New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) met on Tuesday, May 23 as they continue to shepherd the district’s school projects through construction. In an update on the elementary school’s continued roof leaks, O&G’s Mr. Joe Vetro said, “we’re going to be opening up the brick and physically looking at the flashings…it’s impossible to tell right now exactly how it’s getting in.” In addition, all parties agree the lawn at the school is not up to par and “was not as established as we were all hoping” last year when the school opened. Corrective measures will be taken with plantings and seeding. School building officials are considering allowing its spigots for irrigation. It was noted by JCJ’s Mr. Bill Ayres that while on site “obviously we also want to do a thorough examination of the playscape area, because there are portions of that equipment that are not functioning properly.” Discussions continue about “who ultimately is responsible for the functionality of the playscape equipment and providing them with the recommended corrective measures involved in doing that.”

O&G is beginning to build a matrix for the construction’s end at the high school. Vetro said, “it’s going to be a matter of critical path. There’s certain things that cannot take place until other activities, specifically relocating staff, making sure the network’s up to date and functioning,” and more occur. Pricing for the broadcast equipment and infrastructure for the high school continued to be a topic for discussion, following their unintended lack of inclusion in original bidding. Colliers International’s Mr. Mark Schweitzer reminded the PBC of the school’s wish for the infrastructure to be corrected rather than the equipment purchased with available funds. Boxes are needed that have all the plugins for cameras, audio control, and audio cable. Various remote cameras and audio cables can plug into the boxes and all content leads back to the control room where material can be readied for production. It was clarified that hundreds of feet of the correct cables are also needed.

The PBC was briefed on a late charge added after the state weighed in on the need for a water treatment system at the high school due to limitations with the existing wells. There were a handful of related subcontractors who did not make it into the original bids due to the addition.

Also, the need for additional parking at the high school in the fall is a continued concern. A temporary lot will be critical to accommodate all staff vehicles. A revised plan for what would have been a substantial retaining wall for the middle school is nearing completion with the new plan featuring a six-inch curb and a stone slope. There is some concern about maintenance of the slope, which may be mitigated with weed control fabric under the stone. Additional slope stabilization fabric may also be needed.

When asked about commissioning at the high school, Mr. Vetro explained that it is underway, with rooftop units and more. Some items are not functioning correctly and were reordered. They are working “system by system with the balancing of air …the balancing of the water.” Vetro noted that the boilers have not been started yet.

Vetro showed images of the extensive work that is being done in the new high school auditorium, including all wood paneling on the walls. When asked about the seats, he said that they are on a ship from China and will arrive in a few weeks. Issues with the high school loading dock are being considered and representatives from JCJ Architecture believe a monolithic pour with the proper rebar may solve current problems.

There was a discussion about replacing a transfer switch at the middle school to accommodate a generator that will be used when the town is in need of emergency shelter space. It was noted that this is a safety issue because the manual transfer switch that is there now is damaged. The switch provides a clear indication of load and overcurrent and short circuit protection.

The next Permanent Building Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.