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Politics & Government

Construction Delays Plague Highland Park Elementary Renovation

The Board of Education received an update from the construction contractor on the Highland Park Elementary project, and due to unforeseen environmental conditions, the renovation is six weeks behind schedule.

A meeting that began with a fun and entertaining presentation from the Keeney St. School third grade about their collaboration with the Connecticut Science Center, ended up with a more somber and concerned tone as the board heard details of the Highland Park Elementary School renovation project. Unforeseen conditions and delays could put the completion date of September 2012 in jeopardy.

In his report to the board on the progress of construction since October 3, 2011, Aaron Krueger of the Gilbane Building Company detailed the work that had been completed, but also said work was behind schedule. The main cause of the delays were the unforeseeable and concealed conditions within the structure.

“One of the painful things we encountered as we got into the abatement work was the PCBs. There is caulking associate with the concrete panels that faced the roofline of the building, and the windows which contained PCBs. Part of the state and Federal regulations are that the PCBs need to be removed as part of the project,” explained Krueger, “As with anything in a renovation, unforeseen conditions and items that are concealed can rear their ugly head, and they did in this case.”

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The building contractor hired a consultant to develop a plan for the additional abatement of the PCBs they encountered, but the process was slow.

 “We did get out of the gate a little late because of the approval process with the EPA and getting an acceptable plan in place. The work could not commence until the EPA blessed it,” said Krueger.

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In total, the environmental issues set the construction schedule back approximately six weeks. Asked if there was any way to make up some of the lost time, Krueger said overtime can be used, there is some budgeting for it.

“Just working overtime doesn't guarantee that the project will be expedited.”

There might be some advantage for the overtime when working on the interior part of the renovation.

Krueger said the weather will be a large factor in whether the construction can continue apace. According to the project schedule, it was unavoidable that elevated concrete and masonry work will be attempted in the wintertime. If weather conditions are favorable, some ground might be made up to get the project on schedule, but bad weather conditions could set it back further.

“I don't think at this point it's appropriate to say whether or not the September 5 is going to hold true or not. We really need to get through the additions and we need to see where we stand at the end of January of next year.”

The critical path in moving the project forward is the classroom and media center additions. In an effort to catch up on the schedule, Krueger said the concrete contractors were working in multiple areas, whereas the original plan had them working in one area and moving on to the next. The secondary critical path is the duct-work which Krueger reported was proceeding well.

On the matter of budget, Krueger said he was “marginally concerned” about the health of the contingency account. He expected to realize savings from value engineering, but said that he was concerned that other unforeseen conditions, particularly along the roof-line could prove costly.

Board members thanked Krueger for his efforts, and specifically for his candor, especially given the ramifications of the project not being completed on schedule.

“Candor is what we need right now,” said member Neal Leon, “we understand that it can be frustrating to be behind schedule and behind budget. We have to adopt the school calendar in February. I really foresee, and I hope I am wrong, but a perfect storm coming where that school is not ready on time. I am concerned we are going to be stuck with limited options to house our children.”

Leon also noted that the budgeting process is conducted around that time, and programs may have to be adjusted if the facility will not be ready for student use.

Krueger mentioned that a TCO (Temporary Certificate of Occupancy) would allow the building to be used by teachers and staff, but would not permit students to occupy the building.

Board member Michael Rizzo echoed Leon's concerns and recommended additional oversight by the district administration, specifically Interim Superintend Robert Kiesel.

“My confidence level is waning, and I think it would be a good idea if we add some kind of oversight responsibility over this project, and the professionals that are working on this for us. We need somebody to be watching over the house,” Rizzo said.

Kissel agreed stating, “in my experience the Superintendent needs to provide that kind of oversight over a project like this. I can assure you that it will be part of yours and my expectation at this time.”

The board approved the phase three of the improvement project known as the FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) at a cost of approximately $391,000.

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