Board approves Bothell Middle School HVAC change order, Sandy Knoll playground purchase and district milk cooler replacements

The Marquette Area Public Schools board approved three operational purchases and a contract change order during the meeting: a change order for variable frequency drive replacement at Bothell Middle School ($47,844.50); the purchase and installation of outdoor learning/playground equipment for Sandy Knoll Elementary ($39,597.98) sourced through Sourcewell and to be installed this summer; and the purchase of 13 forced-air milk refrigeration units from Hiawatha Chef Supply for $43,005.10 to replace aging cold-wall equipment.

On the Bothell HVAC item, GEI consultant Isaac Roberts told trustees that one VFD "is not working the way it should" and that the drives are approaching 20 years of age, noting the quoted replacement price of $47,844.50 exceeded the project's contingency and therefore required board approval as a change order. Roberts explained replacing the VFDs is less expensive than replacing motors and that having the contractor on site reduces the risk of emergency replacements.

For Sandy Knoll, Mrs. Brock, who is working with teachers and parents on the project, described planned summer purchases that included two swing sets (one "friendship swing"), a multi-seat inclusive seesaw and replacement climbing wall panels; she said some additional elements (for example a greenhouse) are being planned for a later phase and that the original concept came from a grant opportunity whose timing remains uncertain.

Regarding milk refrigeration, district staff explained recurring frosting/freezing problems with existing cold-wall units and presented bids for forced-air units that would reduce frozen-milk incidents and provide greater energy efficiency. Staff said the Hiawatha Chef Supply quote covers 13 units district-wide and includes one backup unit.

Each of the three items was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Trustees and staff noted that contingency funds or district spend-down dollars would be used where applicable and that unused contingency dollars at project closeout return to the schools.

Next steps: Contracts and purchase orders will be finalized and vendors scheduled for summer installation; the Bothell HVAC change order will be processed as part of the ongoing HVAC project.