001[Music] Good evening everyone. Like to welcome you to the first construction meeting of the new year. I'd like to wish everybody a happy new year that's here and that's listening online. Um we have our committee members here. I'm the chair. We have Mr. Vonte Leech and u Miss Christa Fields and Mr. Crystal Monroe. She's online. We also have u Mr. Craig Lowry and Dr. Emanuel here and Mr. Bradley. Um, first order of business is going to be the naming of the planetarium and naming of the Roberts County CE. Um, this time I turn over to Mr. Bobby Locker. >> Bobby, if we can just do a moment of silence, please. Amen. [Music] Okay. >> A tidbit today that he was sick again. Have y'all heard anything? >> I talked to Mr. Henry yesterday and I
002think he was out of the county. I mean, like he was a little doing a little vacation. And that was yesterday unless he was telling me a story, but that was yesterday. >> Well, I got a call he was sick again. I just didn't know whether maybe that was referring to before >> what he told me yesterday he was on vacation. >> All right. Thank you. >> Now I think Mr. Gentry was sick during Christmas, right? You mentioned that that you had heard that you told me Gentry and I you know I got [Laughter] that's why I was asking So, so good good a good good afternoon uh chairman Simmons, Chairman Brit, Superintendent Williamson, and board members. Uh happy new year to everyone. So, one of the first items on the agenda is the naming
003of the planetarium. So based upon policy 93100 naming of facilities that if there is a group within the community that wishes to name a facility after a certain individual for distinguished reasons then they come before the board and submit a request. So, in the case of naming the planetarium after James Hooks, um that has been successfully completed and the process is that we turn this over to our construction committee to make a recommendation to our boards. >> Mr. Simmons. I make a recommendation that we move forward with presenting to the pool board that we rename the planetarium the James Hooks Planetarium. >> M. Christie, are you saying name the full planetarium that are you saying put a plaque outside? What are you saying far as [Music] anybody else? So, we gonna go with her a
004name and black. I'm sorry, Miss Chris. Um, I feel my suggestion would be to do a plaque for the person for Mr. Looks and not name the whole school for it. I feel like maybe if we had to do one person then, you know, how many other names would we have to name? I feel like it should be its own entity >> and just do plaque. So if we wanted to add somebody in the future, we could. Okay, we have two motions on the floor. One the full name and one the plaque. Um we have to do the second one first. So um the board members that's here is myself, Mr. Leech, Miss Monroe, Miss Fields. Um all in favor of taking it to the board. >> Get a second on on that first motion?
005>> No. Um going anybody going to second the first motion? Okay. Second motion. First motion died. Um second on the second mo second on the second motion. Okay. Got a second on the second motion which will be the plaque. Um all board members that's on the committee. um by saying I. All in favor by saying I >> for the second one. >> Yeah, for the second one. >> Okay, I'm saying I >> Okay, all oppose. The motion passed. Three to one. The name of a plaque in place of the name on the board, the building, I'm sorry. When when it goes before the full board, is there any way that this motion can be superseded? If the four board votes to name the planetary meth hooks, can we supersede the committee's vote? No, I think
006what we would end up doing if it doesn't pass then you have an option of another motion to the full board on the floor at that time. So, so the board is moving it forward for a vote of the full board. So, the board's got to vote it up or down and it it doesn't pass then you have an option of another motion on the floor on that night. Dr. Williams, I think you answered it. This is what will go to the full board recommendation. The board votes on that. Yes or no? >> Yes. >> And if it's voted yes, then that's what's happen. >> If it's voted no, >> there could be another motion made at the board that night. And if not, it would go back to this committee again. That's right. So,
007so the question may be um do we do a second motion that night? And that may be a lawyer question and I'll have that answered by next Tuesday on that piece. >> Question. >> Okay. So, the second item on the agenda tonight or this afternoon is naming of the Robinson Career Technical Center. Again, following policy 9300, naming facilities, community group has gotten together and submitted the necessary documentation um to name the new school after the name that they have submitted uh is the Hunt Harding School of Career and Technology. Okay. >> I make a motion that we name the new PSRC career and technology school the Harding Hunt School of Career and Technology. >> Okay. Any other motions? hit your button again. >> Hit your hit your button again. Green. Okay. I would like to
008make a secondary motion that we put plaques. We put plaques for Mr. James Hook. We put plaques in the inside for um for Mr. Hun and Mr. Harden. >> Okay. We have two motions on the floor. one for the um for name and one for a plaque. We'll vote on the first one for the four name. All in favor of the four second or first. >> I'm sorry, second. We'll do the second first, which would be the >> Got to get a second. >> Oh, I thought we did. >> Did we get a second on? >> No, we didn't get a second. That's why I made a secondary motion. We did get a second. >> Okay. Well, I'm get a um Anybody to second? The first motion it's on committee. Okay. Um to put the
009plaque one inside the building. Um anybody second that one? >> I'll second for the plaque. >> Okay. The second one pass or we take a vote on it. Um, all in favor for putting the plaque on the building saying I >> I >> All oppose. Motion pass. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Simmons. The next item on the agenda is is the Lumpton Senior High HVAC project update. As you're aware, we we this is this will conclude our work uh through our ESER funding. We were able to complete our switch gear installation over Christmas break. Uh luckily, weather cooperated and we had full cooperation from um the city of Lumberton and their utility department. But again, this pro this the installation of the switch gear concludes our all of our ESSA work. But
010at this time to give you more detailed uh more detailed up uh information, I'm going to turn it over to Miss Watkins and her team. I think she's got, if you have not, if you've been out to the schools at any of the um projects, HVAC, the windows, uh you're going to see Lonnie on the ground and she also has Bundy with her as well. So, I'll turn it over to Miss Watkins now. >> Good afternoon. Hope you're doing well. Happy New Year to you. Good to see you all here today. Uh we did want to share the excellent news that we have been able to complete SSRE 2 and ESR three projects that Snider Electric um was uh assigned to and given and work through with um all of the administrative staff. Um everybody's
011been great to work with. Um the switch gear was the last feat that we had to overcome and the windows. So I had Lonnie here who is our site superintendent. He's been on site here daily to work through that um to direct traffic and um direct all of our um contractors and sta and work with the staff um daily. So I want wanted Lonnie to come in and give us an update and then also I was asked about um Lumberton Middle on the control. So I wanted to give that update as well because Mr. Britt asked me about that. So, I wanted to give that update before we went on to the next um process that we were going to talk about, but I wanted to share that and if you got any questions um
012we would be glad to address those. But we did um finish some major major infrastructure improvements in the five schools that we had um with your ESSER funds. >> Yeah. So, I appreciate it, Lisa, and thanks to you, allowing me and Snider to be here and partner with y'all in doing this project. A lot of y'all have seen my face at a lot of different events. I've been at pretty much almost every school. Uh so hopefully it's been pleasant uh experiences with me. If not, uh pull me to the side and let me know and I'll fix it. Right. Uh so, uh with that being said, I want to give you an update. We just as soon as this week just got our final permit concerning the wind windows portion of the project. So I
013was trying to push to get that before the year ending, but a lot of people are being in travel and end of year. Y'all understand that. So I just got the final approval for the permit for the windows. So that portion is done with installation and we're in the process on behalf of our PM Mike Hudson getting ready to start with the closing documents to close out this SR3 project. Uh with with that being said, right before during this Christmas break, we had targeted that time to be the area that we needed in order to do the switch gear portion of the work. uh the previous summer and the and last summer, we did all the install of every new air handler at Lumberton High School this past summer, the previous sum, excuse me, summer
014doing the work over at Pernell Sweat High School. And so with all that work concluding, it only left needing to do this switch gear. So talked to uh Bobby and he helped set up a meeting and we've had a good game plan together. Uh we always like to approach things worst case, but obviously we're always going to work to do the most efficient way possible. So our goal was to be able to get that switch gear swapped out before Christmas Eve in order to be able to have all parties that were needed to get the inspections done and to get the utility involved so that we could eliminate and minimize the downtown the downtime that the school would, you know, need to go through. So that actually happened which was great. Uh, Principal Brooks was
015very happy that we were able to get that going and so with the help of Ray Lleair and all the different groups, uh, they did a great job being on site and we went through and recorded everything very diligently. We went through our MOP, which is called a method of procedure and everything went uh, perfectly to plan. And so on the 29th we started that process and but by the 20 you know 2nd 23rd that Tuesday following Tuesday we had everything up and running and then the final inspection was done and so I'm happy to announce that that system has been running beautifully. We've been doing some followup on that and so uh with that being said we are now you know again looking at closing out this SR3 project. So, uh, I really appreciate
016everybody's patience through this project. It was very, very trying and there was a lot of, uh, you know, maneuvering things around, but y'all were tremendous in making sure that we were able, it's the old thing, help us help you. And, and I feel like that was a really beautiful thing with this county that y'all are very, very uh, useful in helping us achieve our goals. So, I really commend y'all for that and thank you for allowing, you know, us to do this project for y'all and with y'all. Uh with that being said, uh there was a question brought up concerning Lumberton Junior High. Uh so Lumberton Junior High was not a part of Esser 2 or ESRE 3. Uh but there was some work that was done there um outside of that with our Snyder
017controls BAS division independently. It had come to my attention and our team that there was some issues that they were having out there with the HVAC equipment. Snyder did not have anything to do with the actual HVAC equipment, but we did have a temporary BAS system out there with the intent of coming back in the future to try to do some improvements where we can. Uh after evaluating all those things, uh I'm happy to announce that from talking to our team that we now have a plan in process that we're going to go ahead and go and start going and initializing putting a plan together to update that system to make it more in line to what we did concerning the BAS systems we installed at Pernell Sweat and most recently at Lumberton High School.
018So here in the next coming, you know, month or so, if not sooner, we'll be projecting a schedule and a plan of attack that we can go into that school and get that system upgraded to make it more accessible and easier for the maintenance staff to be able to monitor that system. So be looking for that to be coming here soon, >> but that was outside of the esser process that's outside do that to help get it going correctly. >> Right. Let's clarify a little bit more. So again, outside of the budget, we didn't invest any other money. The truth is y'all invested your money through tax credits. That's the truth. >> Yes, sir. >> That is correct. >> We were able to help secure you some tax credits. Um so we were able to
019share that with you. >> Can I say something and then all of us? So we got the notification that what our 14 million what we would do to finish this project that we wouldn't get it originally but we knew after reading the log we would and and so our intent is sometime in February to invite this company in front of us. They work with us no interest on the money. I mean it's it's amazing and what a powerful powerful partnership and that did not go unnoticed because you could have taken a different position and here we are exactly where we intended to be with all the projects completed would not have happened without snider and being a true partner and we're gonna sing that song wherever we go. We appreciate it too because we we
020take it um to our heart. You become our family and we want to make sure that we work together through the hiccups. Um not every project, you know, can go smoothly. Um this just happened to be something that happened that no one's ever had to deal with ever. I've been doing this 30 years and not ever had this happen. It made us all stronger and learn how to get through those eos. >> Also, if I may, Mr. Chair. So Erica, again, we're finished with ESSA funding, correct? And then the reimbursements that we're do. Can you share that with construction committee, please? >> Good afternoon. Yes. To answer that question. Short. Yes, we actually received I received an email from Albert I'm not sure how you say his last name. Wel from NCDPI that we received
021our last um installment will come in tomorrow. A little over 2.9. So we are done. We've spent the entire 14 million and our last reimbursement will come in tomorrow from NCPI and the federal government. >> Right. So I see Mr. Craig going to ask the question. So allow me to ask the question. How much of that would go back into our capital? >> All of that goes back into capital outlay. That entire total goes back into capital outlay. >> I was not going there. >> Thank you. >> Uh but I want to thank Snider. I was at the university UNCCTP I think last fall when you had a bunch of our students over there and um they were just doing seeing different uh science things going on and it was wonderful for the students and
022I want to thank you for that and thank you for working with us to get this done and then my last thing Dr. Williams we worked during Christmas I know they're compensated and I know they mentioned Mr. Ray, I'm sure we had a lot of staff there, too. So, ever what we can do with them with comp time or whatever we which we usually do it, but ever what we can do with them to get this up and running before school started back uh we need to look at. But thank you folks. >> Now, I'm going to step into the segue into the next um >> Hold on, hold on, Miss Alissa. I had a question I had a question for Miss Erica. Um you did say that the rest of that money is going
023into capital outlay. What about the 2 million we took out of reserve? >> Once we deposit this check, I'll let you know what the total is, but that's part of it. It's 2.9 and some change. So, the whole 2 million will be back in our capital outlay account. >> Okay. I'm going to segue into a a quick presentation that we have um today. Do we have a clicker or can You got it. Okay, that's fine. That's great. Okay. Uh, so we wanted to talk to you today about uh a performance contracting and when we were here looking at your esser projects, we were looking at items in the esser project that you would never have money for again or long term infrastructure items um that the schools needed like Lumberton Singer and Pernell Sweat that
024needed some major infrastructure. So, we wanted to identify um those needs and let that esser fund pay for that because that would be money that we would probably not ever see at the school district again. So, we were trying to help you um overcome those needs um so that you you could get those schools more functioning um the way they should today um with the newer infrastructure. So today I wanted to talk with you about what an energy savings performance contract is in the North Carolina school districts and how they utilize um this uh the this type of method to be able to do more infrastructure. And and Lonnie alluded to it a few minutes ago that we had looked at um how to get things to work at a certain point, but you were
025going to have to further um like building automation. we got them to work at a certain point, but they're going to have to build out further to work um further or we didn't uh we we weren't able to look at all the schools. We only had five schools. So, while we were here and working in the district, we wanted to um look at all all the schools and what your needs were. And Mr. Lowry, like you said, we started doing some educational things with your students because Snyder is not just about construction. We're about student engagement. we're about uh being a partner with you in all aspects um within the district. Um so today I wanted to go over um how we got where we are today and I've got an old business case that
026um we did about a year and a half ago. I just wanted to share it with you. I did not update that. It was just information that we found while we've been here and then the process of what an energy savings performance contract is. Many many school districts utilize this. Um Robinson has not done this yet. Um and it's an outstanding opportunity for you to improve the school district um further without any upfront money. Um so this is um a wonderful avenue and this is the only time that the school district can do something like this and there's general statutes that approve this and allow this to happen in North Carolina. Um so if you would mind I'll jump. So I just wanted to talk today about how we got here. So in December um
027uh that's when we started the Esser 2 project and we started developing that and um trying to do design. There was a lot of design that had to take place and thank goodness we had Bunty here helping with that design at the time. He was our uh lead um project development manager. So we had a whole team here that would meet and come in here and go through these schools to try to figure out what's the right design with the amount of money that you had to spend um for these and make it work the best. So that's where we started esser 2 and then we transitioned into February um the following year to er two and three. Uh at that time we were coming out of COVID long there were still long um long
028lead times on supply. Um, so we had we even had over at Lumberton Senior, we had one um I think it was a boiler, wasn't it, that had like a 58week lead time. So we had we had some long lead times on some items. So we wanted to get those ordered to get those in to be able to begin work, but we had long lead times. So there was a lot of I'd say behind the curtain the wizard pulling those um levers because we were pulling levers and and trying to make things um work and develop um other projects at the same time with the amount of money that you had and we had to do it within a time frame too. And we were brought in at a later time um than some of
029the other projects had been done um you had other projects started but we were here to try to help you get that and get it in on time. So that's where Schneider came in through a design build. Uh and then later on in October 24 when you had some more money freed up, there were still windows that needed to be done. So as we figured out exactly what items were going to be and how much that project was going to be able to fund, we had money freed up to be able to go back to add windows in the location. So we took the highest priority need. There's a there was several of them, but we had to allocate priorities and we were able to put windows in for the school districts. So, we have
030been moving through this. Um, so that's how we've gotten to where we are today. Um, and and now I wanted to talk to you about the energy savings opportunity. Doc Dr. Williamson, >> let me interrupt you. And just as a reminder, our window projects were one iss [Music] thank you. >> So now today I want to talk to you about the ESPC is what we call an energy savings project um uh opportunity. Um general statute in North Carolina is that allows school districts to do this. Um, so we'll we'll jump to the next one here. So in front of you is an older business case and I just took pieces out of that to show you you're paying your utility bills. So Erica gets those and they're paid every month and you're paying those to
031your utility. Um, so right now there is a spend of um you've got uh you're you're spending your utility, you're paying it, but you're not getting anything out of that. You're just paying your utility bill. So what we did was we went through all the schools, we looked at them and and we would see where we could save money from the utility and you reinvest that back into your schools. So basically you're reallocating funds. Um if we improve the infrastructure with newer technology, you're using less electricity. So an example would be if we went through y'all have seen where you've done new lighting in some of these gyms and it um they're beautiful. Um, so we've still got a lot of incandescent and older lighting throughout the classrooms and the halls and things like that.
032So if you were to reinvest into that um then you're saving the money that you would be given to a utility company. So basically what Snyder does as well as design build what we did for you on a ESSER um we do what is called a guaranteed um performance contract. So it's very similar to a design build but it's fixed price turnkey. So the prices don't change. It's turnkey. And the the winner for the school districts are there's no upfront money. It's protected by the North Carolina Energy Office and North Carolina DPI oversees it. And you also have a third party owner that oversees all of this, but it has to self-fund. So you go through a process, which is a proposal process to select a partner. But what we saw and this was two
033years ago. So this is only going to start building and your projects are going to get larger because every year you don't improve your technologies. That's more electricity you're using. Um so you're using more and more because your equipment is degragating and you're using more and it's getting older each year. So, at this point, we feel like um and again, if you don't do solar and you just do um lighting or water or something like that and building automation, you're going to save um you're going to have a smaller project. But what we saw when we went out to all your schools is that we know we can guarantee that you're going to save a minimum of 25% off those utility bills. Uh if we take that and do it into a 20-year project, which
034is what most school districts do, and the law allows you to do a 20-year project, it would fund a minimum, and this was a year and a half ago, a $30 million investment back into the school district. That's not y'all using one penny. That's reallocating the funds. Um, so again, if we if we look further, this was us looking at a high level going through the schools, but I wanted you to see you're spending this money already. You're just giving it to the utilities, but you can reinvest it, put it back into the schools. And so we feel like you can save a minimum of 25%, but if we get into more solar or we get um Dr. Williamson, you you did this at another school district. you did some unique opportunities and you were
035able to save a lot of um savings uh more so than 25. So then you can get it on up to the 25 to the 61% that you see on this page um of savings. So that creates the project and in this project will um we pull everything together lighting water HVAC and I'll get into that further. We don't like to use operation and maintenance funds. So, that's why you see the X on the percentage. Um, we did not go through your work orders to see that because that can be intangible and at this point, I'd rather y'all see hard numbers because of your budget being so tight. Um, if you'll go to the next one, please, Cole. Thank you. So, if you look at a 20-year project, so that's what North Carolina law allows,
036and most people do 20 years, um, 19 to 20. Um, you can fund 30.9. And again, this was a year and a half ago, so it's it's going to be a bigger project at this point up to it could be if you did solar projects and PV, it could grow a lot further. I'd like to say, let's look at the smaller end of that. So, let's just say $31 million self- funds. So, what can Robinson County Schools do with that $31 million? It's self funds. And that's where we come in and bring our engineering. And it's a closed loop approach to it. So, we we help engineer it. Um, we're responsible for it. Um, it's fixed price again, so you're not going to get change orders. We don't come in here and do change orders.
