Masuk Roof Costs More Than a Drop In the Bucket

Steady rain on Tuesday likely soaked older sections of the Masuk High School roof that have already reached the saturation point.

During a Town Council meeting on Monday night, Supt. of Schools James Agostine told the council if a roof replacement project were to be put out to bid, the work would be delayed for at least another two years. Councilman Sean O'Rourke asked him if the roof could last that long.

"It's an active leaking roof right now," Agostine replied. "We have buckets in hallways and classrooms."

A rough estimate of replacing the older roof sections by the 2014-15 school year is $2,668,354. Agostine said it is an early estimate and costs are still being worked out with The Garland Company, the consultant hired by the school district.

Agostine said cranes would have to be used to remove old materials in sections that are 100 percent saturated, adding he hopes the work can get underway by this summer.

Due to the deteriorating condition of the roof, Jack Zamary, director of technology/operations for Monroe Public Schools, said less costly re-roofing and restoration of the older sections are not options.

Agostine said the district looked into State reimbursement and found Monroe could be eligible to receive funds in the high 20's to low 30's percentage-wise. But due to State requirements, like testing for PCBs, Agostine, Board of Finance Chairman Michael Manjos and Steve Botelho, roof asset manager of The Garland Company, said the additional costs to the project would not make the reimbursement worthwhile.

After the meeting, Debra Dutches, a member of the Board of Finance, said reimbursement could be up to 32 percent, while State requirements increase costs by around 40 percent.

Shopping Around

Town Council Vice Chairman Frank Lieto said, "It concerns me a little that all of our eggs are in Garland's basket. You do good work. We just want options to look at. Some options to make a decision we think is best for the town."

Councilman Tony Unger agreed.

Agostine said, "We can get the groundwork done, then you could go out to bid. But I can assure you, you will not see this project done for two years ... You’re talking a two year minimum. I'm perplexed as to which way to move here."

Lieto said he does not want to micromanage the project, and just wants the Council to be educated on what options are being considered.

Zamary said the school district will encourage competitive pricing and quality work. "We hear you loud and clear," he said. "You want pricing around the calculations."

Agostine added, "And we'll have that for you."