FEBRUARY 7, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Mayor Richard A. Moccia; Steve Kerschner; Paul Arcario;
Doug Hempstead; Nick Pacella; David Murchie (5:37 p.m.);
Randall Avery (5:45 p.m.)

STAFF: John Hawley, Gilbane; Amar Shamas; Gilbane; Ben Burdsall, Gilbane;
Alan Lo, NFCC Coordinator

OTHER: Stuart Wells; Diane Lauricella, LWV; Herman Davenport, Columbus;
Sharon Cadden, PTO Council; Diane Hatchman, Nathan Hale PTO/
Norwalk High; Tony Daddona, Norwalk High

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Moccia called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S)

** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 7, 2005 AND JANUARY 18, 2006.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

III. NORWALK SCHOOL PROJECTS

A. Review Norwalk Public School’s proposal to re-allocate funding among the various schools included in the Norwalk Public Schools Facilities Audit and Analysis and Priority Needs Assessment and adopt the proposed revisions subject to final recommendation by the Board of Education on February 7, 2006.

Mr. Opdahl said there are a number of projects that are running in the negative or have had alternates put into the budget. The largest project is Norwalk High School with $2.5M of alternates. There are overruns on both Tracey and Columbus. The numbers for Roton weren’t in yet. The decision was made that it’s better to pull from projects that were done more recently. They also looked at the age of the buildings and the equity between schools. Mr. Gorian looked at all the buildings and determined the critical issues. They came up with $7M for redistribution, with $2.5M for Norwalk High School, $3M for the middle schools, and $1.4 for both Columbus and Tracey. Mr. Hawley confirmed that Mr. Opdahl is bringing this to the Board of Education tonight for approval. Mr. Opdahl said Dr. Corda sent out a letter to the parents. Mayor Moccia said he hasn’t received any negative calls.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO APPROVE THE REALLOCATION SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON FEBRUARY 7, 2006, AND ADOPT THE PROPOSED REVISIONS SUBJECT TO FINAL RECOMMENDATION BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON FEBRUARY 7, 2006.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. Brien McMahon High School/Center for Global Studies Improvement Project

1. Project update by John Hawley (Program Manager).

Mr. Hawley explained the project and it’s phases. Phase 3b began right after Christmas break, and the demolition of the interior walls has been completed. They will remove the exterior walls next, and it will be finished after the February vacation week. The portable classrooms will be removed in the summer, and they will build the softball field. They will build the tennis courts in the spring. The bamboo floor issue is in the process of being negotiated and resolved, and he hopes to bring it before the NFCC at their next meeting.

2. Review and approve the following change orders:

CCA #324 $15,773.00 Increase GMP Shaft wall enclosures/revisions in lower level areas
of Phase 1
CCA #359 $ 2,480.00 Increase GMP Added precast details to support brickwork at CGS
entry
CCA #20279 $10,958.00 Increase GMP Provide plumbing and electrical utils for new
equipment in fitness rooms
CCA #20303 $ 8,183.00 Increase GMP Steel frame added at AHU #1 dunnage for pipe
vestibule
CCA #20304 $ 2,235.00 Increase GMP Door threshold revisions at entrances to
auxiliary gym

** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO APPROVE THE ABOVE LISTED CHANGE ORDERS.

Mr. Hawley explained that CCA #324 is for the shaft wall revisions during Phase 1 construction. There were fire code questions that were raised about the duct work. The revisions had to be implemented to meet the code. CCA #20279 is for equipment that is specified to be in the new fitness center.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Review only, change orders approved by staff:

CCA #20295 $ 1,541.00 Increase GMP Added keys, cylinder revisions, and added locksets
per principal
CCA #20296 $ 512.00 Increase GMP Training for art department on new dark room
equipment

Mayor Moccia asked about CCA #20295. Mr. Hawley explained that the dressing rooms off the main corridor required locks. The key revisions had to be made to accommodate different staff members.

C. Kendall Elementary School

1. Project Update – by Amar Shamas (Program Manager)

Mr. Shamas explained the Renovations started in late June of last summer. He explained the various phases of construction and swing space. They are currently renovating C wing, which is scheduled to be completed during the February vacation week. The D and E wing renovations will be next and are targeted to be completed in early summer. The F wing, which is the gym, cafeteria, and the mechanical space downstairs, is the final phase of the project and is scheduled for abatement during the summer.

2. Review and approve the following change orders:

COR #028 $ 4,371.00 Increase GMP Masonry, louver changes, and additional fixed
windows at F wing as requested by the A/E.
COR #037 $137,036.00 Increase GMP Provide new millwork cabinets, sinks, and wood
wall paneling at the E wing.
COR #038 ($50,000.00) Decrease GMP Reduction in CM contingency.
COR #040 $ 6,318.00 Increase GMP HVAC modifications to the B wing as directed
by the engineer.
COR #042 $ 17,412.00 Increase GMP Provide white board overlay at all existing
chalkboards as requested by Kendall staff.
COR #043 $ 15,798.00 Increase GMP Provide additional cabinets at the teachers area
in the C and E wings.
COR #045 $ 40,924.00 Increase GMP Replace all existing interior wood doors and
hardware throughout the existing school.

Mr. Shamas explained that COR #037 for $137,000 represents the millwork. The scope is similar for both the C wing and the E wing, with the E wing being slightly higher due to more kindergarten classrooms. The cost report is included in the package. The remaining contingency for the project is tracking at about 42%. Mr. Hempstead asked if the remaining contingency is enough to cover the remaining work. There is 32% left of the owner contingency, and 75% of the CM contingency. Mr. Shamas said the only design item they have remaining is the playground.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO APPROVE THE ABOVE LISTED CHANGE ORDERS.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Review only, change orders approved by staff:

COR #044 $ 1,780.00 Increase GMP Replace existing broken and malfunctioning
power outlets at the C wing per A/E request.
COR #046 $ 1,723.00 Increase GMP Provide caulking and sealants at existing corridors
wood paneling joint system.

D. Norwalk High School

1. Project update – by Amar Shamas (Program Manager)

Mr. Shamas said the architects and the construction manager completed the development of the construction documents for the project. The BAC approved them on February 24, and they will go before the Board of Education tonight for approval. They met with the Office of School Facilities (OSF), and they will go back to them next week after correcting some minor revisions.

2. “Approve final plans dated 12/2/05 and professional cost estimate dated 1/24/06 for the Final Construction Documents phase at the Norwalk High School Addition and Alteration Project NO. 103-0233EA, Phase 2 of 2.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO APPROVE FINAL PLANS DATED 12/2/05 AND PROFESSIONAL COST ESTIMATE DATED 1/24/06 FOR THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS PHASE AT THE NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION AND ALTERATION PROJECT NO. 103-0233EA, PHASE 2 OF 2.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

E. Roton Middle School

1. Project update – by John Hawley (Program Manager)

Mr. Hawley said that the bids were just received today, and he will have a GMP at the March 1, 2006 meeting.

F. Tracey Elementary School

1. Project update – by John Hawley (Program Manager)

Mr. Hawley said the GMP was approved by the Common Council on January 24, 2006. The abatement phase is scheduled to begin during the February school vacation.

G. Columbus Elementary School

1. Project update – by Ben Burdsall (Program Manager)

Mr. Hawley provided a revised memo for everyone. Bids were received on January 20. The construction manager, Skanska, did the scope reviews. This project does now include the reallocation assumptions that were approved tonight and are going before the Board of Education for approval tonight. The project is being started with a full owner’s contingency. The renovation to this 1930’s building will take place over the summer.

2. Review the GMP received from Skanska USA Building Inc. and refer the following to Common Council for action:

“a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an amendment to Skanska Building USA contract for the construction phase at the Columbus Elementary School Project for a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) total cost not-to-exceed $3,894,418. Acct #0904-5010-5777-B0314.

b. Establish an allowance for the Owner’s Contingency in the amount of $352,500.00.

c. Authorize the NFCC to issue change orders on the contract for a total not to exceed the Owner’s contingency allowance.”

** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO SKANSKA BUILDING USA CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE AT THE COLUMBUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROJECT FOR A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE (GMP) TOTAL COST NOT-T0-EXCEED $3,894,418. ACCT #0904-5010-5777-BO314;
** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO ESTABLISH AN ALLOWANCE FOR THE OWNER’S CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,500.00;
** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE NFCC TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDERS ON THE CONTRACT FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED THE OWNER’S CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

IV. SOUTH NORWALK LIBRARY

A. Project update by John Hawley – Program Manager

Mr. Hawley said the exterior masonry is complete. All of the windows are in place and the building is watertight. The electrical roughing is done on two floors. The construction will be finished in late April, and the library should be complete approximately a month after that.

B. Construction Change Order(s):

1. Review and approve the following change orders:

PCO #20 $ 3,334.00 Increase GMP Provide flag pole and base (donation pending
from Veterans Memorial Committee)
PCO #38 $ 1,241.00 Increase GMP Install lintels to provide opening in wall for
new boiler flue
PCO #39 $ 5,125.00 Increase GMP Provide waterproof membrane over steel in
masonry cavity
PCO #40 ($ 3,333.00) Reduce GMP Delete P&P bonds being provided by the masonry
subcontractor
PCO #41 $ 2,563.00 Increase GMP Relocate air intakes from roof level to through
sidewall
PCO #44 $10,750.00 Increase GMP Provide temp enclosure and heat for addition
masonry to be finished
PCO #46 ($115,000.00) Reduce GMP Reduce CM Contingency
NFE #5 $ 3,427.00 CM Contingency Additional steel detailing costs during shop
drawing review
NFE #6 $ 2,760.00 CM Contingency Additional steel detailing costs due to field
conditions
NFE #7 $ 2,207.00 CM Contingency Premium time to finish the masonry work in
mild weather

Mr. Hawley explained that PCO #46 is the largest one, and a reduction in the CM contingency. The contingency still remains the construction manager’s. They are still responsible to finish the renovations, and they have the rights to these funds for costs in accordance with the contract. This leaves them with between $80,000 and $100,000 in (combined) contingency and allowances in the GMP.

** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO APPROVE THE ABOVE LISTED CHANGE ORDERS.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Review only, change orders approved by staff:

PCO #42 $ 307.00 Increase GMP Modify wall for soffit tie in due to low utilities
at lower level
PCO #43 $ 216.00 Increase GMP Fur out wall in lower level men’s rooms to align
wall in HC stall

V. NATHANIEL ELY CENTER

A. Project update: By John Hawley – Program Manager

Mr. Hawley said that the schematics were completed in December. W&M Construction was approved in December by the Council. The estimates came in above the current budget by approximately $1.8M. A request has gone out to CHEFA, and 90% of the money for the project is provided by the State and 10% is provided by the city. The request was for $1M would have $900,000 from CHEFA and $100,000 from CDBG grant. If the grant money is not received, the project would have to be scaled back to the original budget number of $3.8M.

VI. FIRE STATION PROJECT

A. Project update: By John Hawley and Alan Lo

Mayor Moccia said that everything has been put on hold. A report was provided to everyone. The city is considering a new project. The architect has been put on hold so that the City would limit potential added consulting fees.

Mr. Lo reviewed the events up until the present time. They hired an architect in September and went though the initial evaluating phase, geotechnical work, etc. They put together a schematic design and prepared a cost estimate. The total project estimate to renovate the Volk station and the bus depot was $4.1M. But only $370,000 was approved as part of the previous capital budget process. The number came in $1.5M higher than the original $4.1M. The design team proceeded with an assessment on the construction of a new combined facility at Wheels Bus Depot vs. renovation of the two buildings. It was decided that the Wheel Bus depot was a better location to rebuild entirely instead of Volk Station site. The preliminary estimate is at $14M and the funding request is going through the capital budget process. Mayor Moccia said that Chief McCarthy will be giving tours of the Volk Station on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Lo said that he is looking to get the NFCC meetings back to the regular schedule to be held on the first Wednesday of the month.

** MR. ARCARIO MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services

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