The Public Building & Site Commission (PBSC) conducted a brief virtual meeting on the evening of Tuesday, July 28, to discuss the Newtown Police Station, Hawley Elementary School, and the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial (SHPM).

Among the status update and next steps planned for the Newtown Police Station, it was announced that the construction is about 70 percent completed and the budget is in nice shape.

Members were encouraged to participate in a walk-through of the site if they had not done so already.

When going over the Hawley Elementary School engineering status on the agenda, PBSC alternate member Allen Adriani asked if the purchase order had been released.

PBSC Chair Robert “Bob” Mitchell explained that the purchase order in question refers to the architect and engineers being able to modify items such as the air conditioning and boilers.

Commission members were informed that the contract was sent back to the town attorney to be reworded.

First Selectmen Dan Rosenthal shared that it was reviewed and okayed, and that it will be brought to the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting so the work can be approved to commence.

“I don’t anticipate [an] issue, but for me to sign a contract it should be authorized by the Board of Selectmen. But it’s ready to be signed,” Rosenthal added.

Permanent Memorial Update

Ben Waldo of SWA Group, based out of San Francisco, Calif., was on the call to inform the commission about the progress on the SHPM’s design status and site activities.

It was reported that the team has been coordinating a number of projects, including the main water feature, in anticipation of selecting a construction manager.

In reporting the SHPM’s Construction Manager Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) status, Rosenthal said three firms — Consigli Construction, Downes Construction, and Hawley Construction — were interviewed in person.

“I think all the firms brought a lot to the table… presentations were all thorough,” Rosenthal said.

Ultimately, after much consideration, Downes Construction was selected.

With this report from Rosenthal, PBSC took a motion and approved the recommendation to go forward with Downes Construction as the SHPM construction manager.

For more information about upcoming Public Building & Site Commission meetings, visit newtown-ct.gov/public-building-site-commission.