THS Renovations Could Conclude in March

The end of Trumbull High School's renovations may be in sight.

The revised completion date is March 2013, and the budget looks on target, Trumbull High School building officials told the Town Council recently.

Some of the remaining construction items may also be cheaper. The floors could be finished for less than $171,000, and a concession stand may yet emerge.

The punch list for the finishing touches was 39 pages double-sided, Owner's Representative Al Barbarotta has told the Town Council, but now that's been whittled down to four pages.

"We have our list. We're focusing on our list," Barbarotta said.

Barbarotta also reported good news, that the town is receiving $150,000 from United Illuminating.

The school has been under construction nearly half a dozen years, with the floors and the concession stand one of the last few items remaining.

Using a diamond-tipped grinding pad to finish the floors will cost $171,000, while stripping, polishing and sealing will cost less.

The concession stand can be refurbished but bathrooms don't need to be built, according to Barbarotta. It could be ready by next football season if approved soon.

Also, the heating system is operational but needs to be balanced. "The environment is way better than it's ever been there," Barbarotta said.

Town Councilman David Pia asked if the equipment on the roof would be screened.

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Other remaining items include motorizing the gym backboards, padding for the bleachers, window tinting for the gym windows, smartboards, white boards, tack boards and acoustical boards.

The town is also pursuing insurance claims for damage to the roof from past storms, officials said.

Town Coucilwoman Ann Marie Evangelista praised the staff and students for enduring construction for a "crazy long" time."

Leaks and Frustration

At the Town Council's January meeting, Trumbull High School Building Committee Chairman Jim Nugent said work continues on the punch list. "Every week it gets addressed," he said.

The council also expressed concern about several water leaks from pipe fittings. All the leaks were handled promptly, said Brian Holmes of O & G Construction.

He added that all the pipes were tested under double the pressure they normally would handle. "It's a huge school. There's lots of piping everywhere," Holmes said.

The two building officials said they could not promise there wouldn't be more leaks.

Councilwoman Martha Jankovic-Mark said he primary concern was seeing the job done right, to which Holmes responded that crews are dealing with issues as they arise daily.

Councilman Gregg Basbagill, a THS teacher, said everyone is frustrated about the problems at the school. Ann Marie Evangelista wanted to see the building officials express more frustration and urgency about correcting them.

"I don't like the leaks," Holmes replied, adding that he too is frustrated with daily problems.

Pia asked what security measures are being taken after the school shootings in Newtown. All workers wear specially colored hard hats with identification numbers, Holmes said.