RUTLAND TOWN BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING

Special Meeting

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Present:  Chair Stacy Chapman, board members Jim Levins, Jim Wright, and Marc Brierre,  Architect John Berryhill, Superintendent Wendy Savery,  Principal Pati Beaumont, Quinn Company representatives, Russell Corporation representatives, and ten residents

Open:  Stacy Chapman opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Jim Levins announced he would not be voting as there were conflicts regarding business interests.

Presentations:

Quinn Co.  

     Handout presented "Roof Replacement - Reconsideration Hearing"

     Mr. Shappy believed there were “misunderstandings”, especially regarding the desire for local providers in the bid specifications.  He claimed this was only casually mentioned in the Pre-Informational meeting.  He spoke his understanding that the board should have gone with the lowest bidder.  He also spoke at length about Alpine Roofing and the fact they have utilized them before with good results.

Russell Corporation

    Mr. Russell attended the Pre-Informational meeting and the desire for local providers was made very clear (though not a mandatory requirement).  They felt they understood the project completely and did hire locally, including Doran Roofing due to their 40+ year history in this region.  This was also an important consideration when it came to warrantees over time.  Even materials will be sourced locally.  A list of all employees and vendors to be used for the project was provided. 

Public Questions & Comments

     The board was asked to consider the fact that the town just went through a re-appraisal and a couple of people asked for clarification as to why the lowest bid wasn’t accepted.

Executive Session

     Jim Wright made a motion to go into executive session, with administration and Mr. Berryhill present, at 6:20 p.m.  Marc Brierre seconded and it passed unanimously.  The board came out of executive session at 6:55 p.m. with the following action taken:

     Marc Brierre made a motion to reaffirm that the roofing contract would be awarded to Russell Corporation.  Jim Wright seconded.  Jim Levins abstained.  The motion passed. 

     They decided to stay with the original decision to award the bid to the Russell Corporation for the following reasons:

1.      The VT statute allows them to go with one of the three lowest bids due to the fact the project was under $500,000.

2.      They have stated their preference for local providers from the beginning, and have expressed that sentiment at numerous board and informational meetings.

3.      A warranty is stronger with a long-term local business.  If something goes wrong down the road, it’s much more likely the problem will be covered with a local roofer.  This makes it a long-term, credible and reputable investment.

Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Wendy Savery