037Once we tell you a price is done, it's just like what we had to do in ESSER. It's fixed. Um, our team works uh as a team with your team. Um, again, you would have a third party overseer or owners rep that's required by law that oversees what Snyder is doing the whole time and helps you through that. That is paid for through these savings. So again, school district's not paying for the third party owners rep. School district is not paying any more than what you're paying with your utilities. Um, and I've offered to um for Erica to meet with some of the other CFOs to see how they handle when you start saving that money is putting it aside and saving that because what you would do with this is you get a third-party
038um a bank usually finance it. In North Carolina, we usually have Bank of America that finances it and it kind of closes like a a mortgage and it's escrowed and you control it. There are no payments made for the during construction. This would probably be a couple of year construction. So, the money is funded to you like a closing up front. it goes into your account and it's escrowed and it stays there and then we immediately start working and um doing construction immediately. We want to see that savings very quickly so you can start banking those savings. Uh so you'll see lighting happening quickly, water happening quickly and building automation. the longer lead items which are like your HVAC infrastructure um things that have long lead times we'll get those ordered and start working that
039into a work schedule. But we look at everything in the school district. We want every school to benefit. So the district is giving back to the entire school district. So everybody's getting something for what you're already giving to a utility company. you're basically reallocating it and you're using this avenue as a vehicle to fund the improvements that are needed in all the other schools that did not get what they need. >> If if we can at this point what questions before we so again want to be clear it is a loan that you would that we will get the law allows that to happen. >> Um in the past that was a special interest loan, right? Yes, sir. And is that still the case? >> Yes. It's like a It's just like a municipal lease
040purchase. It's treated like a lease purchase just like you can do a copier. It's a lease purchase. >> And if you look at the chart as you scale your payments, obviously year five is going to be a whole lot better. But at some point we're gonna bank more money because if you invest in that project that's going to generate money for us and it doesn't take us long to realize your money spend your money in lightings and old buildings but eventually it will generate a tremendous amount of money. Um because the life of those lights are what 15 20 years. You've even got some old incandescents that are very very old that take a lot of electricity, right? Still in the district. But >> but I did want us to stop with any question before
041we get further in terms of that. So we're talking about low interest loan. Um that the savings pays to >> the savings are your collateral. That's that's all that's your coll your savings or your collateral. Again, you're you're paying it to a utility company. and I used to work for the utility company. So, um you're you're basically just reallocating and this does allow you to get your infrastructure improvements that are needed in in these schools. And and what our team will do is we'll come back and do a detailed look once your partner is selected. And basically, you do have to go through a proposal process that is required by state law. But you select the partner. You're not selecting on price. You're not selecting on project. You're selecting who can I work with? And
042there's there's approved vendors um right now. Look, today on the list, there's only seven or eight. There used to be 14. So, there's only seven or eight that are approved vendors in North Carolina um at this moment to do this type of project in North Carolina. But again, it's oversaw by North Carolina um local government commission. So, Treasury oversees this project. North Carolina Energy Office oversees this project. And your county commissioners also as you start saving money, you've got to use that as your collateral. So they'll have to pass a resolution supporting that when you're saving money that that's your collateral that they can't take that savings away. >> Okay. Let me let me interrupt you just for a minute. Yes, ma'am. >> So Dr. Williamson, are you proposing that we do this with every
043school? Do we want to keep every school open? Are we >> what what are we proposing here? >> And just conversation, I'm in terms of that the answer would be yes. when you're in our old buildings, in our classrooms, our kids are struggling with lighting. Um, and so the answer to that question from my standpoint would be yes. Uh, in every building, even if we entered into a conversation about building new buildings, you know, from the time you start that conversation to you actually start construction, you're talking about five, six, seven years of of that. But a critical need is the lighting. We've done some at some of our school, but that's a critical need for us. So the answer is yes. It'll be it would be a good investment. Even if the investment was
044for five or six years, it would still be a great investment for our kids. >> And so what initially cost are we talking about guesstimating? >> Nope. There's no there's no cost to this um to even investigate because the state the general statute 143 says even if you want to stop the process and not do it until you get to where you've selected the partner and you've gotten all the way into what is called investment grade audit which means we have done detailed engineering. There is no fee until you get to that point. Now, if you we've brought out detailed engineers and we've done documents and we're ready to go to construction and you decide not to, there is a backout fee, but you know what that is upfront. Never in 30 years had one
045stop at at that point. But you do want to look at all the schools whether they um because they pull together. You put all of the savings together and then where your higher priority needs are that that's lighting and the water savings and the building automation. They help fund the high intense capital. Um things like if we need to do more windows, if we need to do if we need to do roofs, if we need to do um more air handlers or chillers or coolers, they have a longer payback, but the short-term payback helps fund that. So, you have to have it an overall payback of everything has to have a simple payback of of the 20-year total if that's what you do up to a 20-y year project. Um, so it you want to
046look at all of them because once you name the um proposal and put what's in there, you cannot add to it. So it's easier to take away than it is to add later because you just name all of them and then you you'll decide. But this is co-authored as with your partner and the school district administration for you to decide how are we going to split these savings because you do want to devout across the district. Let let me ask of those seven companies that's left is one still in Robinson County. >> Is one still in Rob you talking about like the Escos >> would be Snider? I mean I'll give you the name Snyder um Johnson Controls. Um there's one called CMTA that's fairly new um engineering company. Um you've got Pedmont Services. Um
047you have uh train and then you have Brady and there's one more and seammens. Those are your seven companies. >> So your original really historical original companies who survived though >> the original original companies I mean Snyder's been in here since 92. Um started been here since 92. We we've probably done 97.5% of the performance contracts um in the in the last 15 years here. >> And before we get a question, just so we can be thinking and processing, give us some districts around us who who are doing the same. >> I'll give you a good example. Brunswick County, um they are probably in year six of their um of their 20-year contract. they have been able to save their savings and exceed it that they have actually paid their loan down three times. Um
