001Hey, welcome everyone to the Taylor School District special board meeting of May 8th, 2024 where our mission statement is to educate, engage, and empower those we serve. And our vision statement is that we will be the innovative destination district where all succeed. >> Call to order at 6:00 pm. Mr. Meyers >> here. >> Mr. Thomas >> here. >> Mrs. Thomas >> here. >> Mrs. Shufelt will not be here. Mr. Wright >> here. >> Miss Black is here. Mr. Heath >> here. >> There are six presidents. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you everyone. Okay. Do I need to stall, Jack?
002>> Everybody's here. >> Okay. We're gonna start off. This is going to be a real quick meeting. We hope there is a band concert at the high school tonight. >> Oh, Wayne County Community College tonight. All right. We're going to start out with our good news. And for I don't know how many years in a row, we have really good news about our bus rodeo. >> We do. Um, so back in March, I started meeting with the uh transportation supervisors and they're like, "Hey, we need somebody to host a bus rodeo again." And I said, "Shoot, why not tailor again? What could go wrong, right?" So, um, yeah, once we got further into it, I thought, "Oh boy, what we get into?" But these guys, these ladies and gentlemen back here really helped out. They
003stepped up. But um basically what the bus rodeo is um I got to take my glasses off to read this. Um it's a competition between uh amongst drivers testing the skills of the obstacle course comparable to the real driving world is is basically what they do every day. It was established in 1987 and is presented, planned, and sponsored by the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, Wayne County Resa, the Wayne County Transportation Supervisors Association, and the Taylor School District Transportation. It's also held at the regional level, state level, and national level. And they are 13 events, and it's amazing. I I've been to a few of them just as a spectator, but uh once you get behind the scenes, it is amazing how things come together and how they do it. Um there's 13 events. The
004first the first event they do is a written test and a vehicle inspection test prep. Um they, you know, you answer questions from the Michigan Vehicle Code, CDL handbook, beginning and continuing school bus, uh driver's course manual, and more. the the next event is a railroad and they drive up to the railroad. They explain verbalize how they stop at the railroad. Uh you have to have it perfect or you lose points. The straight line is uh you get passenger side rear dels through tennis balls. So they set tennis balls up on each side. You got to run the dies the do wheels between them without hitting uh the tennis balls. The other event, diminishing clearance. It simulates driving between parked cars, which we seem to have a lot lately. Um, and you know, we the
005way you set it up is is you know, you have type stansions and flags and they they're like two inches closer as you go. So, you you try to hit you not to hit any. The serpentine, you have three barrels. You back between the first barrel and the second barrel and then you back through the second barrel and the third barrel. Uh, the curb line is the next event. You pull as close to the curb without touching it. Uh, let's see. The offset alley you uh determine it determines the ability of the driver. The bus determines the ability to drive the bus through the two offset lanes with a minimum of hesitation and without touching the barriers. Uh let's see. Elementary student pickup. You have to verbalize and perform 17 steps to a safe school
006bus stop. And then you have the left turn and the right turn. There are two plates on the ground and when you go over them, you have you got to get your tire on or closest to the orange as possible. The last of the events, the backing or alley docking, you back into a space, get your bumper as close to the rear line without crossing it. Uh the stop line, you get your front bumper close to the line without crossing it, and then parallel parking. Um, Taylor has been hosting the has been the host since 2017. Taylor has won first place in the team category in 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023, and now 2024. We had three Taylor drivers participate in the state uh competition last year. Mike Salsbury, Austin Lake, and Deshawn Craig. uh drivers
007and moni. So when we started setting it up, all the drivers and monitors, we showed up at 6 o'clock on Saturday and we set everything up. You know, the the the everybody started showing up about 7:30 for check-in and that's when we start the the testing. Um we want to thank all the the volunteers. We have Danielle Burke, Wendy Burke, Tracy OBS, Crystal. Okay. um Colleen JDV, Gina Mccclure, Kathy O'Donnell, Lorie Banks, Stephanie Barert, and Susan Banks for their help behind the scenes and they were amazing. Um out of 55 driver, there's 55 drivers from seven different districts participating. Eight Taylor school drivers participated. We had Denise Armstrong which is here, Sarah Carroll, Nan Craig, Sierra Hughes, Austin Lake, Brett Lawson Albbright, Trisha Morgan, and Anna Myers. And actually Brett and Trish Morgan, this was
008their first time in the event. And we tried they tried to have a practice prior to the event. Well, the weekend before we had rain, so we had to cancel. So everybody come in not knowing and especially those two because they've they've never seen it before. So, congratul I would like to cong congratulate all that participated and a huge thanks to everyone to support the event and that helped put it get it to help putting it on together. A special thanks to Steve Woodworth who we got out of retirement to help out and we're pushing him towards next year and also Barb Kron um for coming out of retirement. We did have let's see I don't think it's on here. You didn't put it on here Nan. Oh, I probably missed it. Okay, so um
009Taylor kept first place. Um Yep. So, it's we're gonna continue that. We, you know, we got a spot for the plaque, so it can't go anywhere. Um and then we had two two drivers finish in the top five. We actually had three in the top 10. Anna Myers finished in the top 10. We had Sarah Carroll finished fourth place. And out of 750 total points, you know, you get all your deductions. Um, Nan Nan Craig finished first and it's the first time ever for the Taylor School District that we had somebody finish first with a total of 615 points. Yeah. So, the average is between 350 and 550, but he finished with 615 points. So, but I just want to thank them all. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Can we get a picture up here of
010all of you? >> Like line up right here. Good job. >> Good for you. I don't know. >> No, I'll be right here. >> Are you the only one going or is Well, good luck and keep us posted. Good job. >> So cool. So you can come back when you win state. >> That's right. So >> So thank you not only for what you do every day, guys, but for shining and letting people know what a great group of people you are. All right. Next thing on the agenda is number four, Mr. Wright. >> All right, we have item number four, the revision approval of the agenda policy 0166. Is there a motion to approve the agenda as is? >> Motion by Mr. Meyers. Is there >> support? >> Is that Mrs. Thomas? >> Yes.
