BC 1999 03 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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170 Chairman Barnhart reviewed the following press release issued on March 5, 1999 by himself and Ms. Lee. County Commission Chairman, Jeff Barnhart and School Board Chairman, Chris Lee announced today that they will offer a proposal to their respective boards to employ the services of a construction management consulting firm to review the plans and specifications for the new county high school now under design. The purpose of the review will be to provide additional evaluation of design, functionality and value engineering for this important project. The consultant employed by the County Commission would work closely with school system administrators and county staff to assure that anticipated construction costs are accurate and reflective of today's construction environment. It also would add an outside perspective of various 'value- engineering' options that might aid in any final decisions. Ms. Lee and Mr. Barnhart stated that they are committed to working together in fulfilling their roles in providing for the educational needs of the community. They said that it is their belief that all of the elected officials want what is best for the children in this community, as well as, the taxpayers. They believe that the two boards will move forward together in trying to provide quality schools in a cost-effective way. The 'value- engineering' options and plan evaluation that they are requesting is just another step to ensure that they are all making the best decisions possible. Chairman Barnhart suggested the appointment of himself and Commissioner Privette to a committee with members of the School Board to decide what should be included in the "value engineering" options and plan evaluation. Further, he recommended that the Board authorize the committee to spend up'to $30,000.00 for the plan review. Chairman Barnhart reported Ms. Lee has appointed herself and School Board member Wayne Williams to serve on the committee. Commissioner Casper made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter to authorize the committee to seek and fund the cost of a design review for the new southwest high school at a cost not to exceed $30,000.00. Commissioner Fennel made a substitute motion to put a 30-day moratorium on the current architect and to ask a minimum of two firms to be interviewed by the committee to get a clear understanding of where we are in regards to the new high school. There was no second to the motion, and Commissioner Fennel withdrew the motion after discussion. There was discussion regarding the proposed committee, the direction the committee may take in addressing the issue of the new high school and efforts to ensure the County builds the best quality, building in the most cost effective manner. As a subcommittee of the Board, Chairman Barnhart pointed out that the committee meetings would be open to the public. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Casper, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter and unanimously carried, the Board authorized the committee consisting of Chairman Barnhart and Commissioner Privette along with School Board members Chris Lee and Wayne Williams to select a firm to do a value engineering review of the new southwest high school and agreed to fund the cost of a design review at a cost not to exceed $30,000.00. INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Lee stated a number of persons were present to speak regarding the school issue. She requested that the Board hear those persons at this time. UPON MOTION of Chairman Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter and unanimously carried, the Board agreed to change the order of the prior approved Agenda and to hear the Informal Public Comments at this time. MS. Marti Soltis of 3269 Woodchuck Drive, Kannapolis, addressed the issue of school overcrowding and school construction methods. She commented on the safety of children attending the schools and the need to build quality schools that will stand the test of time. She described a recent tornado drill at Odell School and questioned the safety of a steel frame building.