048they're actually getting ready to look at a second performance contract because they're having to build two schools and they're looking at going ahead and reamping and using lighting again to give something else out. Um Cumberland County has done three. Hick county has done one. Um Anson County did one years ago. I'm just trying to go around us here. Um Samson County has done one. Hope has done one. Um so you've got uh Wake County has utilized it. Um UNC Wilmington has utilized two. Um the government uses them all the time. So we have a Coast Guard, Seymour Johnson, um Camp Lune, they all utilize this mechanism um to be able to improve their infrastructure. Um, so this is not just utilized in schools, but you'll see it used in county governments, um, in prisons. We
049have all of North Carolina Department, um, correction, we're doing a lot of work there. U, so we have a statewide contract there. Um, Virginia, um, National Guard Armories, we have all of those, all of Virginia Community Colleges. Um, so it it, you know, again, it's a guarantee. So the the partner you select, we have to guarantee it. So that's your insurance policy. If you don't meet the savings one year, we have to write you a check and that's by general statute 143 and we've written checks, but it makes you whole. So, you're made whole. So, um if we miss the savings, you get a check. All right. >> I have a question and it's clarification on the capital projects addressed. Tell me in milk man milkman language what does it mean replace recommission antiquated systems
050I'm assuming it's chillers coolers but I don't know what recommission in this term means what does that mean >> if we go in and and redo a piece of equipment and don't have to replace it if we can redo it like a a cooling tower if we can go in and if the parts the outside is good and we can recommission it or redo it and the parts are good on the outside we can redo um and not have to replace the whole entire product. So, we try to see if we can revamp it and if we can't then we have to replace it. But we we go through all that together. You're going to co-author that with us. Um so, we'll make suggestions. Um our we have an entire engineering team that specializes in
051HVAC and building automation and lighting and we all come together sit down and go okay here's what we found and now we'll work through the priorities because we have to make sure it's good for you and it's good for the partner >> simplifying what you're selling here with Snider is the money we're paying for utilities and d this is what's going to pay Snyder to do this. The money we're paying now for utilities and maintenance. >> You're reallocating it. So basically, you'll have a third party loan. We have to find we'll have to bid that out. Typically, I'm just saying typically in North Carolina, we see Bank of America win a lot of that because they are a North Carolina bank. >> So, we don't have to if we go with this here, we don't
052have to pay utilities and you is that >> you'll still pay your utility bill like you normally do. your utility bill is going to um decline because you're using less energy because you're going to have new lights, new fixtures, new equipment because that's not pulling on the system. >> Okay. Well, clarify me. How are you going to make money? >> We're a contractor, so we're going to make We're like a general contractor, so we're going to make our normal money like a general contractor does. They're going to get paid with the loan. >> Yes, we'll get paid. home is going to pay whatever vendor gets selected. >> Yes. >> And then the savings in the utility and other costs will help us as a district pay the loan. >> That's correct. >> And then please
053don't forget >> we have to write the check by law. So whoever your vendor is selected then they have to write a check. >> They say it's debt but not debt that would impact the system. And please keep in mind, watch is if they do not hit the mark, then we write us some checks with a whole lot of zeros. I love checks with zeros. >> Okay, Mr. Brad, >> y'all y'all killed most of my questions. So, that that was one of the big questions I had, you know, surrounding areas, you know, who's you capitalized on some of these projects? And then I I didn't know if it was like a one and done like if you do it you know one time if was there opportunity to to do other things. I think you
054covered that. The only other one was like solar. If we decided we wanted to do so some solar is that every building or is it certain well actually there's certain areas that solar works in. It may work in one area and not another but it may be domestic hot water that work that we change. So, there may be some small things we do, but there may be some large things that we look at. Um, but we'll look at all of it um during what's called the investment grade audit. And that's after you've selected your partner >> and we're we're going down the rabbit hole, so to speak, to learn about what really is working or not working here. And because we have actually gone in districts and we found things that they didn't even realize
055that was a problem when we were walking through at that time and um and try to help fix that ahead of time. So, it's it's being a good partner and working together through that. If you'll go to the next one, Cole. Um, this might this might help a little bit as we come up. >> You move, Mr. Chair. May I ask a question? And Erica, this may not be a fair question. What are we spending monthly and yearly in utilities? Not a fair question. because we do track it by location. Um I I think um if my memory serves correctly just for utility costs is exceeds $4 million a year. >> But then um some of sometimes that's included in one bill, but then we have separate water, >> sewer, all those things. the electric
056was 4.1 million 18 months ago, not including all the other utilities that we look at. >> So if you take that and you can save 25 to 40%, let's just say of that and then escalate that and times over how many years you choose in a contract. But remember again, you also have a third party owner. Now the third party owner that I've worked with on some um you can you select whoever you want. that's your business. But there is one that's local here that has done a lot of performance contracts. And I think Dr. Williamson, you've worked with them several. They are owners rep for the district now on other projects, I believe, which is >> done majority of our projects. >> Yes. >> And they actually are ones that are approved to do
057that. >> So basically, this is right here. I was using this trying basically we're going to repurpose where you're giving it all to the utility companies. um you're using your existing budget. >> So to follow up with that, I do have we went through a facility study that we're going to share with you guys later on. >> So from July of 23 to June of 24, our electricity cost was 4.8 million. >> So it's it's increased. So and that's what's going to happen. It's going to your utility bills are going to keep increasing because the utility department is asking for more money every year. And then as your equipment gets older and older and older, it's degragating and it's going to pull more on the system. So you're going to start using more. And then
058as utilities increase, um, as long as you're doing nothing, it's going to get worse. Um, so that's, um, why we're here to offer this to you as an opportunity. >> Yeah, Mr. Correct. >> Um, have a several questions. When you come in, do you if we say we're going to do this countywide, will you start looking at each school? >> We look at everything. >> I say you want to look at each school, you going to decide that Deep Branch needs windows, lighting, whatever. You go to another school, you go to Red Springs Middle, they need this, this, this. Is that the way you look at it? >> Yes. So, we look at the district as a whole. >> Okay. >> We'll look at everybody. >> Again, remember, lighting and water and building automation really
059help fund other things. So we won't >> last part last part would be solar depending on whether it would work >> and with that in mind we have old buildings uh and and I know we've done stuff with ESA the last three or four years which we didn't to me patch things we fix things we fix roofs we fix plumbing that's what we use that money for now if this is going to fix uh because you know if we if we close the Then you got to do all this other not saying for or against it, but if this it almost sounds too good to be true. I'll be honest with you that if I >> It's not when you write a check. >> No, not when you write us a check. That would be
