Barnum and Norton construction proceeds; committee approves PCOs, POs and delays irrigation decision

The Town of Cheshire School Building Committee received detailed construction updates on March 31 for Barnum and Norton schools and approved a package of payments, change orders and purchase orders needed to keep both projects moving toward turnover.

Project staff showed photos and described progress at Barnum — glazing, drywall, tile, HVAC, and millwork — and reported that most classroom finishes are on track though some interior completion dates shifted to June because lighting deliveries and installation were delayed. At Norton the team reported similar progress and said a new main disconnect (switchgear) has been ordered and is tentatively scheduled for installation to resolve earlier electrical issues.

Cole, a construction representative, told the committee the electricity issue stemmed from Eversource requesting a transformer relocation during construction. He said the relocation added roughly 80 linear feet of trenching and “about roughly $70,000” in additional electrical work; staff said Eversource would not accept back charges for that work.

On solar planning, staff presented rough‑order‑of‑magnitude conduit pricing (about $130,000 at one site) and cautioned that crossing an Eversource easement at the north end could require months of approvals and additional costs. Johnson Controls recommended removing the north‑hill crossing to hold costs and schedule; the committee directed staff to pursue not‑to‑exceed pricing excluding the easement crossing and to return with firmer numbers.

The committee approved multiple formal actions during the meeting. Notable votes included:

- Approval of routine invoices and pay applications (unanimous).
- Approval of PCO 40 (a retroactive installation of a roof ladder to provide maintenance access) for $15,047 to be charged to construction contingency; the motion passed 3–2 after debate about procurement procedure and whether a prefab ladder would have been less costly.
- Approval of classroom call‑station installations (teacher call buttons/intercoms) as a not‑to‑exceed package for both schools; staff said the buttons provide hands‑free direct communication to the office and can be configured for privacy in emergencies.
- Approval of FF&E and technology purchase orders after bids: combined vendor awards for both projects included major packages for furniture and network/phone systems. The committee authorized transfers between technology and FF&E line items (and from owner contingency where needed) so purchases could be encumbered now; staff will reconcile small accounting variances and report back.

The committee also considered a not‑to‑exceed irrigation installation estimate (~$56,550 for both fields plus conduit and routing costs). Several members questioned whether the irrigation primarily benefited organized sports and whether it should be funded through the project. After discussion the committee declined to approve the irrigation PCO at this time and shelved pursuing it.

Staff said the permanent power date remains a critical near‑term milestone (a conservative May 4 estimate with a three‑week Eversource window). Permanent power affects final equipment startups (kitchen, elevator, audiovisual systems) but, as staff noted, does not appear to change overall turnover targets if current mitigation steps succeed.

The committee adjourned after approving the listed invoices, PCOs and purchase orders and scheduling follow‑up on unresolved items.