Rosenthal Says Building Panel Is Stretching Its Jurisdiction

By Steve Bigham

The Public Building Committee thinks the town should purchase Fairfield Hills and has gone on the record saying so. The first selectman, however, thinks the committee’s Fairfield position has taken them a little far-afield

Following a lengthy discussion October 26, the building board voted unanimously to purchase the Fairfield Hills campus. The move prompted First Selectman Herb Rosenthal to send Chairman Frank Krasnickas a letter, requesting that the board stick to what it is supposed to be doing.

“This motion is totally outside the authority of the PBSC and as such is out of order,” Mr Rosenthal wrote in a November 4 letter.  “Certainly individual members are entitled to their opinions, as are all residents, but it was inappropriate for the commission to entertain or pass this motion or any motion that is beyond your jurisdiction.”

The building committee also discussed “speculation” that the Board of Education will hire the architect firm of Jeter, Cook and Jepson to design a 5/6 school. According to the minutes, committee member Augustine Palmieri stated that the building committee, as well as the Board of Education, must approve the contract.

Not so, says Mr Rosenthal.

“The PBSC makes recommendations to the Board of Education for school projects and to the Board of Selectmen for general government projects. Therefore, the member’s comment that the PBSC must approve an architect’s contract is not correct,” Mr Rosenthal’s letter stated.

The first selectman added that the Board of Education “would be wise” to seek the assistance of the building committee in reviewing the contract, and should ask for a recommendation. However, the actual approval and entering into a contract is within the Board of Education’s authority as long as the funds are available.

The recent projects at Newtown High School, the Cyrenius H. Booth Library and Hawley School caused some frustration among members, who say their board needs to become more involved in the day-to-day operation of large building projects. At its most recent meeting, the building committee expressed frustration over the volume and number of change orders in the past “that were not due to oversight by the town, but were paid by the town.” Some members believe that any “error and omission change order beyond 1.5 percent should be paid by the responsible party.” Also, the group requested that prior to signing any contracts for projects, the commission discuss with the architect the nature of any allowances pertaining to the project, as well as review of the project and specs.

In other business, the committee plans to present documentation to the town that the $4 million project at the Cyrenius H. Booth Library is turned over to the town for operation and maintenance. The project was completed with a deficit of $73,270.

The commission also discussed plans for a Christmas party at its December 14 meeting, although it is not known where the funding will be obtained.