011>> Support by Mrs. Thomas. Mr. Thomas. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Thomas. >> Yes. >> Miss Shupel. Absent >> is absent. Mr. Wright is a he block. >> Yes. >> Mr. Heed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Myers. >> Yes. >> That carries 6. >> Okay. Our discussion items for today construction contracts and that is Mr. >> Good evening. This is a first. I think I'm up here this quickly. So, and I'm actually here in person this time. So, good to see you all. Um, Gary K with Plant Real Point here to present the general contractor services award recommendation for the summer renovation projects. Uh, in the packet you'll see uh the Plant Realoint award recommendation letter, the bid tabulation from the three proposals that were received. Uh, the collaborative which is the architectural engineer for the project,
012their recommendation letter, and then the proposal from Bronn Construction Company, which was the apparent low bidder. Um this letter is a combination effort between planner and rail point the Taylor school district um and the architect the collaborative group in selection of a general contractor for the renovations at Hollina Elementary and Myers Elementary Schools. Um on April 8th actually I'll go back back in January is when this whole effort started we actually interviewed with two architectural firms um to design these projects. It was a quick turnaround with the consolidation efforts that were going on. So, we started the design in January. Um, hats off to the architectural firm that they were able to expedite drawings in a very quick timeline. Um, and on April 8th, we actually issued those documents and made them available to contractors.
013We posted an advertisement in the local newspaper as well as the state of Michigan website. And then a month later on May 3rd, uh, we received sealed electronic bid proposals from the three firms that are listed on the following pages. Uh we conducted post bids, scope review meetings. We met with the general contractor to ensure I don't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing if it's like a you know jeopardy like final. Um so we met with the general contractor to make sure all items were incorporated in their bid. There was a a pretty big difference between their bid and the next two bids. Um roughly 900,000 but they ensured us that all the items were included in their bid proposal. Um overall the the budget was lower than what the
014bids we received and we kind of expected a little bit of that just due to the bid timeline. Um you know we were typically you'd start designing these types of projects in March or April and then bid them out in the fall. Um so that you'd get more competitive pricing starting in January kind of put us in a bit of a crunch. A lot of contractors already have uh work on the books for the summer. So um sometimes you'll get higher pricing due to that. So, we did, you know, receive higher pricing. One of the first conversations we had with the general contractor is, you know, where can we look at reducing scope that wouldn't affect the overall product? Um, so we're, you know, if if it's awarded, that's the first conversation we're going to
015have is are there things that we can defer to later that would reduce the cost and get us better pricing the following year. Um, I don't see this becoming an issue again in next summer's design cycle. No, no, we're starting to design earlier this year for the remaining schools. So, the middle school and the remaining elementary schools. So, when we bid it out this fall, we should get a lot better and more competitive pricing with the market. Um, overall, the award recommendation that we're bringing tonight is $7,986,955.72. Of that, the breakdown includes a base bid, a contract amount, um, and accepted alternates of $6,31,852. The three alternates um are listed below for $383,818 which is the Holland windows and doors. Uh $270,15 for the roof at Meyers, which is a part partial roof replacement. And
016then um also for $14,561 is the site fencing at Meyers, which will um secure that site. We included a owner contingency for any unforeseen items during construction of $329,78.72. If that amount isn't used, it would obviously be returned to the bond um for future projects. But that's just a little safety net that we have in the back pocket in case things come up. General conditions um Brun proposed $266,46. um insurance payments and performance bonds is $123,427 and then their fee on the project is $298,46 for a total project award of again $7,986,955.72. Uh on the following pages, you'll see the bid comparison summary, uh the collaborative recommendation letter, and then the proposal from Braraw Construction. We did send a link uh to the board. I'm not sure if it got forwarded on to the board
017or not, but the the overall proposal from Brun was like 50 megabytes. So, it's too large to for in just an email. So, there is a link if the board wants to download that and evaluate it themselves. Um, in this packet, you'll just see the highle points such as their project approach, uh, the team and their staffing methods. The three proposals we received were from Di Maria, Bron Construction Group and City Contracting Group. Um, obviously the low Bron Construction base bid amount was $6,989,371. Uh, D Maria was at 7,874,843 and then city contracting group was $7,874,000. Even the next page you'll see the recommendation from the collaborative group stating mostly the same things kind of a breakdown of what alternates were accepted and not accepted. And then ultimately uh the total cost of work at
