Scituate council ratifies $1.34 million contract for Hope Elementary roof, pending hazardous‑materials testing

The Scituate Town Council on Monday ratified a $1,342,567 contract award to Martone Service Company Inc. for roof repair, flashing and waterproofing at Hope Elementary School. The ratification uses previously reallocated bond funds and was approved after councilors and school officials said remaining administrative conditions must be met before construction begins.

School representatives told the council the school committee and building committee have recommended the award and that the town has completed most procurement checklist items. "We are preparing for a summer project to replace the roof on Hope Elementary," said a school representative (Speaker 5). Kyle Robinson, an architect with Scotia and Associates Architects, told the council the entire amount of the project is expected to be reimbursable and that "we should still qualify... this should fall under the additional 5%, which would be a 40% reimbursement." Councilors were told the typical reimbursement floor is 35%.

Staff cautioned that one required item — hazardous‑materials testing — remains outstanding. The school representative said test results are expected before the planned end‑of‑June start date and that final approval and triggering reimbursements are contingent on receiving those results. A town staff member also noted the resolution ratifying the contract reminded the council the award is subject to final signature of an amended memorandum of agreement.

Council voted to ratify the award; the motion carried and the project will return to council for final administrative sign‑offs once outstanding documentation and test results are received.

Background: The award follows a November reallocation of bond funds and related approvals by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Town and school officials said work is limited to roof systems (repair, flashing and waterproofing) and that final reimbursement calculations will be provided before the council grants final acceptance.