Architect’s Omissions

Hike School Cost

By Steve Bigham

An oversight in the design plans by the architect for the 5/6 school could end up costing the town an estimated $100,000 in additional costs. These added costs are likely to be paid for from the contingency fund for the project.

The apparent error by Jeter Cook & Jepson came to light at a recent meeting of the Public Building & Site Committee. Members there became aware that several important items were not included in the construction contract of $28.6 million, which was approved by town voters at a town meeting last month. Architect William Mead acknowledged that his company did a “poor job” on this matter. Missing were plastic partitions for bathrooms, cabinetry in the nurse’s office, gymnasium equipment, and electrical service to some areas of the building.

“We reviewed the construction documents and there were quite a few items that weren’t included. It didn’t make us very happy,” explained Frank Krasnickas. “In other words, these are additional costs for the town.”

The Public Building & Site Committee is now awaiting word from contractor Haynes Construction Company on just how costly the “modifications” will be.

Schools Building & Grounds Supervisor Dominic Posca had requested most of the omitted items and suggested at a June 26 meeting that Jeter Cook & Jepson “own” the list. As part of the contract, Jeter Cook & Jepson is responsible for any errors or omissions over one half of a percent of the project.

This week, Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed said the architectural firm was quick to own up to its error and has agreed to pay the premium on any change orders or modifications that come up. However, the costs for those missing items will be paid for out of the project’s $1.5 million contingency fund.

Public Building & Site Commission members have reluctantly agreed to go along with this plan, although they feel contingency is supposed to be for things that “blindside us,” not for items that should have been included.

Commission member Andrew Buzzi said his board has a responsibility to the town and must avoid the need for any modifications of this magnitude “right away.” Using contingency for up-front errors makes the Public Building & Site Commission look bad, Mr Buzzi said.

“We want an honest representation of what this will cost us,” he said.

Dr Reed said the architect would pay the premiums for these items. The town will be responsible for the rest.

The errors were discovered by the construction management firm of Strategic Building Solutions (SBS), which was hired by the town to monitor the project. Ironically, without its comprehensive review, these omissions may not have been found until they were needed at the time of construction.

“During the high school [four years ago], these types of things were not discovered until much later,” explained David Valerie of SBS.

Board of Education Chairperson Elaine McClure reported at Tuesday’s school board meeting that JCJ head James LaPosta assured her that his firm would work to rectify the error.

The issue was expected to be discussed at Wednesday night’s meeting of the Legislative Council.