Ventilation, electrical upgrades would cost $13 million
July 31st, 2008“The numbers aren’t as big as I thought they’d be,” Larry Harbo, Sibley East’s Health and Safety Consultant, commented.
Harbo made the comment about a recently completed Recommissioning Study of the Gaylord and Arlington school buildings. The study, conducted by Hallberg Engineering of Mankato, was to observe and document the current condition and operation of the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, temperature control, and electrical systems serving the two school buildings.
The study was conducted in order for the district to determine its future needs and to determine possible funding sources to repair/replace equipment and systems.
Kyle Simonson of Hallberg Engineering commented that “overall both facilities are good.” ‘The systems are all in working order, but could be re-balanced to have them work better,” he said.
The Gaylord Junior High/Elementary School was originally designed and built in 1935. Additions were constructed in 1954, 1959, 1969, 1976, 1980, and 1995.
The total cost for infrastructure upgrades to meet current ventilation requirement, improve indoor air quality, upgrade the electrical service, and obtain a 30-year system to serve the facility would cost an estimated $7.077 million.
The Arlington Senior High/Elementary School was built in 1933. Additions to the building were constructed in 1955, 1973, and 1989. Four self-contained portable classrooms were added in 2005.
The total cost for infrastructure upgrades to meet current ventilation requirements, improve indoor air quality, upgrade the electrical service, and replace/upgrade electrical distribution panels, and obtain a 30-year system to serve the facility would be an estimated $6.165 million.
The report provides the district with options for one year and for more than 10 years, with cost estimates.
Gaylord building
According to the engineer’s report, most of the mechanical and electrical equipment used in the building is original, which makes it 73 to 13 years old, and beyond the anticipated life expectancy.
Although the systems were reported to be in relatively good condition, the engineer’s report states that they have reached and/or are approaching the end of their life expectancy and increased maintenance costs should be anticipated. The systems also do not have the capability to meet current ventilation requirements.
Although the heating plant capacities are not required to be increased as a result of ventilation upgrades, the heating plant is nearing the end of its life expectancy, increased maintenance will be needed, and it is recommended for replacement.
The domestic hot water heating equipment is failing and should be replaced, the engineering report stated.
A central cooling plant/chiller does not exist. It is estimated that a cooling system would cost from $642,000 - $1.1 million.
Arlington building
Except for the 1933 portion of the building, the original mechanical equipment and systems are currently in-use and operating. The mechanical equipment ranges from 53 years old to 10 years old.
Although the systems are operating, the engineering report states that they, too, are approaching the end of their life expectancy. Increased maintenance costs should be anticipated. Ventilation systems do not have the ability to meet current ventilation requirements, according to the report.
The school’s heating plant is nearing the end of its life expectancy, and it is recommended for replacement.
Domestic hot water heating equipment is failing and should be replaced, according to the report.
The Arlington School is not served by a fire protection system. It would cost an estimated $520,000 to install a fire protection system throughout the school, according to the engineer’s report.
A central cooling plant does not exist. It is estimated that the installation of a cooling system throughout the building would cost $595,000 - $1.2 million.
