to extending the Agreement if need be.  Ms. D’Angelo questioned if AP courses would be offered at WHS.  Dr. Cutler responded – they are speaking at great length with other area high schools regarding this.  Noting there are options and that it is being investigated.

 

Beth Valentine noted that the PowerPoint Presentation presented tonight would be available on the District website.

 

Lisa Vivinetto – Spoke of her concern over the huge loss of square footage.  She requested the status of what the 170,000 square foot facility was going to have.  When we (the public) would be able to see the new plans.  She also requested the status on the auditorium, gym and cafeteria facility.  Lavalle/Bresinger responded by stating we know the budget we have to hit – 170,000 square feet is our target.  He further stated that plans will be available during the middle of January, 2007.  Ms. Vivinetto noted her biggest concerns were with add alternates.  Harvey Construction responded by stating we will provide you with a GMP on the alternates.  He noted that any savings would be going back to the District.

 

Beth Valentine stated the School Board knows it feels rushed for everybody.  She stressed they wanted input from the community as to whether or not they want to see add alternates on Warrant Articles in 2007 or wait until 2008.

 

Steve Zaimes – Spoke stressing his gut feeling, as a taxpayer, is to wait for the Warrant Articles until 2008.  He feels requesting more money this March would create more turmoil.

 

Mark Brockmeyer – Congratulated the School Board for taking the necessary steps thus far.  He noted it is difficult to foresee the obstacles that the Board faced.  Mr. Brockmeyer stressed it is possible to have a more modest school for the same budget.  Noting to remember it is all about core education and not about looks.  He feels the town can expand as needed as the tax base and population grows.  He urged the Board to go with the more modest plan for 1,100 students.

 

Richard Amari – Questioned enrollment numbers, noting his biggest concern was the expansion of Rte. 93.  He stated, as a taxpayer, he was worried.  He wanted to know what his safeguards were and to make sure we are on the right track.

 

Bruce Anderson responded by stating we have revamped our Building Committee along with hiring a very competent Owner’s Representative (Glenn Davis).

 

Harvey Construction – Mr. DuBois recognized everyone’s nervousness with the project.  He noted his company just completed two major high school projects on time and on budget.  He noted that Harvey Construction understands the ramifications.  He stressed Harvey will work for you and that we are on the same side of the table.

 

Rick Horrigan – Chairman of the Building Committee – Stated he thinks the School Board made the right decision with terminating the Team Design contract.  He noted we weren’t getting the building design we wanted – we weren’t comfortable.  He further stated the Building Committee unanimously recommended terminating TDI, also noting that litigation would have tied up the project for a long time.  He also stated that it would be cheaper to the taxpayer for that one year of tuition at Salem.

 

Laura Bellevia – member of the Building Committee – Urged the community to get their comments to the School Board about what they are willing to tolerate.  She feels the School Board will need to obtain information from everyone before deciding on Warrant Articles.

 

Jane Higgins – Stated she wanted a school in Windham that is better or equal to what our students now get at Salem High School.

 

Beth Valentine stated no matter what we are looking at, it will be a phased building project.  She further questioned, does the public want everything when it opens, or phase it in as enrollment numbers warrant it.

 

Diane Carpenter – Questioned if we are starting over with the design, when will we know what is on board and what is not on board.  Lavalle/Bresinger responded by stating the Districts education philosophy does not have to change – it will have to grow over time.  The building will be flexible – there will be a road map for you to follow.

 

It was noted that theoretically, the approval of add alternates would have to done by March, 2008 in order for them to be incorporated by 2009. 

 

Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A:3II(b) at 10:30 p.m .was made by Galen Stearns with a 2nd by Barbara Coish.  Galen Stearns-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Barbara Coish-aye; Beth Valentine-aye and Bruce Anderson-aye.