Clarkston Community Schools will pay $34,450 to remove asbestos from portions of the Community Education/Renaissance High School building before planned renovations are done.
The school board Monday voted to pay $24,450 to the low bidder, Dependent Environmental Services, and up to $10,000 for Michigan Environmental Auditors, the firm which developed specifications for the asbestos removal.
“It’s our responsibility to remove it,” separate from the building renovation contract, according to Bruce Beamer, executive director for business and financial services.
Building and Grounds Director Wes Goodman, who is serving as the district’s “owner representative” for bond construction projects, said the potentially “friable” asbestos is located primarily in the upper level of the 1929 addition to the building, in the glue that secures some floor tile, in some pipe insulation and even in some old blackboards.
None of the areas in question are being used at present, except for one “office” near the gym currently being used for storage.
“Mostly they’re in closets,” Goodman said. “Most of the old part of the building they’re not using.”
While asbestos has been a concern, the law says it can remain in buildings if not disturbed. The district has aggressive plans to renovate the historic building for more efficient use, however, thus requiring the asbestos removal.
“As long as it’s not disturbed, asbestos is fine,” Goodman said, and air testing will be conducted before that section of the building is reopened. “We’ll definitely have that resolved before we let anybody else without protective clothing back in.”
Beamer said the work is scheduled over the Christmas break, so no “stoppage” is anticipated for classes and other programs in the building.
Officials also said there is a $5,000 per day penalty if the firm fails to meet its deadline to complete the asbestos removal.
On the other hand, officials said the cost to the bond fund could be less if the work proceeds faster than anticipated.
In other bond construction, Goodman said most of the followup details for this past summer and fall’s roofing projects have been settled, with negotiations continuing concerning costs related to problems with the roof project at North Sashabaw Elementary School.
The next big step in the overall building process will come at the Jan. 12, 2004 board meeting, at which will be presented more detailed schematic designs for the various building renovations.