Public invited to weigh in on McGee School air issues

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Public invited to weigh in on McGee School air issues

Sunday, January 3, 2010 9:54 PM EST

By SCOTT WHIPPLE

Staff writer

http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2010/01/03/news/doc4b415729c8065195427850.txt

BERLIN — Town Manager McNair said Thursday an informational meeting regarding the McGee Middle School indoor air quality issues and related ventilation renovations will be held on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.

"At that time, questions will be answered regarding the project," McNair said.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting.

In December the Town Council voted to authorize McNair to retain the services of Murtha Cullina, LLP, to prepare bond authorization documents for the indoor air quality project at McGee School. In 2009, the Berlin Board of Education working with the town commissioned an indoor quality study of the school.

During a Dec. 16 council meeting, Roman Czuchta, director of business operations for the Berlin Public Schools, Art Simonian, director of public works for the town and Pajor, superintendent of public buildings, reported that the condition of McGee was worse than most people thought. The problem was simply not mold, but permanent moisture causing headaches and rashes in students and staff. Though new units will be energy efficient, site work, courtyard improvements, tile replacement and sealing could cost the town close to $7 million. However, council members are optimistic that costs can be controlled through low bids and energy efficient rebates from utilities.

"This is not a wish list or pie in the sky," Pajor said. "It’s what’s necessary to make McGee School operational."

"The problem is worse than we assumed; we’ll have to go out to bid," said Mayor Adam Salina.

Councilor Dacey said the town would need to borrow the money for improvements in phases.

Also under discussion Jan. 12 will be a new HVAC system and serious moisture problems resulting from poor drainage at the building.

At the Dec. 16 meeting, McGee Principal Benigni talked about constant air quality problems. He said students and staff were concerned about safety. Though classrooms were wiped down with bleach some teachers were unable to work in certain classrooms. Czuchta said students and staff were complaining about headaches and eye irritation.

Simonian said although there are no contaminants the negative air pressure in the building compounds the moisture problems.

In his position paper of August 28, 2009, Board of Education President Brochu wrote that a study by Fuss and O’Neill on the indoor air quality of McGee found ventilators to be the most problematic units in the school. The ability of these ventilators to control indoor air quality was "questionable."

Though potential project costs are steep, Simonian said in the long run the most cost-effective solution would be a four-pipe system that allows classroom temperatures to be individually controlled.Renovations are expected to start this summer Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook.