001Good evening. It's uh Wednesday, November 12th. The time is 6:11 p.m. We're about to start our building grounds transportation committee meeting. President is Miss Martyr, Mr. Moralda, Miss Ratner, Dr. Layman, Miss Bora, Mr. Payne, myself, Deep Bureau, and Mr. Tate. So, we'll start out tonight with talk about the Aquavar rod grant project. Mr. Tate, certainly the roof project is substantially complete. As previously mentioned, the only item waiting on there is the windows for one classroom, which it's not an issue. Those are set to ship this week. So, we'll have those installed once they arrive. Otherwise, with all the rain we've had over the last several weeks, and pleased to say that roof is bone dry, no issues, everything's working well. >> Yes. >> Uh the next portion of the project is the electric service. Remember,
002the board has an independent contract with the contract to provide the electric service. We know the delay in switch gear, which finally arrived. And this past week when school was closed, we finally as of 7:30 Friday night had JCP no power in the building. >> So, what does that mean? means we can close out that electric contract that is electric for him to bring in new service. New service replace the old service. So the first thing we had to do Friday night was to determine that is existing. That was confirmed. Monday morning we had an HVAC contractor who has an electrical subcontractor under his scope of work. He has placed multiple electric panels in the building to supply all of the HVAC equipment. Then on Monday, we spent the day going through his panels to
003make sure everything powered and his equipment that checked out and JCP was P&L was also there on Monday closing out. So that is behind us that portion of the electric, but we still have electric work to be done under the HAC contract. The next component, the thing we were hoping to have gotten had JCPML met some previous commitments and been done uh earlier was that the week we were closed, he would had his startup contractor scheduled to start up the pieces of equipment. Um start up on this HAC equipment is a little more complicated than simply throwing on a switch. There's a lot of commissioning that goes on with it, programming, etc. They are now trying to reschedu that start. So once we get the schedule from when they can do the restartup, get that
004stuff commissioned, then we can say, okay, X days from then, we can plan our move back in until we know the committed date when that startup contractor will be here. We don't want to release a date at this time. Work has been progressing though, continues to proceed um with the new electricity. The building has lights again. We haven't had lights for a month and a half now. Normally we more had we had heat in the building. So we now have electric and some heat. So >> okay, >> we'll make sure that everything is fulfilled within the contract we have with this building. >> Yes. So he is gone. We will apply all the terms of the contract which I assume the board wants us to do. >> Yeah. >> Uh related to the lace and
005close. >> So go ahead. >> I was going to ask understanding why like we don't want to give a date because we don't know for sure. I remember when we talked about these the delays initially um we had said because it was you know at the beginning of the year when the weather was warmer and there were certain things that might not be affected like you know Jim could be outside and things like that. Now we're getting into those colder months. Um I'm sure that you know the administrative team has been talking about solutions but um is there anything I guess that you can project that might be an issue regarding getting all of that stuff? So the the two buildings have been tremendous in collaborating and uh working with staff to uh you know
006not even really adjust just reallocate spaces and things. So um everything is moving forward for both buildings as planned. One thing uh doc Dr. Graciano did reach out uh is uh American Education Week is coming up and that typically involves uh especially at the elementary level heavy parent visitations. for the sake of logistics, we're going to uh hold that for Avaggarth when they return to their uh functioning Avalar building. Um it really just has to do with signing the potential volume of parents at the elementary level in and out. Uh at the same time, the middle school is doing the same thing and then there is the overlap with the middle school dismissal. Um which is a good chunk of the Abgarth afternoon. Um so just not having parents come to visit while we have
00765 buses for the middle school dismissing. So Dr. Dr. Graziano already sent that message out um that we're going to schedule that to occur when we get back in the building. That's the first thing that we've come across that um just out of logistics um for the safe safety of the parents driving in when buses are coming in at the same time. You know, everything is staggered right now and it just naturally occurred that way with the schedules. Um but that event in itself um will will invite it and it'll actually be a nice showcase for the the completed project or just about completed project um with the heat you know pumping in the building and and everything back. So that's the first thing we've really come across. Everything else has been uh uh you
