May. 14, 2025 - Building Committee Meeting

Approved May 29, 2025

MPS BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING

Oliphant Administration Building

Michael S. Pinto Conference Room

26 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842

May 14, 2025 5:00pm

Members in Attendance:

| Present | Voting Member | Name | Title |
| X | Yes | Edward Brady | Chair, Community Member |
| X | Yes | William Nash | Vice Chair, School Committee Clerk |
| X | Yes | William Niemeyer | Superintendent of Schools |
| X | Yes | Tami Holden | School Committee Member |
| X | Yes | Ed Collins | Middletown Shared Facilities Director |
| N | Yes | Thomas P. Welch, III | Town Council Vice President |
| X | Yes | Peter Connerton | Town Council Member |
| R | Yes | Donna Sweet | Middletown High School Principal |
| X | Yes | Michelle Fonseca | Asst Superintendent for Teaching and Learning |
| X | Yes | Shawn Brown | Town Administrator, Local Budget Official |
| X | Yes | Don Morin | Secretary, Community Member |
| X | Yes | Marc Thayer | Community Member |
| N | Yes | vacant | Community Member |
| P | Alternate | Gregory Huet | Alternate Member of School Committee |
| N | Alternate | Christopher Logan | Alternate Town Council Member |
| X | Alternate | Jerry Haas | Gaudet Middle School Principal |
| N | Alternate | Marc Tanguay | Town Finance Director, Alt. Local Budget Official |

X = Present/Voting; R=Represented; P=Present/Non-voting; N=Not Present

·         The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chair Ed Brady.  Eleven (11) of thirteen (13) voting members were present or represented by an alternate.

·         Also present: Justin Bernard and Colin McCarthy, OPM, Colliers Project Leaders; Ed Cifune, DBVW Architects, Tony Murgida, Gilbane Building Company; and Bill Markham, Bentley Companies.

·         Present via Zoom: Matt LaRue and Tina Stanislaski, HMFH Architects.

·         ** MOTION:** Marc Thayer moved to accept the meeting minutes from April 30, 2025 and Bill Nash seconded.

·         ** DISCUSSION:** None.

·         ** VOTE:** The motion passed unanimously (11-0).

3.1 Middle-High School Project Status

·         Matt LaRue informed the Committee that the team is continuing working through the bidding phase and answering questions that come up.

3.2   Permitting Update – RIDEM, RIDOT, Planning Board

·         HMFH is ready to submit the documentation for final administrative approval by the Planning Board.  The information will be submitted on May 15th.

·         Final submissions for permitting by RIDEM and RIDOT will be submitted on May 19th.

·         Once approvals are received from the above items, the Middletown building permit application will be complete and ready for approval by the Town.

·         HMFH has received approval to mobilize site preparation.

3.3 Two Week Look Ahead

·         HMFH has provided some visuals to Colliers for groundbreaking invitations.

·         Bid package and scope reviews will continue for the project.

·         RFI’s and the issuances of addenda will also continue.

·         The update from HMFH/DBVW can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHfu49SgPQOLJRqHlc6YlMh4-s6zfc3V/view?usp=sharing.

4.1   RIDE SBA Stage III 60% CD Submission Update for Elementary School Complex

·         Justin Bernard informed the Committee that the ES Complex 60% CD Submission was uploaded to the RIDE portal on May 7th.  Feedback from RIDE is pending.

4.2   Update on RI Energy Incentives for Elementary School Complex

·         Vision Energy Associates provided a lighting project summary, scope and cut sheets on April 23rd showing an estimated $24K yearly savings.

·         Vision Energy Associates also provided a project summary, scope and cut sheets of energy conservation measures on May 7th showing an estimated $29K yearly savings.

·         The Town will execute these measures outside of the $190 million building project.  No further action is required by the Building Committee.