060great. But uh but but that part if we can go in and get heating systems fixed where Mr. Bobby's not getting that call because the heat's not working or the AC's not working or roofs and stuff like that, it all sounds good from that standpoint. And at the end you're saying if we don't reach these savings, you write us a check. >> Yes, sir. >> Mr. Chair, if I may, I want to add a couple things. One, when you see those school systems that end up in financial trouble, guess what the biggest part of it is? What we're talking about? It's not their normal day-to-day operation. They get money local, state. It's utility costs that really really uh that cause that to happen. The other part of that is and this is just for me
061as we look at all of this you may reference to it over time. What can we do? Uh what generates the quick money? Well, obviously the lighting and and so one of the things I would talk to you as a board about is the quick money is in lighting and a long-term positive impact of of the lights. So for me the question other question on the table is do we want to invest in water because I see water as our second critical need in our old buildings. Do we want to invest in that? And you can do the math where the lighting generate because the water is not going to generate you that much money. That's why the lighting's got to be first where the money is. But then the question for us is do
062we want to do something about water fountains and our water in our buildings. That is a critical need for us. >> Mr. Craig, >> I'll make this comment about lighting. Um, I go to Prospect's gym quite regular. If you've been in one of our gyms that's got the new lighting, when that gym is dark and then you walk in there and start walking and the lights come on, it's like day and night compared to what we used to have. Um, and with those new type lights there, especially when the gym and there's no one in there and then you leave out, you don't have to hit a switch. You just go out and the lights going to cut off. >> If you get that improvement in a classroom, >> Yep. That's where I was. That
063would be to me very beneficial. >> You'll be amazed at how getting the lighting levels correct for the students. It'll increase the learning. Um, back when we did Hornet County Schools, when my daughter was in middle school, I wanted to know when her classroom was done because she kept having headaches daily and I wanted to know what day her classroom was done so I could tell if it changed and it did. Um so the lighting levels can play uh devil's advocate or really help these children in learning. Um and you know then you also have the high school athletic associations and different associations that are getting involved that have lighting level candle you know foot candles that have to be met. If you're not meeting those then you can't play sports in these um gyms.
064You have done some of your those gyms but again those levels um are starting to have more and more demand on schools as well. Cool. We'll just jump to the next one. So again, I just wanted to show this again. If you take that little bit of money that you're giving the utility, which is the inefficiency, we take that off and we reinvest it back into the school district. You're still spending on the utility, which is in the green. The gray becomes the investment back into the school district. And that's still your total energy usage. Um, so again, a third party finances it and energy savings guarantee it, but you become more efficient, new equipment, and you're still paying that utility bill, but less. And I mean, again, there's a lot of things that you
065can include in these projects. It's not just the lighting, but again, if that's all we decide to do, you you are going to help co-author this. Um, so building automation, lighting controls, a lot of different controls help cut that heating and air on. I mean, when we came in here under the Yeser project, there were schools running 24 hours a day. If you're paying utilities on schools running 24 hours a day, and we put building automation controls on there, and we can control them. Think about how much savings that is. that goes back towards the infrastructure improvements, um, insulation, we've got energy recovery, we've got windows, roofs, there's all kinds of things. If it has anything energy related, we can put that into this project. It has to have some kind of energy component into
066it. And you're not only improving the lighting, but if we're getting rid of some of the old equipment, um, in some of these schools that I've been in, your indoor air quality is an issue. So, we get rid of the mold issues. Uh, we get rid of the water not having chemicals in it and running through and ruining equipment because if you put new equipment in and we have um the water coming in that's rusty, it's still going to mess up equipment. So there's things that we can put plans in place, treatment plans in place to help that um for those. Um the other thing for facilities and operations is you can standardize and you as the district, you help us. You say we want this type of equipment or my guys need to learn
067how to operate this. So we are completely training the staff. They're helping us um select solutions that they know how to work on or that we can also help them get certified in different areas. So if we need to come and you get the staff trained on different things, we do that. This is all inclusive. Um because if it's not working for the operations, then it's not going to work for anybody. So we want to make sure it's something that they understand that they can work on. Um that everybody can work together on that. So you do get to select. So this is not like low bid. When you do your low bid and you have to take whatever you get, this is helping you standardize and pick energy efficient equipment, the right equipment for
068the schools. This is helping you select that. Um, again, safety. We've got some windows. Um, we are replacing four, but there are schools that need some new windows that I mean, the kids can push through them or there safety issues. Those are things that we can help improve the safety and security for these students. um that those can think be tied into with it. So, I mean there's a lot of things that can be tied into this project. Um so, think about school safety, think about their learning environment when you're looking at this. But again, we're going to work on that all together. >> Mr. Craig, >> just real quick, when you say standardized equipment, so we can put the same type of AC unit at each school >> if it I mean, >> if
069it would fit, >> if it works. I mean, we're not going to say that, you know, I'll just use if it's train or carrier or a day. We're not going to say that's going to work at every school because every school has a different design. >> If it would work, it would help maintenance being able to go to a school and I'm not trained on this, this, this. >> And then if you did lighting districtwide and have the same type of lighting and then we have the same type of bulbs, then it's >> easier. If you have building automation that you decide and select on, they're not having to run out there and look and then go back and get something. they have it on their truck or they have the ability to do it
070on their phones to be able to check um to do it remotely. This saves productivity as well. And your staff is not having to implement this. We are bringing entire teams here um like what we did at Brunswick. We had they have a north, a west, and a south. So we divided clusters of teams and that's how it lighting was implemented was in three clusters. So we bring the teams to implement and we do this after hours. We do it on weekends. We're used to working in schools. Um holidays, you saw that happen over Christmas. So, uh we're very used to working in schools. Um so that's how um we develop the schedule. We work with each principal. We figure out like summer schedules, if they're waxing, we have to work around all of that.
