Engineer provides Perropolis council with renovation updates for Frazier
PERRYOPOLIS — Site and design plans for an estimated $20 million renovation project in the Frazier School District have been submitted to the borough’s engineer to adhere with state requirements.
Council this week reviewed the status of the project provided by representatives from Gateway Engineers of Butler, along with its engineer, K2 Engineering Inc. of Uniontown also on hand.
“I think it’s good for the community,” said councilman Tom Kmetz. “It will make the property [value] go up in this area.”
The project includes the construction of a new middle/elementary school building on the site of Perry Elementary School, which will be demolished.
Andy Berdar of K2 Engineering said the firm reviewed the plans and found minor revisions are needed with land development.
Berdar added the state requires that the firm review the plans, because it represents the borough under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Once the revisions are made, Berdar said the firm would then review and make recommendations to the project’s building plans, which still need to be submitted.
According to Berdar, K2 Engineering will also issue a building permit and conduct inspections as part of the construction process.
The project is expected go to out for bid in June with construction to begin this summer.
Frazier School directors committed to a $20 million bond issue in June to fund construction for a new prekindergarten to eighth-grade building.
Last month, the board voted 5-3 to an estimated $7 million increase for the project’s design development and cost schedule projected by Massaro Construction Management Services of Pittsburgh.
Board president Tom Shetterly supported the measure along with members Dave Simmons, vice president, Deborah Vargo-Alekson, Stacey Erdely and Brian Secrest.
Voting against the increase were board members John Sterdis, John Strickler and Vicki Olexa, with Lisa Strickler absent.
The majority of property owners who attended the meeting voiced support for the additional spending.