008know Dr. Graziano is coordinating with Mr. Tate's team to bring supplies over that you know they planned for a certain amount of time now they need another section of their workbooks or more resources. we've been bringing them over so um you know moving forward. >> So Mr. Take from the start for the startup contractors is that the only thing holding us back now from moving back? >> Yes. >> And is there some sort of I know we had an appointment and then we weren't done. Is it like certain time out usually that they give us appointments for? Can we get lucky and and they make an exception for us? they realized the priority in the situation. >> Okay. So, and that is the only thing that is holding us back. >> And again, until really
009end of day Monday, they still didn't know that they had power to their equipment. >> Oh, right. >> So, obviously we were bugging them Monday and bugging them yesterday. Even called them before here and just waiting for a call back to say we have service text scheduled for XX. >> Okay. And once we know that, we can then adjust our >> we can be hopeful that this they will give us the time quickly enough for us to be back. And I want to go back to Miss Ratner's question on the gym aspect of that. Um we continue to operate with not knowing when the date is. So if the weather is cold, what are we doing with the >> It's the same thing they've been doing uh when the increment weather happens. So uh there's
010a balance of having it uh having physes in the AUG gym. Um sometimes they'll have visit class in the classroom. Um it's sometimes they visit in the classrooms and when they're in Apple. So um they're they're adapting. They're doing a really really awesome job uh working together. Um the middle school is starting their uh health classes. So that actually brings kids out of the gym and puts them in classrooms anyways. So um that again timing wise creates space that Apple can then uh you know populate. So >> hopefully the Appleguard community is listening they can send prayers for the startup contractors to give us time really quickly and we have that >> and I have to say that I believe between Dr. Layman Dr. Rosanne. Um the the information for the parents I mean I
011live on that side of town there's nobody complaining like everything is running very smooth at middle school. Um so and everybody understands that the difference of air conditioning and everything. No more leaky classrooms. I know the staff and the parents who had concerns in the past are are like, you know, just try to be patient and we're doing the best we could, but we want to make sure this changes, right? And you know, certain things are out of our control. We can control the parts and we can't control and I believe the scheduling is not done through us. This is done through the electrician. >> The scheduling, >> it's it's through their contract. >> That's what I mean. It's through their contracts, we contract. So that's really not something. I mean, we could put pressure
012on them, but they're the ones that unfortunately were we're >> I can but I I think that, you know, I I have to say like this has been a very very smooth >> transition and working at the middle school has been amazing. >> They're making the best out of it. A less than ideal situation. Um and I think the staff is doing an amazing job. The parents are responding and doing an awesome job. they're dropping off for zero period. It's, you know, it's it's an awesome experience for them to uh >> I think that's a good point too. All programs are continuing. Uh that includes our after school enrichment, our before school enrichment, professional trainings. Uh so it's all operations are functioning just in in a different spot. So there's been no disruption to learn.
013I think the idea of showcasing by moving the American education week celebrations to Applegard would be perfect as soon as we open and they parents will see the work and know what the weight was all about. So, >> and you may have to look for it because it's >> you can put in no buckets in the glass. >> It's a new roof. It's HVA's units. It's brighter lights from the EIP, right? So, it's it's not like, you know, it's a new building, but it has a new heart, right, a new core. Um, and there's many things left to do in all of our buildings. But, uh, >> you know, it's a big achievement to get back. >> Yes. >> And I have to say, uh, >> I had a recovery board meeting this last month
014and the people there said that going to some of our schools now with their activities, they said the difference in the lighting is >> day and night. It's day and night. They're like, especially the ping pong crew at Berkeley Brook, they said that they're like, "Oh my god, I >> I can actually see the >> We can't believe like the difference in in this lighting. It's >> it's incredible." So now kudos to that day getting things done. >> That and then we left out with our enrollment going down at the middle school at like the the perfect when it's done >> and it work out. Exactly. >> Yeah. >> All right. You want to move on? >> Sure. Next item is ESIC projects update. Members have a copy of Honeywell's weekly update report. And it's
015kind of ironic when you look at the report here and what happened with this project last week. So you know in the Apple project we waited forever for the switch gear. Something that took forever and previously when we needed a chiller two years ago at the middle school. We also lengthy wait. Last week we received delivery of a chiller for Barkley Brook and school >> five months ahead of schedule. >> Correct. >> Winter air conditioning, >> but we're all ready. >> They look beautiful. >> Pick up the old units and set the new ones. And >> so, >> wow. >> At least something's working our way. >> Exactly. So, that's a big step forward in Nissa. We're continuing with the lighting as Mr. Pure pointed out, working our way through the district. That's going very