0187,657,877. Any questions? I'm assuming there'll probably be some on this project. It's kind of a larger one. Um, as far as the award recommendation >> with being a late start uh for the construction season, is there any guaranteed slash liquidated damages if they don't finish on schedule or is there going to be an issue getting materials? >> So, material lead times is an issue that we're looking at. Um, part of their clarifications in their bid were some of the long lead items such as doors and hardware, um, some of the mechanical items, and we we said we'll work through them with the schedule so that it wouldn't affect occupancy, but those items would be installed on nights and weekends if they for some reason weren't able to come in on time. U, part of the
019initial conversations are we are going to look at alternates that would still give us a nice finished product that might be cheaper and be faster to receive on site. There any other comments or questions? >> I guess all said and done with the adjusted price, do we know, and maybe you don't know, maybe this isn't a question for you, how much of this is going to have to be covered out of general fund or is there contingencies in in the bond, things we're not doing that's going to cover portions of this? >> Um, yes. So, so the only project in here that initially was going to be covered out of the general fund was the addition in Holland. Um, the way that the original bond language was written by uh the previous group um was
020that there were no new additions at the elementary schools. The only new additions were going to be for the new high school. So, we knew off the bat that that wasn't going to be included. The district set aside, I believe it's roughly $1.5 million um estimated for that construction. you know, for new construction right now, we would say anywhere from $385 to $400 a square foot. The prices we received were over $600 a square foot just because of that. So, um the total breakdown from the general fund right now is 2,845,100. The bond would cover $5,141,855. >> Again, we're going to have conversations with uh Braraw Construction Group and see what what can we reduce. you know, are there different mechanical units we can um install that meet the needs but are faster lead times
021and don't cost as much. Some of those costs might also be just because they're paying extra dollars to get those materials faster. So, if we can find some that are more readily available, um I think that can lower some costs. >> Yeah, I just curious. I know that we're going to pay more for an accelerated schedule, but I don't want or hope not to see is that we pay for the accelerated schedule and then it ends up being drawn out because of materials or something like that where >> Yep. 100%. And that's kind of what we're we're working towards as well. You know, obviously they're starting late and a lot of these subcontractors probably already have work on the books for the summer. So, it's >> sure, >> you know, our job to make sure
022that Ron's staying on top of task and they they gave us a pretty detailed breakdown of the schedule and they right off the bat said these are the items that we're worried will come in late such as doors and hardware or mechanical. Um, so they provide an alternate schedule for those that it could be installed on nights and weekends that wouldn't impact the kids. Um, and we would just leave existing say doors and hardware on until the new ones came in. >> Perfect. >> Now, after this is awarded, when do they believe they would mobilize on sites? So, they're looking to mobilize. Um, well, we start the conversations with them to reduce costs immediately. They were hoping that we could probably have one to two meetings a week. Again, we update the board and the
023district as those conversations uh come about to make sure that what we're doing is in line with what the district's vision is. Mobilization, they're looking to get on site as soon as uh schools let out for summer. And then I know specifically at the Holland project like that addition part is expected and it's always been expected to take longer than that summer time frame. So will they have a plan in place to secure that site during once school resumes in the fall? >> Yes, they're going to have uh temp fencing up I believe. Um it's it's one of the conversations we'll have to have is what was their plan for that, but they definitely will have to have some type of site. they might be able to have the shell up at that point so
024it would be secure for kids to get on that site. They'll definitely have temporary doors up going from the building into that new addition. Um obviously they'll be break open doors should there be a fire or something like that, but um they'll definitely have a plan in place, but that's one of the items they might actually get to jump on ahead of school letting out because they can get around the back and not disrupt anyone. And then if this is awarded tonight, when does coordination because I know like Jack's team starts school, I mean they're they're clearing schools out. I know we have our furniture coming in this summer, there's a lot of movement. So are we also coordinating with our district's maintenance team to ensure that the projects that they have aligned for the
025summer are also not being disrupted because I know they have to like strip and wax floors. they have to make sure they're repairing the rooms that aren't being, you know, renovated or touched. And >> yeah, yeah, that's one of the things that Jack and I actually meant about was the move contractor would come in because that was one of the questions we had was, "Do you have a preference if they come in and remove the furniture at the beginning of the summer towards the end?" And and Jack was like, "Well, sooner the better." So, we're going to have the move contractor come in as soon as they're available, move all the items out of the library um into the new library, and then they'll go through this the buildings and decommission all the existing furniture.
