Board hears $283,619.85 change order for emergency generator, and reviews PA, camera licensing and ESSER late‑liquidation options
May 28, 2024 | Scranton SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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District facilities and the owner's representative updated the board on several capital and safety projects. A proposed change order (ECCO005) for project 03329 — West Grand Intermediate emergency generator — was presented at $283,619.85. The owner’s representative explained the costs are higher because the work increases capacity and adds standby systems (data network, nurse refrigeration, security, HVAC): "The generator and automatic transfer switch combined were $120,000 new, gas fired," the representative said, adding materials and labor line items that together account for the higher total.
Board members expressed concern the number appeared high and urged an advertised bid to compare cooperative purchasing prices. Director Casey suggested competitive bids rather than accepting cooperative-purchase pricing; an operations memo noted the rental generator is currently on a month‑to‑month lease and the project completion is scheduled for August 2025.
Separately, staff presented options to extend licensing for door/camera systems (5‑year vs. 10‑year licensing) to keep newly installed access control and cameras operable. Pat explained that staying with the installed vendor offers a single integrated system but that the new IT director should review phase‑2 expansions before final decisions.
Financially, staff outlined recent federal guidance for ESSER late liquidation that would allow districts to obligate funds by Sept. 30 and liquidate by Dec. 31 (and in some cases liquidate later under a late‑liquidation application). Pat told the board this presents an alternative funding source to pay for PA systems and could free committed capital funds for other projects; directors asked staff to assess whether PA and lighting controls could meet ESSER deadlines and requirements.
No final contract award was recorded during the work session; staff will return with recommendations, bid comparisons and funding proposals.
Board members expressed concern the number appeared high and urged an advertised bid to compare cooperative purchasing prices. Director Casey suggested competitive bids rather than accepting cooperative-purchase pricing; an operations memo noted the rental generator is currently on a month‑to‑month lease and the project completion is scheduled for August 2025.
Separately, staff presented options to extend licensing for door/camera systems (5‑year vs. 10‑year licensing) to keep newly installed access control and cameras operable. Pat explained that staying with the installed vendor offers a single integrated system but that the new IT director should review phase‑2 expansions before final decisions.
Financially, staff outlined recent federal guidance for ESSER late liquidation that would allow districts to obligate funds by Sept. 30 and liquidate by Dec. 31 (and in some cases liquidate later under a late‑liquidation application). Pat told the board this presents an alternative funding source to pay for PA systems and could free committed capital funds for other projects; directors asked staff to assess whether PA and lighting controls could meet ESSER deadlines and requirements.
No final contract award was recorded during the work session; staff will return with recommendations, bid comparisons and funding proposals.
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