By Sarah Opdahl

At the Tuesday, September 22 New Fairfield Permanent Building Committee (PBC) meeting, Colliers International’s Mr. Mark Schweitzer reported that the bids for completing the bus lot project at 302 Ball Pond Road are coming in. He said they plan to scope the bids and return to the PBC with a recommendation at their October 13 meeting. Schweitzer explained that there were four firms at the site walk through, and they have received some questions, though he did not go into specifics.

Schweitzer said that Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the propane fixes at New Fairfield High School are prepared, though they are holding off on sending them out for now. A discussion was had involving the hope for gas detectors with local alarms to be installed in the science classrooms and connected to the Building Management System. Fire Marshall Mr. Chris Alward fortuitously joined the meeting just as the topic arose and said he will check the IFC, NFT, and gas codes for best practice, especially concerning odor fade, and will circle back with the PBC. The next step is e to go back to the original subcontractor, depending on Alward’s findings. PBC members agreed that all spigots would still need to be replaced in the classrooms. While propane issues for the kitchen and culinary wing were fixed, the science classrooms remain without piped propane three years after opening the school.

The fire tanks that are leaking at the seals at the elementary school continue to be a topic of discussion, with  ongoing finger pointing for fault. According to  the tank installers, the plumber who installed the pipe needs to absorb the fix; however, it was pointed out that this was the installer’s subcontractor and the tank installers are still responsible for sorting out the solution.

There was a brief update on the RFP status for the New Fairfield Free Public Library’s upcoming renovation project. PBC member Ms. Maureen Clegg explained that a pre-bid library walkthrough was scheduled for September 28 with actual proposals due on October 8. For the walkthrough there will be at least four firms in attendance, and PBC Chair Mr. Don Kellogg noted that though questions will come up during that timeframe, the firms should also formally submit any questions. 

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