Minutes

Construction Advisory Committee Meeting

November 27, 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. As well, Dr. John DeCotis, Superintendent, introduced to the Committee Mrs. Terri Gerhardt, who was recently promoted to Purchasing Agent. Dr. DeCotis and Mr. Davis thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.

Mr. Davis discussed the recent Board Meetings concerning construction projects. At the Called Board Meeting on October 30, 2006, the Board discussed building a “prototype” elementary school, with full core facilities, and fewer classrooms at the time of construction, but could be added on to at a later date. On November 13, 2006, the Board voted to build this prototype elementary school at their Inman Road land site. The Board’s architect is working on preliminary plans for this school, which is due to open in Fall, 2008. This new school is expected to provide relief to four or five neighboring elementary schools that are already experiencing growing pains. As well, building a second elementary school was discussed. The John Weiland Group has deeded the Fayette County Board of Education property in the “Centennial” subdivision in Peachtree City, however to build a school, the Board of Education requires two roads in and out of the site. Since Centennial is only equipped with one road at this time, the Board is still seeking property to build a second school. Mr. Davis discussed the sale of the bonds to fund these projects, as well.

Mr. Klaus Darnall, Construction Manager, reported on most recent FY2005 bond construction projects. The construction on Bennett’s Mill Middle School is still ahead of schedule. Concrete walls are 80% finished, and exterior brick walls are 95% complete. Mr. Darnall stated that work is being done on the school’s plumbing, vocational area and kitchen. In December, the kitchen is expected to be secured. Skylights are being installed in the gym and media center. 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 old slab in the kitchen has been removed. New masonry and plumbing is being installed. A new slab for the new equipment is expected to be installed in the next two weeks.

At Brooks Elementary School, the addition has been redesigned and approved by the Department of Education. The school bid will be complete by December 14, 2006. The original design was reduced by 3,500 Square foot, removing two classrooms and storage areas. The addition is expected to be completed by Fall, 2007.

Mr. Darnall next spoke about renovations to occur at Oak Grove Elementary School. The architect has started drawing up plans on the kitchen expansion, and equipment renovations, and the replacement of rooftop A/C units. These plans will need to be approved by the Department of Education, and the expected start date for the project is June, 2007. Mr. Darnall stated the project should be a 10-12 month project.

Mr. Darnall reported that the new “Inman Road” elementary school will be bid in March, 2007. The school is expected to be constructed in 15-18 months. As mentioned earlier, the school will originally be built to a scaled down version of the original plan. When fully built, and all additions completed, the school will have a state capacity of 800 students. All of our schools, with the exception of Fayette County High School, Starr’s Mill High School, Sandy Creek High School, Whitewater High School, Crabapple Lane Elementary, Cleveland Elementary and Kedron Elementary, have had additions to increase classroom space.

Mr. Mike Satterfield, Director of Facilities Services, spoke about the projects that were part of the “10 year facilities plan”. Sandy Creek’s High School track has been semi-finished with asphalt. Eventually, a rubber surface will be added to the track, which is expected to be completed in December. In addition, Fayette County High School is being fitted with new poles and lights at their stadium, and the old equipment will soon be removed. Mr. Satterfield further spoke of a cart path that will be constructed from the “Chimney’s” subdivision extending to Panther Path, to allow children safe access to the school complex. Dr. DeCotis favorably commented on Sam’s Auditorium and the installation of the dressing rooms at the facility. Mr. Satterfield further commented on the progression of the “Welcome Center” at the Lafayette Educational Center. The nearly completed center will open in January, and minor landscaping and parking spaces are being addressed.

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