071Ball tournaments and everything like that. We work around all of that to make this happen. So, this is a total team approach. Again, if you could do this or you had the money and had all the operations staff, you'd probably do it. But you don't. And this is where we can be an extension to Robinson County Schools to your operations and to your administration to help that. >> Mr. Chair, if I may, I want to go back. So, the regular loan is a 20-year loan >> if you go that far. Yes, sir. >> If we go that far. Um, and in a sense, you can make that an open loan because at some point they're going to write us a check. And so the opportunity to close that loan out by investing that money up
072front back into that that debt, it speeds up the process. Well, if if it's an open loan, then whatever the third or fourth project is up, it's possible to is it to um keep it open and just we bought some additional money that you don't have to go back through the process? >> Uh in North Carolina, unfortunately, >> well, we we have legislation that we're trying to get proposed right now so it can be phased, right? But up until this point, you have to go through the process again in North Carolina. Surrounding states, no. um our state. Yes. Um and again, you do close on it. We we select the entire project. We have to submit it to Treasury, North Carolina Treasury. They have to approve it. Um we have to submit it to energy
073office. They have to approve it. Your third party owner will have to approve it for um monitoring verification and the calculations are correct on top with us. So there's a lot of um approval mechanisms that protect the school district that have to be approved and then that's all submitted for the final approval and that amount. Then that's when that check is issued by the bank to the school district um and then it becomes yours um to divvy out. Then we are paid, somebody asked me how we're paid. We're paid as we do construction. So we are paid just as if we're a contractor and we get our contractor fee basically. So we're a contractor just like we did on the design bill project, but we have the insurance guarantee writing on it. So question um
074today Dr. Williamson or whoever this is not this is no action needed or we just information and then moving forward and bring back to the construction committee for far as like an estimate if we want to move forward with this or whatever of how does how does it go from here is what I'm asking. Well, in my mind, one, um, what advantage if we ask for a vote to move it forward to the full board, try to get you to come back in February, share this with the full board. Um, because you want you you cannot have the numbers that fast anyway. >> Yeah. I mean, what So, this is a slow process, Mr. Brit. To answer that, this is not quick in North Carolina. So, even if you moved saying we want to go
075to the proposal process, you need to get your third party um owner's rep in place. Um I would go ahead and do that now. Um doesn't cost you anything to do that because that will come out of this project. So, you would do the caveat um an RFQ to select them um and get them on board to help you move forward. But the pro the proposal process is very long. Um, so if you decide to move forward with the proposal process and get it advertised, it would go through the energy office for advertisement. People have to walk through and look at your schools. Um, you let them look at a sample. So there's there's there's certain criteria that have to be met. But if I say if we move forward today and you said let's
076move forward and put a proposal on the street, we're still looking at before we got a contract signed, it's probably if we were going fast, eight months. Um, and that's going fast, but we've we've already invested a lot of time to show you kind of where what to expect on a project size. So, you kind of know, yes, we have a project, yes, we know we could, you know, fund this amount. Um, and and I've already floated it by our financial side that does it look like this is something that the school district could do and and it's yes, that you could do that. Um, but again, you you've got to decide what's best for you, Dr. Williamson. Um, but it's it's a slow process. And remember, you can back out and stop all the
077way to the point of after you've selected your partner >> and um and there is not a backout fee until you get into an actual engineering. >> Yes, sir. Experience is a powerful help and and it just can't replace that. and chairman Brit hopefully this afternoon if we choose due to your question if we ask can we send it to the full board as a next step um then we need to determine what are we looking at first you've heard my recommendation lights and water um that's the quick money is is the lighting but then we would ask give us a timeline and a step by step what's first second third so the fourth >> and in the book that I left you um on your on your desk. There is an actual timeline about
078how long everything takes on I think the last page >> there. There's a quick one here, but there is a more detailed one in the um color um stapled book that I left there for you where we did your actual business case. >> Um so there's an actual timeline shows you like advertising and all everything that you have to do and how long that takes. >> Okay. >> And we and we for sure will have Snder Electric. Am I >> Well, you'd have to You're going to have to do a proposal and then you select your partner. It does It's not based on >> So, we select, but Okay. >> But you can select um whomever you want. It's not based on money. It's not based on anything. Um >> one of your neighboring school
079districts, they went straight to Snyder because that's they knew that's what they wanted and they just selected that right off they went through the proposal process. But you'll decide how you want to do that. >> Well, my personal opinion, I invest in people and Snyder has been good to us. That's what I would be. Well, that's my opinion. >> Thank you. >> But we have to follow the legalities. So, >> yeah, you're gonna get your attorney involved in it. Yes. Today, trust me. >> I I do you I do go I would go ahead and get the RFQ for your third party, >> right? >> You can just go ahead and you can go ahead and just select them and since they're already your owner's rep, you can go ahead and select them, >> right?