016well. Um, boiler projects at the middle school of Barkley Brook are primary focus right now. Um, I've seen weaker porch python pictures are put in there. There's a lot of work done boiler rooms. Bring those online. Um, again, we're way ahead of schedule with the chillers. Um, the solar piece we're waiting for public utility chasing female's final approval. Um that was due November, December and then we would start uh the beginning of next year. Um once we get that approval that's should be able to start running that project as well. >> You go first this time. >> I know I did ask this in the past. It would be great to start seeing um savings numbers on the lighting. The lighting looked great and I know there is a huge component to our budget tied
017to that savings. So have you been for oak tree that has been done since September. Have you seen any >> shifts in the >> I don't look at the bills to compare. >> Okay. >> Remember we get that service through >> not right direct bill and then if we don't meet those numbers then they made a difference >> but we don't know the numbers yet. We've not we've not looked at it or we've not received it. Okay. Could be. >> Well so the company isn't doing that data yet. that company will start that data once they finish the project. >> Okay. No, but we we ourselves probably >> we could potentially look at it when we can also we had a 20% increase on our energy bill just like the rest of the world. So
018yeah, >> you know, if we look at the raw number >> we might not oak tree. Yeah. The conclusion may not be as clean as it potentially. >> Well, we'll see the number in the kilowatt hours. We'll see a standard kilowatt hour charge for a month of X versus kilowatt hours. Now with all the lights in place, you'll see a reduction. It's it literally is that simple. This is drawing 2 kilowatt. The last one is drawing 6 kilow. >> That's and right there we would. >> So just um two quick questions. The lighting upgrades I see that some of them are complete or nearly complete. Um and then there are some of the buildings that it looks like they haven't started or like won't start for a while. Is that just like the the manh
019hours? They can't be everywhere at once and they are going >> so they're working on the second shift. >> They've seen from our staff oversees them every night. Um >> they did not perform as quickly as we would have liked with the lighting. >> Okay. >> And you know we've been all on about that. They just failed to get it done. >> You know, excuses, manpower, couldn't get people saying let you hear from everybody. But yeah, we would have like seen them a lot further along. Yeah, >> we are in the off stretch >> and and the only reason I keep asking is because I know that when we looked at those numbers, we knew that we will drive it from the lighting savings. So if those numbers are getting delayed, we could be looking
020at >> you know that impact on our budget >> and then just to follow the building management system upgrades that was the like ability to do things remotely like to the controls is that >> automatic temperature controls. Correct. >> Okay. But does that have to wait until everything that's on place? That's on go. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Because yeah, those are the ones that pretty much all stay TBD on here. So, >> yes. So, they're actively working on that. Some of that ties into the new equipment. So, for example, last week we also took delivery of one of their air handling units being placed at the middle school. Um, so when those get put in, they get new controls on those controls back to what's called our headend equipment, which controls temperature controls for
021the building. Um they have indicated though that they have been struggling to meet some of their budgets in terms of with some of the rooftop units. They had planned on purchasing for X. The prices are coming in a lot higher. So now they are going out public bidding for these. They were buying some of this through co-ops and finding that co-op prices are too expensive. So they have shifted. They asked if they could shift. We said absolutely. It's not something that we bid. They bid it. So it's independent of us but it helps to bring the overall number down. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Good. Next item number three, HVAC compressor replacement bid at the high school. You'll see we went out to bid for compressor on the rooftop units here. And we only received
022one bid. You see we had countless bids pick up the packages as well as bidding services. So it went out to a lot of people and only one person did it. I will tell you that we first attempted to buy this through a co-op. Got a price from the co-op which I thought was extremely high and so we ped. We've saved a significant amount of money by bidding this rather than going through the car. It is an air conditioning component but we have the ability and time to be able to do that. This is a piece of equipment here and keep in mind I will be looking at the high school as our new building. Um the equipment here is 16 years old now. So you're going to start to see needs for like see
023if the options when you mentioned the co-op um when I was at the schoolboard workshop I know that that I know New Jersey school boards itself has a co-op that they they work with but then I saw that there were I think at least two other booths that were different co-ops >> yes >> um are are we sort of resigned to have to be in one or can we be a part of multiple co-ops and do they have different in June every year the board takes action on a list of various co-ops. >> So, compare between co-ops and in this case, >> I can tell you that the co-op price came in at $49,000 when I knew it was just not good. >> And so, we told them, "No, we're going to put this out."
