Building committee asks council to solicit Clerk of the Works for Gilead Hill projects

Richard Steiner, representing the Gilead Hill Elementary School Building Committee, told the council March 5 that two summer projects — roofing and code-violation work — will involve multiple trade contractors and prompted a request to solicit a Clerk of the Works to serve as the town's on-site representative.

Steiner said the driving reason for the request was repeated issues observed during prior renovations, including incomplete fire- and smoke-penetration work from earlier projects. He described the Clerk of the Works role as the town's ‘‘eyes on the job’’ to ensure work is coordinated among contractors and complies with contract documents.

Steiner asked permission to issue an RFQ/RFQ for qualifications and pricing and said he would return to the council for final contract approval. Council members asked questions about funding and were told the work would be paid from existing construction contingency funds, so no additional appropriation was anticipated.

Why it matters: School renovations that omit or poorly perform critical life-safety work can create long-term safety and compliance problems. Council members said the request demonstrated due diligence and supported soliciting proposals under town ordinances.

Next steps: The building committee expects to take bids at an upcoming milestone and will return with bids and a recommendation for council approval of any contract. The council voiced no objection to proceeding with the RFQ.