4.3   Elementary School Complex Recommendations to Award (RTA): Demolition and Abatement, Mechanical System Repairs, Fire Suppression, Sitework, Conveying Equipment, Plumbing, Drywall/Carpentry, & Doors, Frames and Hardware

Demolition and Abatement RTA:

·         Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the demolition and abatement bid to SITECON Corporation in the amount of $814,000, which is $26,287 over the 60% CD budgeted amount of $787,713.  Colliers recommends holding alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.

·         ** MOTION:** Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the demolition and abatement bid to SITECON Corporation in the amount of $814,000, which is $26,287 over the 60% CD budgeted amount of $787,713 and to hold alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Fire Suppression RTA:

·         Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the fire suppression bid to Environmental Systems, Inc. in the amount of $901,500, which is $189,700 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $1,091,200, which includes an owner allowance of $25,000 for unforeseen/additional fire suppression scope.  Colliers recommends holding alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.

·         ** MOTION:** Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the fire suppression bid to Environmental Systems, Inc. in the amount of $901,500, which is $189,700 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $1,091,200, which includes an owner allowance of $25,000 for unforeseen/additional fire suppression scope, and to hold alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Sitework RTA:

·         Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the sitework bid to RICON in the amount of $201,402, which is $4402 over the 60% CD budgeted amount of $197,000.  Colliers recommends holding alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.

·         ** MOTION:** Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the sitework bid to RICON in the amount of $201,402, which is $4402 over the 60% CD budgeted amount of $197,000 and to hold alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Plumbing RTA:

·         Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the plumbing bid to RCL Mechanical in the amount of $288,334, which is $41,416 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $329,750, and includes a $25K allowance for slab cutting, a $3500 allowance for ground penetration radar, and a $20K allowance for unforeseen plumbing connections.  Colliers recommends holding alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.

·         ** MOTION:** Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the plumbing bid to RCL Mechanical in the amount of $288,334, which is $41,416 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $329,750, and includes a $25K allowance for slab cutting, a $3500 allowance for ground penetration radar, and a $20K allowance for unforeseen plumbing connections, and to hold alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Doors, Frames and Hardware RTA:

·         Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the doors, frames and hardware bid to Columbus Door Company in the amount of $187,400, which is $33,100 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $220,500.  Colliers recommends holding alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.

·         ** MOTION:** Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the doors, frames and hardware bid to Columbus Door Company in the amount of $187,400, which is $33,100 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $220,500, and to hold alternates #1-4 as they are still under evaluation.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Mechanical System Repairs RTA:

·         Peter Connerton asked what happened to the mechanical system repairs RTA.  Ed Brady explained that this one is being held until the next meeting for review.

·         Colliers rescinded the Mechanical System Repairs RTA and will present it to the Building Committee at the next meeting on May 29th.

·         ** MOTION:** Bill Nash moved that the Building Committee continue the Mechanical System Repairs RTA to the May 29

Conveying Equipment and Drywall/Carpentry RTA’s:

·         Justin Bernard pointed out that the Conveying Equipment and Drywall/Carpentry RTA’s were also included on the agenda but weren’t ready for review and will be presented at the next meeting.

·         ** MOTION:** Bill Nash moved that the Building Committee continue the RTAs for Conveying Equipment and Drywall/Carpentry to the May 29

4.4   MS/HS Group II Recommendations to Award: (Elevators, Fire Suppression, HVAC, Plumbing, Site Services)

Elevators RTA:

·         Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the elevator bid to Otis Elevator Company in the amount of $217,920, which is $148,424 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $366,344.  Gilbane and Colliers also recommend that the Building Committee accept Alternate #9 in the amount of $178,080.  Alternates #1-8 and alternate #10 are not applicable for this bid.

·         Justin Bernard explained that the bids for Sitework, Concrete, Steel, Elevator, Plumbing and HVAC have been received, and the elevator cost is ~$40,000 under the 60% CD estimate for the elevator to date.  Justin Bernard stated that he expects the total cost of the second elevator to remain under budget and recommended accepting alternate #9 and the Committee was supportive of this effort.  The group agreed that adding the second elevator to the building was the right thing to do at this time.