024And sadly, they said, "Well, we're not interested." Other words, you're going to pay us absorbing co-op price, which I thought was >> nice, but then price. >> That's great. I guess just when you mentioned co-op, is it just that one co-op does this specific >> service or do we look at other co-ops if some if one of them come in too high? >> So, we're in local co-ops as well as national co-ops. Um, TIMS is what's known as a national u, so they're around the country and they all offer different things. The local co-ops, um, for example, Middle Sex Regional and Services Commission has a co-op. There's NJ start. There's countless numbers of them within the co-op though based on what county you're in. Depends on which contractors are approved to do work. So in
025Middle Sex region, we'll get contractor ABC for HJC work. up in North Jersey, go get contractor XYZ. So, you're limited to >> who they set the co-op with, but you're not limited to a single co-op. We'll shop amongst >> and you have to look around because like you said, if you don't shop amongst them, um especially purchasing equipment stuff and there's they get different and you'll see the same component like you said. Um I purchased police cars and it's the same thing. I go to all the different co-ops and I can see one explorer is 75 grand, the other same car 45 grand. >> So, you just got to pick the right one, but then you also have to make sure they can fill the contract once you >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I'm so conclusive.
026>> But it helped. The co-ops do help in some things, but in others, they they try to put a lock on things so you can't go anywhere else, >> right? >> And they rebid their own products. Yes. Every year. So every year next year that piece of equipment could be a different will probably be different price higher or lower and it may be the best place to get it next year. >> You don't know until the year >> it'll be good for this year with the compressor you want to go ahead and put accept it. >> You need to make this award get it installed so that in the spring air condition >> is this right now impacted and not working the one that we're looking to >> air conditioning is not working. We need
027that >> transportation. >> Smarter. How are we doing in transportation? >> We're doing well. We're doing well. All the routes have been uploaded into the pilot program that uh we're going to be using. >> Are we using the which one? Which pilot? >> Right. >> The one the gentleman gave the >> Yes. Okay. >> Um I'm just getting ready. I've been working on the state report, so it's been I've been kind of torn, but we're get in the process of choosing which routes we're going to be using. It's going to be two to three routes for the program and then I have to set up um a training pro the drivers have to sit through a training uh program to get familiar with what they have to do as well as the office staff. So
028this way we understand, >> excuse me, the way it works. But um I think we'll be starting that soon. And I'm in the process of identifying a couple families that are going to participate in the pilot that would be willing to work with us um give us feedback along the way that we can use in a part of our metric for success. >> Almost like a focus group. >> Yeah. So, so and then our original hope was coming out Thanksgiving we have something set up for the trainings and then you know give that'll give us a nice period of time to look at it uh in the winter and then early spring and then as we get ready for you know that time of the year we can kind of talk about where we want
029to go. If we like the product, that's something we think the district would benefit from, you know, fifth product or something similar. >> How are we doing with drivers? We we increasing >> um well, we have three out on medical right now. Two are returning in December. Um right now we have 58 drivers. I'm actively looking for drivers. Um I'm trying I have another interview with somebody who's already a driver on Thursday. We have 158s. The contractors are working out wonderfully. We haven't had issues. we have them, you know, uh, contact with the radios. That's been working out beautifully and, uh, they haven't been late. They've been on time and no incidents. So, uh, >> it's been a good thing. >> Going back to the pilot, um, are we looking I think you mentioned two
030to three routes. I know when we had spoken, maybe it was the summer, we had that like trying to find routes that are sort of different needs like because they work with contracted buses and things like that. So that way we can get an idea for ourselves and for I guess parents that might be willing to do it. Um how it works with not just our own buses but you know knowing that for the foresee foreseeable future we're probably going to need to go to outside vendors as well how it works with them. Are we trying to get a mix of those routes for the pilot so we can see how that works? >> Well with the schools that we chose they're all in house. >> Okay. But this way, at least we get an
031idea of how it's working, you know. And I have to say the contractors we're dealing with now have been wonderful. And I don't think that would be an issue at all with them. I mean, they've been more than gracious with the radios. They've supplied uh one contractor actually supplied us with their radios and we have uh Mil Lake has uh another one of their radios. So, we they they've been very accommodated. So, I'm not even as long as it works with our buses, I don't see an issue with any of the contractors. I think it'll be fine. And the pilot is in an elementary school. Multiple >> Brookside Park and Brookside. >> Yes. >> Okay. Anything else you need to tell us? >> No, everything's Everything's going okay. We've had to double some routes. We
