Building Commission Discusses Art at Walsh, Project Updates

The Public Building Commission (PBC) discussed art installations for the renovated Walsh Intermediate School and heard updates on Walsh and the new Community House/Senior Center at its meeting last week. 

Frank Carrano, former chair of the Board of Education, and Jeanette Mobeck of the Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) recommended to the commission that a sundial now at the Early Learning Center (the former Pine Orchard School) be relocated to an appropriate space at Walsh, once the school is completed.

Made of Stony Creek granite, the sundial was created by Branford artist Susan Farricielli; it’s approximately 5 feet tall and 5 feet across. Carrano (pictured)said the sundial, which could be used as a learning tool, must be sited appropriately to take advantage of the sun, perhaps outside the cafeteria.

Carrano, who chairs BACA, also suggested that an original work of art be commissioned for the school, such as a mural along the long hallway. He said BACA could conduct a competition and issue a call for designs. ​“It’s an opportunity for local artists,” he said, adding that every school in New Haven has pieces of original art. ​“Art should be part of children’s environment… Who could be against art?”

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove said they had explored a couple of different locations with the emphasis on where it could be easily viewed.

Jeanette Mobeck of BACA said that the artist should have a say because she or he knows how the art will work.

A stipend for the artwork would need to be determined, although Building Commission chair Peter Banca said the artist should be willing to do the project ​“for the publicity.”

Walsh Update

Scott Pellman of Collier’s International, owner’s representative, said that four items relating to building codes need to be addressed within the construction documents (Grant Form 042) submitted to the state Dec. 5. That is expected happen by the end of this week.

Pellman said that work is progressing on the existing school with remediation of the HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) system in the auxiliary gym; additional testing is planned. The project is still on schedule, he said, and meetings are planned with academic and construction teams.

Construction of the addition is expected to get underway in 2019. A summer 2021 completion is expected.

Greg Plasdil of Fusco Corp., construction manager, said that bid packages are being prepared and expected to go out the first week in January and low bid proposals should be received by March 1. He said that Fusco is coordinating with the Department of Labor to determine prevailing wages and a meeting took place with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to reach out to minority and small businesses.

Invoices totaling $364,009 were approved, as well as two older ones for an additional $16,369.

Community House/Senior Center Update

Dave Secondino, vice president of Secondino Construction, construction manager for the $12.1 million Community House/Senior Center project, said that PCB (polychlorinated biphenal) abatement has been completed in the building and storm drain work is underway; reinforcing steel drawings are being prepared. He said that pile driving work will begin next week, and then concrete will be poured.

He said that a meeting has been planned with the design and consultancy firm, Arcadis, which has been hired as clerk of the works. It is expected that they will be on site for approximately 20 hours a week, with some flexibility in the schedule. 

The commission voted to approve invoices totaling $532,438.

In other business, the commission set its meeting schedule for 2018 as required by the Freedom of Information Act; with some exceptions, meetings will take place the third Monday of the month.

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