DePaolo and Kennedy Renovations: Back To The Drawing Board

The Board of Finance voted to pass a reduced bond ordinance amount of $85 million that would allow the town to go to referendum on the proposal to renovate DePaolo and Kennedy Middle Schools.  

A budget amount of $100.1 million was the number originally presented to the board during Public Hearings June 15, but Finance members voted unanimously to table voting then, requesting more time to analyze the renovate-as-new designs further. 

School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. thanked board members for taking the time to visit the schools to see first-hand where the overhauls are needed. "The Middle School Education Specifications Committee helped identifying the needs of staff in regards to building modifications," Erardi said.

"Will this proposal meet the needs of students twenty-five years from now? Don't be short-sighted, the plans take into account climate and air control, technology and comfort levels for medically challenged students," Erardi said in addressing the scope of the project. 

Board member John Moise sought clarification from Joseph Costa, principal of Fletcher Thompson Design firm, regarding both hard and soft costs relating to the bottom line amounts. 

Costa referred to the Master Control Budget, which outlines estimates based upon reusing as much of the existing structure and site attributes as possible. The 'like-new' standard is defined by the State of Connecticut General Stature 10-282, Status as Renovation.

"The project contingency adds costs," said Costa. "Fletcher Thompson employs value engineering into analysis. We go on our best projections based on industry standards." 

Particulars such as air conditioning, showers, and gym equipment were up for debate. The total number of showers was cut from 24 boys showers and 48 girls showers down to two in all. "We realized the need wasn't there for showers. We are are asking how we can bring the numbers down and reduce escalation costs," said Brian Goralski, Board of Education Chairman. "It's better to do it right up front than to do construction later as add-ons."

"There are a lot of other pressing issues in Southington. What about the infrastructure that needs attention and funding?" said Sandy Feld. 

"We all will benefit from new schools, because it's not just about sprucing up the buildings," said Chairman John Leary. "It will make improvements in the educational quality overall. But cost is always a concern, especially with other pressing issues like sewers."

Board member Ed Pacock motioned to reduce the initial bid and the motion was approved. Now it will be back to the drawing board for the Board of Education and Fletcher Thompson to reconfigure plans with less money. The renovations, improvements and additions will ultimately depend on voters in referendum November. 

A 4 percent increase in mill rate is expected if referendum is approved.