By Sarah Opdahl

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 9, New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) were given an update on the Middle School’s closure and work that is occurring to prepare the outdoors for additional parking. O&G’s Mr. Joe Vetro gave an update on the many activities that are occurring at the Middle School to effect repairs following the old high school’s demolition. He explained, “The site contractor has finished up the stormwater and sanitary piping across the site now. They’ve gone around and installed all the site light bases. They’ve installed about 95% of the conduits between those bases. There’s one stretch that t hey cannot install at this time.” He went on to say that fencing was installed along the new retaining wall and you can clearly see where the parking lot will be and the approaching driveway.

Vetro said, “the framer has framed the north wall…and along where the elevator shaft is” on the building. A large amount of work is being done to complete the elevator shaft, as issues that were found in the corridor’s masonry. The PBC also approved work to repair pressure in the pool, which was damaged due to construction activity.

The new high school’s ongoing issues with propane appear to be drawing to a close. Over the holiday break, Mitchell Oil representatives returned to install additional temporary propane tanks. Schweitzer explained that they “purged the existing propan e system in the building with nitrogen to get out the old gas to remove anything in the pipe.” He went on to say, after hooking up additional temporary tanks, many tests were run and they achieved the mercaptan propane smell in the kitchen and culinary classroom. Working closely with the Town’s Fire Marshall Mr. Derrik Guertin, Mitchell representatives completed a series of tests on the Bunsen burners in the science classrooms and achieved varying degrees of odor. They will continue to monitor the smell in the classrooms and address the permanent tanks.

The high school’s AV systems are nearly complete with final equipment being installed. AV Consultants plan to meet with administrators and staff for extensive training, as there is need for more instruction. JCJ Architecture’s representatives are wrapping up their punch lists, most of which entails repairs to broken furniture. One late item for the high school involved connecting the digital signage, as they were waiting for the correct computer sticks. Schweitzer happily reported that signage is now complete and working.

The PBC is planning to return one snow pu sher originally purchased through the Furnishings, Fixtures, and Equipment budget, as the school district purchased a new one last year through its budget. They plan to use the credit to purchase a hydraulic angling front blade for snow removal instead. The swap will result in a savings of nearly $1,200 to the project.

PBC members spent an hour in Executive Session to discuss “PBC direction of pending litigation” for the bus lot appeal. No discussion or votes were held after exiting the session.

The next regular Permanent Building Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 7:30 p.m.