026And then we'll set up the new furniture to be installed in the fall, closer to when school starts, so that Jack and his team can get in, do what they need to do in the buildings, and then uh we'll leave it as clean as it can be until the new furniture arrives. >> Are there any other questions or comments? >> Thank you, Gary. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Action items. Mr. Wright. >> More discussion on this. >> All right. So, first up on action items, we have construction contracts policy 6320. It is recommended the board of education approve the award approve and award Braraw Construction the Taylor School District 2024 summer renovations project for the 2021 bond program pending final review and approval by district's legal council. The project the total project award recommendation
027for the 2024 renovations at Holland Elementary, McDall Elementary, and Meyers Elementary is 7,986,955.72. Is there a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Meyers. Is there support by Mr. Mrs. Thomas? >> No. >> Miss Shel is absent. Mr. Wright is Yes. Miss Block. >> Yes. Mr. Heat. >> Yes. >> Mr. Myers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Thomas. >> No. >> That carries 14. Okay. Next item on the agenda, administrative or district business. items scheduled for next agenda, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. We'll have good news and also our student representatives will be from Holland Elementary. Next item, public comment in a Oh, put it away again. Thank you to all who are able to be here in person and online tonight. We understand the importance of keeping continuing to keep you all informed and provide an opportunity for you
028to be heard. Tonight's audience participation will be for all who wish to speak, whether it be in person or online. We will begin with those in person. If you would like to address the board, please step up to the microphone and state your name and address for the record. After all those in person have had the opportunity to speak, that opportunity will be given to those online. Please take into consideration common courtesy and keep your comments to three minutes or less. We will provide and assist with timekeeping so that each speaker will be able to monitor their own time and know when to conclude so all who wish to speak will have an equal opportunity to do so. If there are any questions at this meeting or by some other avenue, Superintendent Michael Wagger or
029his designate will work on getting those answers in a timely manner. We will start with those in person. Nobody wants to speak. Okay. Are there any online? All right. Our next agenda item is board member comments. I think I already did mention that there is a band concert at Wayne County Community College tonight. Um, so if you you have about four minutes to get there on time, but I'm sure that you can uh come late. Um, it is a very nice concert I went last year. Um, also depending on um which calendar you look at, yesterday was teacher appreciation day. This is teacher appreciation week and also it's teacher appreciation month. So, we'll just mention that and appreciate your teachers, guys. Are there any other comments? >> Oh, just thank you to the bus drivers
030for everything you guys do for the kids. Um, and good luck at states. I appreciate you guys taking care of them. >> Any other comments? >> I will just throw out there, good luck as well. We're wishing you all safe journey up to is it Calonia? Is that where it's at? All right. Um, and then I just also want to shoot a thank you to the team that was working. I mean, from the elementary principles to the teachers to Jack and his team to all the stakeholders that have been a part of the Meyers, Holland, and McDow committees to get these projects to us so that we were able to actually get these started this summer. Um it was a lot of hours, lots of dedication from many many people, feedback. Uh thank you to
031the collaborative for being absolutely amazing during those meetings. Um and it was a lot of a lot of productive conversations, a lot of how can we best serve our students in these schools uh with this transition. And so I just want to give a huge shout out to the everybody that has been part of those um in those buildings. And then I know we still have more going on right now. Um, >> you have a building coming down. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We have a building coming down. >> Eureka Dale. >> Yep. >> Yeah. That one needs to >> No, I I know. But it's it's coming down and it's really close. >> Yeah. Um, but I just want to say thank you to all those individuals. It was a lot of dedicated time after
032school, before school, a lot of 7 ams that I scheduled and people were very upset and so uh just just want to give them a huge shout out. >> Okay. Anybody else? Okay, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion by Mr. Myers. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Who was first, guys? Huh? >> She can have it. >> Okay. You can have it. >> Right. Mrs. Shefeld is not here. Mr. Wright, >> yes. >> Miss Black is a yes. Mr. Keith, >> yes. >> Mr. Meyers, >> yes. >> Mr. Tom, >> yes. >> Mrs. Tom, >> yes. Okay, that passes 60. And we will adjourn at 6:29. You have one minute to get to the band concert.