032have, but the parents have been wonderful. We've been sending out messages. This way they know ahead of time. Um, we're doing the best we can with the absenteeism, but okay. Like I said, the parents have been very understanding. Uh, communication is the key, >> but they're not consistent doubles, right? They're just >> Yes. Yes. >> You split them up. We don't do the same. That was an issue last year where the same kids were late every single day. >> Yeah. No, we do try to split up. And, you know, I've had the staff on the buses. I've had the mechanics on the buses. This way, whatever we can prevent doubling, I I do my best. So, >> thank you. >> More, you want to bring up the I wanted to bring up the high school
033sign, Mr. Tate. So, I know we had, you know, lengthy discussions on the repair and we've realized it's not going to be possible. Cost is too high. What would it look like to get a new sign? Uh, the reason I bring it up is because I know the budget discussions have started and I did have a preliminary conversation. So, are you do you have any thoughts on what top of your mind what could a new sign cost us and is it something that we could look at sooner than later? >> Is this definitely in >> Were you looking at somebody to donate? >> We um we had discussed finding ways to offset the costs uh through through private partnerships. That's certainly a solution. Um the partners that we are currently dealing with um usually come
034in smaller denominations. Uh and so we we we made the the decision as a district to continue to use those funds to fund academic programs. Um uh that said, if if this is if if we want to re refocus that and and try to find ways to fund the uh the sign, I I think that probably just in other discussions we've had, there's probably more cost-effective ways to do it than what was originally proposed to a repair. But again, that would be if you came to me and said, "Let's go find 10 grand through Spartan that you know, >> I think the cost is what 50 >> like 60." Yeah. So, depends on the level of >> Yeah. >> co-ops for those sites, too. >> Yeah. >> So, basically, if we want to go that
035way and we say, "Let's go find 10 grand, you know, that that's something we could try to do." Uh, just we have to reconcile that with the fact that probably we take Paul. >> I think what we can do since we're entering the budget, well, we're in the middle of the budget process, >> I think we revisit taking a look at what what our needs are over there. That then defines the cost, right? next to the high school can help us define we can work with the high school >> and then uh we get to figure out once we know how much it costs how we're going to pay for it whether it's a combination of some contributions or you know something we look to integrate into a lease purchase where the lifespan of this
036is you know 15 years or whatever and you know that's a requirement of fitting in there but um I think speaking about it now gives us the opportunity to explore it and if it fits in our budget we can consider moving forward I don't think it's impossible to go find some private money to help. So, I think we could do it. >> The reason for bringing it up was as a board, our role is just to say I think it's needed. It's a huge part of the community um involvement. The sign is at a great location, gets a lot of eyeball. All of our other schools have working signs, but our biggest school and the school with the most to share doesn't really have one. So, it's it's a need. I would put it as
037one of the needs and I I hope the rest of the board members will agree. and then and then the administration can do its part and like doc Dr. Le said the lease purchase is a great way of making it happen if nothing else works out. Right. So >> yeah, but I think my takeaway is if if the board is expect expressing an interest in kind of exploring this again, I know, you know, we certainly have an interest, the high school certainly has an interest. Um we can explore what the options are and it's then from there how does it fit into what we need to do financially. I think that's that's >> take away from this whether it's a price out whether it's a donation whether it's >> but we got to see >>
038it's been a few years technology changes on those things like >> and I mean if it was up to me we would >> speak color because now the technology is so much better you can run it from your phone I mean it's more >> take we'll we'll we'll explore we'll find some options we'll try and integrate into the budget we'll look and see what we if we donors and things like that. >> We haven't forgotten about we we do bring it up uh because especially when we see that how improved the techn like I always see the one on 33 as you're heading down the shore output up. >> Yeah. It reminds me they're not passive. >> I I >> um and and and I know that for just I know other people that have
039used those types of things. I do know that there are other probably more cost effective ways than than there was than they used to be. >> I hope to see that new thing there sooner than later. locker. >> Anybody else have anything? Okay. Thank you, Mr. T. Thank you, guys. >> Thank you. Thanks.