·         MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the elevator bid to Otis Elevator Company in the amount of $217,920, which is $148,424 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $366,344 and to accept Alternate #9 in the amount of $178,080.  Alternates #1-8 and #10 are not applicable for this bid.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Fire Suppression RTA:

·         Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the fire suppression bid to Delta Mechanical Contractors, LLC in the amount of $1,512,900 which is $665,055 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $2,177,955.  Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid.

·         MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the fire suppression bid to Delta Mechanical Contractors, LLC in the amount of $1,512,900 which is $665,055 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $2,177,955.  Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Plumbing RTA:

·         Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the plumbing bid to Delta Mechanical Contractors, LLC in the amount of $3,942,600 which is $1,944,406 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $5,937,006.  Gilbane and Colliers also recommend that the Building Committee accept Alternate #9 in the amount of $7290.  Alternates #1-8 and alternate #10 are not applicable for this bid.

·         MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the plumbing bid to Delta Mechanical Contractors, LLC in the amount of $3,942,600 which is $1,944,406 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $5,937,006 and to accept Alternate #9 in the amount of $7290.  Alternates #1-8 and alternate #10 are not applicable for this bid.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

HVAC RTA:

·         Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the HVAC bid to Delta Mechanical Contractors, LLC in the amount of $13,038,300 which is $4,640,207 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $17,678,507.  Gilbane and Colliers also recommend that the Building Committee accept Alternate #9 in the amount of $10,500 and reject Alternate #11 (additional WBE participation).  Alternates #1-8 and alternate #10 are not applicable for this bid.

·         MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the HVAC bid to Delta Mechanical Contractors, LLC in the amount of $13,038,300 which is $4,640,207 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $17,678,507 and to accept Alternate #9 in the amount of $10,500 but reject Alternate #11 (additional WBE participation).  Alternates #1-8 and alternate #10 are not applicable for this bid.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Site Services (Trailers):

·         Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Site Services (Trailers) bid to WillScot in the amount of $172,311. Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid.  This item falls under the Site Services budgeted line item.

·         MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Site Services (Trailers) bid to WillScot in the amount of $172,311.  Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid.  Peter Connerton seconded the motion.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

4.5   Materials Testing & Special Inspections RFP Status

·         The contract for the Materials Testing and Special Inspections with Prime Consulting has been executed and is with the Town for final approval.

4.6 Two Week Look Ahead

·         Middle-High School and ES Complex bidding and scope reviews will continue in the coming weeks.

·         The Groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for June 9th at 10am.  Invitations will go out to the Town Administrator, Superintendent and Matt Sheley to gather the list of dignitaries to invite.

·         The update from Colliers can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VSUL4OGZKUhrurKPZZ1_WdhJBPpRf1RG/view?usp=sharing.

5.1 MS/HS Project Labor Agreement Update

·         The Town has approved the Project Labor Agreement and given Gilbane the okay to proceed.

5.3 Two Week Look Ahead

·         Ed Brady, Bill Nash and Ed Collins will continue to participate in bid package and scope review meetings.

·         The Committee was reminded that the May 28th School Building Committee meeting conflicts with the second Middletown Open Budget Hearing, so the next Building Committee meeting will be held on May 29th.

·         The RI General Assembly is completing its budget for the next fiscal year and money to support the new middle/high school as an emergency shelter for Aquidneck Island is proceeding through the process.

Adjournment:

·         ** MOTION**: Peter Connerton moved for the Building Committee to adjourn at 6:44pm and Bill Nash seconded. The motion passed unanimously (11-0).

Future Meeting Schedule – The next meeting will be on May 29, 2025 at 5:00p.m. at the Oliphant Administration Building.

Respectfully Submitted,

Don Morin