UPDATE: It was originally reported that Ilona Prosol, of BVH Integrated Services, would speak with Public Building and Site Commission member Bob Edwards on ventilation systems for Hawley Elementary School. Information received November 2 has indicated that she is to speak with Bob Gerbert, the facilities director for the Board of Education.

The Public Building & Site Commission (PBSC) conducted a virtual meeting on October 27 to discuss the progress of three projects underway.

Newtown Police Station

PBSC Chair Robert “Bob” Mitchell started off the dialogue lightheartedly saying, “As I have my invitation to attend the ribbon cutting, we must be very close to completion at this point.”

Corey Shearer of Consigli Construction told the commission that over the next two weeks projects such as the installation of the main granite sign and the completion of the A2 survey will take place. He anticipates the final items of site work, including the installation of the carport, will be completed the week of November 16. The project continues to be under budget and ahead of schedule.

Ten change order requests were presented, all of which were approved by the commission.

PBSC member Gus Brennan praised Shearer, saying, “I just want to go on record saying that the town really appreciates Corey’s diligent work… he spends the town’s money as if it was his own.”

Brennan added that because of Shearer’s budgeting and expertise, he saved the town money and did a great job.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new police station building is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 11 am, by invitation.

Hawley Elementary School

John Luby, project engineer of EnviroMed Services, informed the commission that the group has completed the asbestos, lead, and hazmat inspections, as well as the first round of indoor air quality testing at Hawley Elementary School.

“We have a second round of indoor air quality testing coming in November,” he added.

Luby summarized the asbestos reports by saying there has been a good job abating the asbestos in the building but that there are still leftover floor tiles “some hidden under another layer of tile and some of it exposed in a couple areas” that will be a factor in running conduit in the building, as well as some asbestos left inside walls that is inaccessible for abatement.

Hawley’s roof is anticipated to be evaluated as part of the next phase when there is a better idea of what type of HVAC system will be installed.

For lead paint, he said, “As expected in the 1921 [section] of the school we have lead paint on most walls, surfaces, and a selection of ceiling ducts, pipes, etcetera — typical of that era of that type of construction. The 1948 building also has some, but to a lesser extent, lead-based paint in that portion of the building.”

Luby went on to say for the hazmat inspection there were not many items of concern as the school has primarily converted to LED lighting.

As for the indoor air quality, the group found two locations in the building with elevated readings of mold: the attic and the 1997 edition’s main lobby.

For the latter, he said the finding was “unusual” and suspects there may have been water leakage in that vicinity that should be investigated.

“Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were good…” Luby said.

He then mentioned that a teacher work room had a spike in carbon dioxide, as well as a classroom in the 1921 section of the building, which reinforces the theory that the areas are lacking ventilation.

Ilona Prosol, of BVH Integrated Services, went over some ventilation systems for Hawley.

Mitchell responded to her feedback saying that the next step would be for her to work with Bob Gerbert, the facilities director for the BOE, and PBSC members Allen Adriani and Gordon Johnson “to really come up with the most appropriate recommendation for this building and go through it that way… I like where this is going. Thank you.”

Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial

Leading the design status update for the Sandy Hook permanent memorial project was SWA Group designer Daniel Affleck.

SWA Group has been working with Downes Construction to identify certain areas to reevaluate cost predictions.

“We’re moving to 100 percent DD (design development), after 50 percent DD. We are doing a preliminary cost estimate on 50 percent and as we move into 100 percent we are finding the details as it relates to our stone, wood selections, as well as the extent of planting, the size of planting,” Affleck said.

They have contacted some stone suppliers and are looking into off-the-shelf seating products instead of custom seating.

He added, “We’re currently designing draft specs and a detailed design of the water feature. We’ve engaged a local irrigation consultant recommended by Artemis [Landscape Architects] that we’re working with.”

As for the water feature’s perimeter with the name plates of the 26 victims, a graphic designer has been consulted to go over the legibility regarding fonts and sizing. The same consideration is being done for the President Barack Obama quote that is being included as a design element.

Jeff Anderson of Downes Construction was also on the line and echoed Affleck’s remarks.

Anderson told the PBSC, “We are engaging the local contractor market to ensure that we’re as accurate as possible with these numbers once we present them to the committee.”

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