Facilities Director Says Contractor Walk-Through, Punch Lists Needed Before Paying Hossler HVAC Invoice

Facilities staff told the committee that while much of the Liberty Curtain work was installed, contractors have submitted only one updated punch list and numerous items are presently being treated as warranty claims.

Sam said electricians completed some sound equipment installation over several days but that several warranty issues remain: "We did receive a request for payment from Hossler, and I agreed to make the payment as long as we receive a punch list," Sam said, explaining the payment has been held for about a month and a half because an updated punch list was not provided.

Committee members pressed whether the district had involved the solicitor and whether withholding payment could expose the district to liability. Sam said the district has not yet involved the solicitor and that staff intend to conduct a walk-through with the architect (Crabtree) and contractors before school is out to identify deficiencies and clarify responsibility.

Sam also said about $365,000 remained owed to contractors districtwide, and that while many items are now warranty issues, work was installed under contract and the district retains one year of warranty coverage on many items. The committee urged staff to schedule the walkthrough as soon as possible and to coordinate with the solicitor if necessary.

Next steps: Sam to request punch lists from contractors, arrange a walkthrough with the architect and contractors before school dismissal, and only release the Hossler payment after receiving an updated punch list or solicitor guidance.