With about six months left before the Warsaw Community High School renovation is completed, representatives of the architectural firm told the school board Monday they want to improve relations with the school corporation.

Schmidt Associates already met with WCHS administrators and ironed out concerns and problems with the project to date. Thomas G. Neff, representing the company, presented information on the change orders for the project to date and the list of concerns about the project.

"We believe we have a fantastic project," said Neff, which includes the Performing Arts Center, improved heating, ventilation and cooling and an expansion of the athletic complex.

A process for change orders is in place. "It goes through a series of steps," said Neff, ending with approval by the school board.

The original contract amount for the project was $26,844,980. The total change orders approved totals $824,627, representing a 3 percent increase and raising the contract amount to more than $27 million.

Of the total change orders, the adminstration was most concerned with $400,719 in charges.

Neff then discussed those charges with the school board.

Those change orders result from unforeseen conditions, construction changes that benefit the timing or phasing, field conditions that represent inconsistencies and code-related changes, Neff said.

Warsaw Schools Chief Financial Officer Kevin Scott then gave a financial breakdown of the project. The potential contract total for the high school project is $27,875,512.93, with $23,943,741.30 paid to date. Remaining to pay against contracts is $3,931,771.63 and estimated future payments total $981,969.54 - combined that totals $4,913,741.17. The capital projects fund available is $2,304,000, with $2,747,297.03 cash available as of Jan. 24, totaling $5,051,297.03. Unallocated funds is $137,555.86.

"If we approve everything we knew of last week, that's where we stand," said Scott.

Neff then went over the list of concerns from the high school administration and how Schmidt Associates plans to work to resolve those issues. There were 12 items on the list.

The soccer fields are smaller than requested. Schmidt Associates will provide covers for the inlets and pursue moving the electrical conduits.

The football field has problems with drainage, track issues, sod, track lighting, shot-put and discus pads. To try to resolve those issues, the plan is to aerate the sod and soil repeatedly over the next few months. Soil conditions under the field and at the perimeter will be studied. Additional drainage in front of the coach's pad will be added. Deadline for the completion of the "fix," Neff said, is June 2006. Schmidt Associates is working with the lighting manufacturer to "re-aim" the fixtures to achieve a more balanced lighting level around the track.

Poles for softball field lighting and power to scoreboards is in the wrong location. That issue is being resolved with the contractor, Neff said, at no cost. Deadline is March 1.

The performing arts center balcony and seating had to be redesigned for code compliance. Discussion is ongoing, but Schmidt Associates has some cost responsibility as a result of the recommended corrective actions.

There were five unanticipated columns in the fitness center. To correct this, the structural system was reworked to reduce the number of columns from five to two.

The paint colors were not what the staff would have preferred. The colors are being re-evaluated. Some of the projection screens were not included in the base bid because they were in alternates not accepted. That matter is being pursued.

The new HVAC system and controls are not functioning as anticipated. Neff said the solution is to continue to work on completing the system to allow for optimum operation and control. Meetings are planned with the high school staff and construction staff to understand the issues, create a plan, set finish dates and "get it done."

A light post was in the wrong place near the loading dock. Neff said they will look at the pole in more detail to find the best solution. Dan Robinson, school board member, said he didn't feel that was an issue, it didn't need to be moved.

The last issue was the security fence is higher than the school sign when approached from the south. Neff said the solution is at his company's cost. The fence along the road will be lowered.

"Those are the issues we are aware of," Neff said. He said he hopes taking a more proactive approach to the project and concerns will minimize change orders the school board will see.

"Do we have any more surprises?" asked school board member Deb Wiggins. Neff said there shouldn't be.

The size of the soccer fields was discussed and it was determined the ideal size for the largest field is 75 feet wide by 115-120 feet long.

Dr. Jennifer Brumfield, WCHS principal, said the meeting between the school administration and the construction representatives was very productive and now everyone is on the "same page."

In other business, the school board:

• Approved seven change orders totaling $96,219.26. An eighth change order will be paid by Schmidt Associates. The change orders had been tabled from the school board's Jan. 16 meeting for further review.

• Set a public work session for Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Central Instructional Materials Center Training Room for discussion of the school status and option committee report. The meeting will give time for the public to ask questions about the report and Warsaw school buildings.

• Approved exchanging a truck and two trailers for a new vehicle to haul band equipment.

Members of the Warsaw School Board are Wiggins, Robinson, Tammy Dalton, Ron Yeiter, Gene England, Chuck Sauders and Cathy Folk. [[In-content Ad]]