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Haldane Capital Project Could Top 8 Million Dollars
Public informational meeting depicts aging buildings in need of major overhaul
by Mike Turton
After many months of preparation, discussion, meetings, tours and debate, a proposed capital project for repairs and upgrades to the Haldane elementary and middle schools was outlined at a public information meeting held on January 29, 2008 by the Haldane School District. If all the works are undertaken as presented that night the total cost is estimated at $8,021,382.
John D'Angelo of the architectural firm of Fuller-D'Angelo walked the public and trustees through a Power Point presentation outlining the project in detail. Numerous photographs clearly illustrated that the buildings, erected in the 1930's, '60's and '80's are in dire need of repair. Included in the project are such key areas as roofing, masonry, heating - including two new boilers, plumbing, electrical and ventilation. Other works include asbestos abatement, floor repair, locker replacement and improved parking. While current trustees hesitated to strongly criticize their predecessors for putting off maintenance needs in the past, they clearly feel work can no longer be delayed. "If this was your house, you wouldn't put it off. It's definitely work that needs to be done" stated trustee Bruce Campbell. Fellow trustee Makaria Gallagher echoed that sentiment indicating that a recent tour of the buildings had helped trustees see that the project addresses "legitimate problems that have to be taken care of."
President Dave Merandy indicated that the District is weighing the possibility of breaking the project into two propositions for voters to consider, though trustees seem nervous about doing that. The possibility of a defeat of either proposal would mean further delay to repairs that they are very close to unanimous in viewing as critical. While Merandy and fellow trustees are clearly unhappy with the cost of the project they see few, if any, alternatives. "All of this is needed," Merandy said, indicating that pushing it off further would be "pennywise and pound-foolish."
Merandy did say that some aspects of the work may be able to be done "in-house" to reduce costs and that some elements of the project could possibly be removed. Trustees seem stuck between a rock and a hard place - not wanting to remove items that they feel are necessary - while also not wanting to burden taxpayers. Merandy pointed to new student lockers as something that people might question the need for. The lockers were installed in the 1960's, are undersized and in serious disrepair. "It's an embarrassment that the kids have to use them," he said.
Trustee Michael Junjulas has questioned the need for expanded parking. Superintendent Mark Villanti has indicated that a different location and design for a replacement handicap access ramp could result in some savings. Apart from those items there appears to be little wiggle room as trustees work towards finalizing the proposal that will go to the voters on May 20, 2008.
Villanti indicated that about 96% of the proposed work would be eligible for State aid at a grant rate of 35%, resulting in the State picking up about one third of the total project cost. The balance would be raised through a bond. Villanti also explained that the May vote will include the District's overall budget in addition to the capital project. "We'll be straightforward and transparent throughout this entire process," he said.
While most Haldane School District meetings are poorly attended, more than twenty residents were on hand for this particular meeting. Those in attendance were generally supportive, even giving John D'Angelo a round of applause when he finished his presentation. If anything, residents seem to sympathize with the predicament the trustees find themselves in. They questioned the cost of some specific items included in the preliminary project outline - including a new vestibule proposed as an energy conservation measure. There also seemed to be support for dividing the project into two propositions as a means of giving taxpayers at least some choice. They also urged trustees to do a diligent line-by-line review of the project in order to identify any possible cost savings.
John D'Angelo indicated that if approved in May of this year, the works could be completed by the end of summer 2010.
Another meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 12 at 7:30pm in the music room at Haldane High School. It is expected that there will be at least some revisions made to the preliminary capital project proposal based on comments received at last week's public meeting as well as further review of the project details and costs.
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