By Sarah Opdahl

On Tuesday, January 23, New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) met to discuss ongoing work to shore up New Fairfield Middle School and complete punch list items.

PBC members discussed fees that were submitted for Hygenix, the company who handles  the school project abatement monitoring. Their fees were for monitoring at the Middle School after asbestos was found following the demolition of the high school. Colliers International’s Mr. Mark Schweitzer noted, “while the school was in session, they needed a full time monitor there…while the asbestos was exposed.” They also estimated expenses for what their work will entail during the Consolidated demolition. The plans for demolition will go through the PBC, the Board of Education, and the State Office of Construction and Grants Review.

There was an update on the ongoing propane problems at New Fairfield High School. Following a nitrogen purge over the holiday break and another temp orary tank installation, there was success achieved in capturing the mercaptan smell that was previously missing in the science classrooms. Schweitzer explained, “We burned Bunsen burners in four out of the five science classrooms, and we had propane smell at the end of the burn.” However, later “the smell was not as strong,” he said. Next steps include asking Mitchell Oil to revisit the school to capture baseline readings.

Another ongoing issue at the High School involves the hood fans that are making excessive noise. An acoustical consultant was recently at the school and determined that one exhaust fan may be out of alignment. The manufacturers are being asked to visit and investigate the alignment.

O&G’s Mr. Joe Vetro gave an update on the work being done to complete the Middle School. The corridor and elevator area is moving further along, in terms of masonry and drywall.

Steel is being fabricated and installation will occur soon, allowing the framer to finish framing around it. The roofer will soon start working to tie the roof over to the parapet walls. An additional heater will be purchased and installed for the corridor.

JCJ Architecture’s Ms. Christine O’Hare said the furnishings, fixtures, and technology punchlist is nearly complete, with a few remaining warranty replacements in progress. The last of the broadcast e quipment is in for the high school and  still needs to be installed.

Additional signage is being purchased for the High School/Middle School lot, including Do Not Enter signs and Bus Lane Only signs. Additional emergency site lighting is also being purchased and installed. Though the original exterior lighting was code compliant, it did not illuminate all of the way to the parent loop or public way.

The P

BC approved a $90,280 credit that was originally slated to purchase a book theft protection system for the High School’s library. The school agreed that this is not needed.

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