Southern Columbia to advertise for better price

Published: February 17, 2010

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By justin strawser

CATAWISSA RR - Although Quandel Group Inc. was unable to attend Monday night's meeting due to the weather, the type of services it was offering was the main topic of discussion among members of the Southern Columbia Area School Board.

"I'd like to see us advertise for clerk of the works," said Vice President Charlie Porter. "I don't see what we have to lose."

The downside, he said, is the district would have to pay for the advertisement in the paper. The upside would be that the district could possibly save $100,000 or more on services.

The board was expected to vote last night to approve Quandel, of Harrisburg, for construction consulting services relating to pre-construction, construction and close-out phases of the proposed multi-million dollar building project, at a cost of $260,500.

It is a price, said Porter, that is far too high.

The board was hoping to question Quandel and Allentown-based Architectural Studios at the meeting in order to understand exactly what they were paying for, but neither company could attend. The item was taken off the agenda to be addressed at a later date

President Mike Yeager said last week that the district wanted an entity that will check over the architect's work, and then report to the board. The position would involve something between a clerk of the works and a construction manager.

Director Dave Stellfox had no problem with advertising for a better price, but explained a construction management team would be better. A clerk of the works would only be one person with maybe two areas of expertise. A construction management team would be multiple people with all areas of expertise.

"I don't see anything wrong with getting a valid price, but I think you'll be surprised at what that price is," said Stellfox.

Other board members pointed out that $300,000 had been budgeted for the position.

"Just because we budgeted $300,000 doesn't mean we have to spend $300,000," said Director Eric Stahley.

Business Manager Dan Rodgers will place the advertisement, screen the interested parties, bring them in for a tour of the schools and get final numbers. He will also ask Quandel if it would be able to only provide value engineering.

"More information is always good," said Director Jennifer Oiler-Shoup.

In other business, the board approved:

- An agreement with Seitz Brothers for integrated pest management services in the amount of $2,600 per year.

- The appointment of Rhoads and Sinon LLP for bond counsel services in connection with the authorization, sale and issuance of general obligation bonds relating to the proposed building project at a fee of $17,500.

- The resignation of Dana Carrol-Lucas from the position of 21st century grant project director effective Feb. 8, 2010. She had been in the position since Jan. 20, 2009.

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