Approved June 25, 2025
MPS BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING
Oliphant Administration Building
Michael S. Pinto Conference Room
26 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842
June 11, 2025, 5:00pm
Members in Attendance:
| Present | Voting Member | Name | Title |
| X | Yes | Edward Brady | Chair, Community Member |
| X | Yes | William Nash | Vice Chair, School Committee Clerk |
| X | Yes | William Niemeyer | Superintendent of Schools |
| X | Yes | Tami Holden | School Committee Member |
| X | Yes | Ed Collins | Middletown Shared Facilities Director |
| X | Yes | Thomas P. Welch, III | Town Council Vice President |
| X | Yes | Peter Connerton | Town Council Member |
| X | Yes | Donna Sweet | Middletown High School Principal |
| N | Yes | Michelle Fonseca | Asst Superintendent for Teaching and Learning |
| X | Yes | Shawn Brown | Town Administrator, Local Budget Official |
| X | Yes | Don Morin | Secretary, Community Member |
| X | Yes | Marc Thayer | Community Member |
| N | Yes | vacant | Community Member |
| N | Alternate | Gregory Huet | Alternate Member of School Committee |
| N | Alternate | Christopher Logan | Alternate Town Council Member |
| N | Alternate | Jerry Haas | Gaudet Middle School Principal |
| N | Alternate | Marc Tanguay | Town Finance Director, Alt. Local Budget Official |
X = Present/Voting; R=Represented; P=Present/Non-voting; N=Not Present
· The meeting was called to order at 5:02 pm by Chair Ed Brady. Eleven (11) of thirteen (13) voting members were present or represented by an alternate.
· Also present: Justin Bernard and Colin McCarthy, OPM, Colliers Project Leaders; Tony Murgida, Gilbane Building Company; and Bryan Matthews, Bentley Companies.
· Present via Zoom: Matt LaRue and Tina Stanislaski, HMFH Architects; and Ed Cifune, DBVW Architects.
· MOTION: Marc Thayer moved to accept the meeting minutes from May 29, 2025, and Bill Nash seconded.
· DISCUSSION: Ed Brady thanked Tami Holden for taking the minutes in Don’s absence.
· VOTE: The motion passed unanimously (11-0).
3.1 Permitting Update – Planning Board, RIDEM, RIDOT, Building Permit
· The final review for the Planning Board was completed and approval was granted. Four items need to be provided with the building permit documentation, including documentation addressing the Roads and Utilities comments and the Tree Commission comments.
· RIDEM documentation has been re-submitted through the new online portal and HMFH is awaiting a response.
· HMFH is also waiting for a response to their RIDOT submission.
· Once approvals are received from the above items, the Middletown building permit application will be submitted for approval by the Town.
3.2 Two Week Look Ahead
· Bid package and scope reviews will continue for both the middle-high school and the elementary school complex.
· HMFH is working on the graphics for the construction sign and should have it ready for review by Friday, June 13th.
· RFI’s and the issuances of addenda will continue.
· HMFH is working on entrance drive signage and should have it ready for the next meeting.
· HMFH continues to work on the design submission documentation for NE-CHPS and anticipates having it ready for early July.
· The update from HMFH/DBVW can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tIXtx5qvMq8lyc_JfA43OJ97zCU-KqwH/view?usp=sharing.
4.1 RIDE SBA Stage III 60% CD Submission Update for Elementary School Complex
· Colin McCarthy informed the Committee that the ES Complex 60% CD Submission was approved by RIDE after some additional prevailing wage information was submitted. Stage III RIDE approval for both the Middle-High School and Elementary School complex is now complete.
4.2 Middle School/High School Logistics Review
· Colin informed the Building Committee that the logistics plan for the new middle-high school has been reviewed and approved by Facilities Director Ed Collins and Superintendent Billy Neimeyer.
· The plan shows the construction zones for spring 2025, summer 2026, summer 2027, and spring 2028.
· Given that public safety officials may need access to the site where fencing exists, Peter Connerton suggested using Knox Boxes to allow easier access. Tony Murgida said he could make that happen:
· ACTION: Install Knox Boxes to allow for easier public safety access to the construction site. – Tony Murgida
4.3 MS/HS Construction Schedule Update
· Colin informed the Building Committee that a preliminary schedule has been developed by Gilbane. It is currently a live document and should be complete following buyout of all trade packages.
4.4 Elementary School Complex Phasing Plan Review
· The initial three phase plan shows what work will happen during the summer of 2025, summer of 2026 and summer of 2027.
· Don asked if drop dead dates for decisions on the alternates for the elementary school were known. Colin said that Colliers can present the drop-dead dates for the alternates for both the elementary school complex and the new middle-high school at the next meeting.
· ACTION: Update the Building Committee on the drop-dead dates for making decisions on the alternates for both the new middle-high school and the elementary school complex. – Colliers
4.5 Elementary School Complex Recommendations to Award (RTA): Rough Carpentry, Mechanical, Flooring and Masonry
Rough Carpentry:
· Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Rough Carpentry bid to Custom Drywall in the amount of $546,800, and $50,000 of Owners’ Allowance for “Patching” for a total RTA approval of $596,800, which is $6800 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $590,000. Colliers is recommending HOLDING Phase 1 Alternate #1 “All framing and drywall scope for all roof work and rain leader enclosures in the amount of $157,300, Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $29,800, and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $34,900.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Rough Carpentry bid to Custom Drywall in the amount of $546,800, and $50,000 of Owner’s Allowance for “Patching”, for a total RTA approval of $596,800, which is $6800 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $590,000; and to HOLD Phase 1 Alternate #1 “All framing and drywall scope for all roof work and rain leader enclosures in the amount of $157,300, Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $29,800, and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $34,900. Tom Welch seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Flooring:
· Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Flooring bid to Debnor Flooring in the amount of $383,000 and $271,000 of Owners’ Allowances as follows; Allowance #1: “Moisture Mitigation” in the amount of $155,050, and Allowance #2: “Major Floor Prep (up to ¼”) in the amount of $115,950 for a total RTA approval of $654,000. This is $189,000 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $465,000. Colliers is recommending HOLDING Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $60,000, and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $5,000.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Flooring bid to Debnor Flooring in the amount of $383,000 and $271,000 of Owners’ Allowances as follows; Allowance #1: “Moisture Mitigation” in the amount of $155,050 and Allowance #2: “Major Floor Prep (up to ¼”) in the amount of $115,950 for a total RTA approval of $654,000, which is $189,000 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $465,000; and to HOLD Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $60,000, and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $5,000. Bill Nash seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Mechanical:
· Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Mechanical bid to ESI HVAC in the amount of $479,400, which is $111,612 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $591,012. Colliers recommends HOLDING Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $115,400, Phase 2 Alternate #1 “Remove old RTUs” in the amount of $22,700, and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $16,350.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Mechanical bid to ESI HVAC in the amount of $479,400, which is $111,612 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $591,012 and to HOLD Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $115,400, Phase 2 Alternate #1 “Remove old RTUs” in the amount of $22,700, and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $16,350. Bill Nash seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Masonry:
· Bentley and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Masonry bid to Keenan Masonry in the amount of $265,362 and $15,000 of Owners’ Allowances as follows; Allowance #1: “Glazed Block” for a total RTA approval of $280,362. Colliers recommends HOLDING Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $32,000 and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $50,000.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Masonry bid to Keenan Masonry in the amount of $265,362 and $15,000 of Owners’ Allowance for “Glazed Block” for a total RTA approval of $280,362 which is $11,812 over the 60% CD budgeted amount of $268,550, and to HOLD Phase 1 Alternate #3 “Renovate Toilet Room” in the amount of $32,000 and Phase 2 Alternate #4 “Elevator” in the amount of $50,000. Bill Nash seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
4.6 MS/HS Group IV Recommendations to Award: Overhead Doors and Loading Dock Equipment, Food Service Equipment, Electrical
Overhead Doors and Loading Dock Equipment RTA:
· Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Overhead Doors and Loading Dock Equipment bid to WILLCO Sales & Services Inc. in the amount of $80,600, which is $32,917 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $47,483. Gilbane and Colliers also recommend that the Building Committee reject Alternates #1-10 as they are not applicable for this bid.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Overhead Doors and Loading Dock Equipment bid to WILLCO Sales & Services Inc. in the amount of $80,600, which is $32,917 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $47,483. Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid. Bill Nash seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Food Service Equipment RTA:
· Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Foodservice Equipment bid to Johnson-Lancaster and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $1,195,800 which is $151,387 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $1,347,187. Colliers recommend HOLDING Alternate #11 “Provide Alternate Equipment per Submission” in the amount of a credit of $50,628.00. Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Foodservice Equipment to Johnson-Lancaster and Associates Inc. in the amount of $1,195,800 which is $151,387 under the 60% CD budgeted amount of $1,347,187 and to HOLD Alternate #11 “Provide Alternate Equipment per Submission” in the amount of a credit of $50,628.00. Alternates #1-10 are not applicable for this bid. Tom Welch seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Electrical RTA:
· Gilbane and Colliers advise the Building Committee to recommend awarding the Electrical bid to Aladdin Electrical Company in the amount of $19,462,522 which is $4,374,544 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $15,087,978. Colliers recommends HOLDING Alternates # 1, 2, 3, & 7, rejecting Alternates # 4, 5, 6, 8, & 10, and to ACCEPT Alternate #9 “Provide Hoistway and Elevator at middle school wing ILO storage rooms” in the amount of $15,000.
· MOTION: Don Morin moved that the Building Committee make a recommendation to award the Electrical bid to Aladdin Electrical Company in the amount of $19,462,522 which is $4,374,544 above the 60% CD budgeted amount of $15,087,978 and to HOLD Alternates # 1, 2, 3, & 7 and ACCEPT Alternate #9 “Provide Hoistway and Elevator at middle school wing ILO storage rooms” in the amount of $15,000. Alternates # 4, 5, 6, 8, & 10 are not applicable to this bid. Bill Nash seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
4.7 Two Week Look Ahead
· Middle-High School and ES Complex bidding and scope reviews will continue.
· The update from Colliers can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWVpskjIU0n-tas0zmUDJ9Qrx3GRJiPM/view?usp=sharing.
5.1 Groundbreaking Ceremony Summary
· Ed Brady thanked everyone involved for the successful groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 9th. Tami stated that she would try to add some photos from the groundbreaking to the web page.
· Donna Sweet asked if there was interest in a potential time capsule as part of the new middle-high school project. Tony Murgida stated that he has done this on other projects and that this is something he can work on with School District input as the project progresses.
5.2 Two Week Look Ahead
· Ed Brady, Bill Nash and Ed Collins will continue to participate in bid package and scope review meetings.
· Ed Brady asked when the contractors might have a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the project. Tony Murgida explained that they will have a GMP when they finish their buyout on all trades, likely by late August or September. Bryan Matthews was not sure when Bentley would have their GMP.
Adjournment:
· MOTION: Tom Welch moved for the Building Committee to adjourn at 5:50pm and Peter Connerton seconded. The motion passed unanimously (11-0).
Future Meeting Schedule – The next meeting will be on June 25, 2025 at 5:00p.m. at the Oliphant Administration Building.
Respectfully Submitted,
Don Morin