080>> And just hold off. tell them you want the funds rolled into the performance contract so there's no money that anybody has to worry about. So I'm at the point of, you know, why not do it myself? I I think we can answer that. We just there's you have so many schools and staff is really working to try to keep everything running, right? >> That you you you can't do this >> on your own and they and they do their day-to-day job. So, so Mr. Chair, again from my standpoint and having experience and I keep coming back to you got to generate money fast. Lights would do that for you. And then the water issue we need to resolve. Um and at this point from superintendent to this committee that's my recommendation is that we
081move forward to the full board with the recommendation of our lighting in internal external because we get all our lights at that point. It's going to save money and then our water and then with the understanding that we're going to come back and pick up >> and what I would say Dr. Williamson is just name the schools and when you select that partner just as long as schools are named you can look at everything. >> Yeah. >> You're going to name locations >> all. >> And that's what I'm saying. As long as you name them, you just can't go and miss this feels we were talking earlier. We can't add later. So you just name the even if it's just if it's the oper you know we want to look at the operations building too
082and administrative any facility that you have to pay a bill on. >> You want to you want to look at them and you want to name those. If if you do a study on where you're spending your energy, maintenance, transportation, I mean it just it will blow your mind and then what of just weekly and monthly how much to operate those facilities cost you just >> and we also have an internal team too that we look for grants and funding all the time. And um Dr. Wson, you alluded to it earlier. we were able to help you secure a tax credit on another project to help get you $100,000. Um, so we also are constantly looking for rebates. So there are lighting rebates through Duke. Um, and we find those and we find exactly what
083how much those are so you can apply that back um either buy it down or help um pay back off of the loan. So we help you find all of that. So, we have an internal team that looks for rebates, grants, and all of that for you, too. Somebody make a motion. It's on the chair, on the board. >> I'll make a motion to move forward >> the full board. have a second. >> I'm not sure if you >> Dr. Williams and I guess that's where we need our attorney, but I mean I don't know if I can make the second or whatever. I don't know how the Robert's rule board works or >> Yeah, there's a process you would have to go through and we in the meeting. So, let's let's let's plan because
084um without it taking a vote or committed to anything invite back in >> I'm going I'm going to say we added his information on our February board meeting. >> Yes. Yes. >> That'll be our plan. Yes. >> I'm here all the time so this >> Yes. That's good. I know y'all got to think about it. It is a lot. >> And most of you have my phone numbers because I've talked to a lot of you. Um, you can get up with me, ask me any question anytime or shoot me an email. Um, Erica, Bobby, and Godfrey all have my number, too. If you if you don't have it with you or I've got other cards again, but anytime y'all have questions, I' I've told you anytime, please call me and I'll be glad to address
085anything that you have. I've been doing this 30 years in North Carolina. So, I'll be glad to address anything that you have. I've been through a lot with a lot of people. I think we're about at the end here. I think we're at the end. Yep. Just >> Mr. Lissa, thank you. Thank y'all as well. Y'all been great. Thank you. >> Yes. So, and I appreciate you having me here today. Again, feel free to call me and if you need a card, just let me know. I go grab one real quick. So >> February board meeting is the 10th. >> Okay. >> 10th. >> Okay. I'll be glad to be here. >> Thank you. >> Then we're going to recognize the team also at that meeting. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Any other
086questions? Anybody motion to journ hit your button? committee back when St. Paul's presented their paving request. We also before that time presented paving request for Magnolia and several pe several people have been out. They know the situation. I have received a call again reminding me of my commitment for the pavement of Magnolia. I would like for the superintendent, maybe Bobby, to address where that is on the schedule. Please. >> So, so at this time we have not moved forward with any pre paving projects for this school year. I think that was listed as a won't if we were able to get to it. But considering where we were at with ESA, we have not expanded outside of any uh capital outlay project that was not considered an emergency from where we were at last year.
087So, does that mean never get paid? What does that mean? >> No, no, that means that when we we're going to meet again uh to discuss the needs for next year and again that could be part of that discussion at that point. >> Well, we appreciate you paving Rex Rener that they and the community, but this was supposed to be somewhere in the near future, but it's died. So, I'm asking the construction committee to bring it back to life again. >> Yeah. And I Dr. Williamson, I do believe our next meeting when we meet with Mr. Simmons is going to be to discuss 27 uh capital outlay needs. >> So that's a whole year, right? >> For starting 26 27. >> Oh, okay. >> Starting in July because remember our heavy lift this year was
088to comply with the OCR audit of completing the three bleachers at the three high schools. And I think that total come up to about quarter of a threequarters of a million between the three. But but if I remember correctly, Miss Erica has some in for paving. Seems like she told us that. Did I Did I mish hear that or drink that? Miss Erica. I'm not questioning you all. I'm just trying to remember. I thought she said that. >> There's always like a small amount for paving as Mr. Bobby indicated when emergencies come up. I mean, we've had cases. I mean, I know my son at Cure Middle, you can repave those areas at Cure Middle and the holes continue to develop. So, I know we always keep an amount on hand, but we don't have
089anything on hand for paving to handle those type those bigger projects and we would bring those back for approval, but there is always a small amount in the budget to handle as things come up um and emergency needs for paving. So again, we'll meet um within the next couple of months so we can have a conversation on our capital projects and what we're going to move up. We have that list and move up. It's close to the top. >> Oh, I appreciate that. >> This is to uh I guess Dr. Williamson and Mr. Bobby. So I understand the capital projects for 26 27. Is there any possibility of capital projects that would be done between or looked at between now and July the 1st? >> Not at this point. I'll be honest. Um our priority
090now is to try to understand what the impact of the loss of federal money. That's a priority because we have personnel tied to that. But we'll take a look at that total list and see what we move where. But Erica, you and I have had several conversations. We've really got to put a hold on everything at this point. >> That's correct. And that's, you know, been the theme throughout. Um we weren't sure how the ESSER project was going to go. You know, we had until March, but luckily now that's finished. So that's been our whole conversation for this year with all of those unknown variables came up. So we've got to get back to kind of balance that out um with existing things that have come up this year that weren't anticipated and so forth.
091>> Mr. Bobby, I got a question that's probably going to be in your I know it's in your department with the OCR audit. I know the bleachers at Red Springs and that sort of thing has been handled the other small stuff because I know we got a packet of things. Are we on track with all that? Yes. Again, Mr. B. >> Yes. So, the original packet that was shared with you did seem overwhelming, but when further conversations with DPI, a lot of those modifications did not need to take place. It was simple signage and things like that. So, our guys are still working through all of that. But right now, I do know the handicap stuff has been taken care of with the other hand um heavy lift being the bleachers that are going to
092be replaced. Fairmont's first and St. Paul's followers second. >> Thanks, sir. >> Any other questions? Anybody? Not a motion to um journ. >> I make a motion. We adjourn. >> All in favor saying I. I >> journ.