Minutes

Construction Advisory Committee Meeting

September 25, 2006

Committee members met at the Fayette County Board of Education Offices to discuss the ongoing construction occurring within the school system. Mr. Lee Davis, Comptroller, welcomed the members to the meeting, and members reintroduced themselves. As well, Mr. Davis introduced to the Committee Mrs. Terri Gerhardt, who was recently promoted to Purchasing Agent. Dr. John DeCotis, Superintendent, and Mr. Davis thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.

Mr. Klaus Darnall, Construction Manager, reported on most recent FY2005 bond construction projects. The additions to Spring Hill Elementary, Peeples Elementary, and Rising Starr Middle Schools have been completed. Mr. Darnall also stated that the J. C. Booth Middle School kitchen and installation of new HVAC units in the gymnasium has almost been completed.

The construction on Bennett’s Mill Middle School is still ahead of schedule. Rooftop HVAC units and skylights have been installed. The decking over the gymnasium is progressing; and the roof is 85% complete. Exterior brick is also 85% complete, and interior block work is moving ahead. Tile in the kitchen is beginning to be laid, and heat pumps are being installed. The capacity for this school will be just below 1,200 students. Weather permitting, the school will be on schedule to be completed for August, 2007, however the contractor will try to finish construction before this date.

At Fayette Middle School, the kitchen equipment and gymnasium HVAC units were bid on September 12, 2006. The kitchen renovations will begin within the next couple of weeks, and a temporary wall will be installed to allow for the demolition needed in the kitchen. The food is being catered from the Lafayette Educational Center to the school, and the old band room is serving as the new serving line area. The gymnasium HVAC units will be installed next summer, and the replacement of the roof top units as well.

At Brooks Elementary School, the space additions in the common areas; the HVAC units and new roof for the gymnasium will be bid out on

October 3, 2006. It is expected that the Board of Education will vote upon a recommended bidder at their October Board meeting.

Mr. Darnall next spoke about renovations to occur at Oak Grove Elementary School’s kitchen. Updates to equipment, and a better pattern for the serving area are being reviewed, and a schematic design is being drawn up for approval to the State Department of Education.

The Fayette Board of Education’s Internal Construction Committee is working on securing preliminary estimates for the new elementary school. Even though we receive State funds for middle schools and high schools, we will not receive any funding from the State for this elementary school. When our newest elementary schools were built, we paid approximately $68.00 per square foot, and now estimates we are receiving are at $129.00 to $156.00 per square foot. Construction costs have increased due to the demand for construction materials in China, India, and petroleum based material costs soaring because of recent gas increases. As a cost-saving measure, the Committee is looking at building a “prototype” school (such as Crabapple Lane Elementary or Cleveland Elementary), where the architectural fees would be reduced. Other options are also being looked at, and will be discussed at a Called Board Meeting on October 30, 2006, at 7:00 pm.

Mr. Mike Satterfield, Director of Facilities Services, spoke about the projects that were part of the “10 year plan” that were completed during the summer. Almost all projects were completed, with the exception of the track at Sandy Creek High School, in which the asphalt is curing, and will be paved and striped at the end of October, and the Fayette County High School “Tiger Stadium” lighting project. This will involve the replacement of the stadium lights with new, updated lights.

Mr. Davis mentioned that the second phase of bonds will most likely be sold during the summer of 2007. Of the $35 million in bonds, approximately one-half of this amount has been drawn, and with the completion of Bennett’s Mill Middle School, bigger draw downs are expected.

The meeting was adjourned. Dr. DeCotis thanked everyone for coming and stated that he hoped they enjoyed the meeting.