Barton Community College Reviews Roof Repair Bids Ahead of Vote

Barton Community College is set to review bids for necessary roof repairs during an upcoming business meeting on October 28, 2023. This decision follows a recent presentation by Mark Dean, the Vice President of Administration, who outlined the urgent need for repairs across multiple buildings on campus.

During a board study session on October 14, 2023, Dean highlighted that inspections revealed several roofs require both repairs and a recoat with Gaco S42 coating. The affected areas include:

– T-Building Upper Room: 15,750 sq. ft.
– T-Building Lower Roof Area & Pods: 11,500 sq. ft.
– T-Building Lower Roof Entry Way: 1,600 sq. ft.
– T-Building South Roof: 16,025 sq. ft.
– Fine Arts Chapel Roof: 1,625 sq. ft.
– Fine Arts Classroom Roof: 4,265 sq. ft.
– Student Union: 15,000 sq. ft.
– Dorms Phase 1 & 2 (eight buildings): 20,800 sq. ft.

Additionally, repairs will include the flashing areas of the Fine Arts Building, which will require new urethane foam and coating. All roofs had been recoated in April 2016 due to prior storm damage.

The total cost for this capital outlay project is estimated at $365,997. Funding will be sourced from two auxiliary funds, along with the General Fund. Dean noted that Washington Roofing, a local contractor, is the only provider for the necessary Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) coating, which explains the absence of competitive bids.

Dale Maneth, a trustee at the college, raised concerns about the need for additional bids, stating that board policy typically requires quotes from three vendors. Dean clarified that such a requirement can be waived if the contractor is deemed a “sole source,” meaning they are the only reasonable option available for the required service. In this case, a sole-source document would be prepared for review by auditors.

Trustee Gary Burke emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the board to expedite the decision-making process. Dean indicated that if the board approves the recommendation, work could commence shortly and be completed by spring, contingent upon suitable weather conditions, specifically temperatures reaching at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the spray coating application.

In a bid to ensure fairness, Dean expressed willingness to reach out to other potential contractors across Kansas to solicit additional bids. However, Chairman Mike Johnson warned that this could delay the project timeline by up to 30 days and may not yield any new bids.

The upcoming meeting on October 28 will provide the board with the opportunity to make a formal decision regarding the roof repairs, a critical maintenance issue for Barton Community College.