Farmington’s High-Stakes Financial Showdown: The August 16th Subcommittee Meeting
Farmington, CT— In a town known for its picturesque charm and tight-knit community, nothing quite says excitement like the monthly Farmington High School Building Committee’s Financial Subcommittee meeting. Held on August 16th, 2024, this online gathering was an action-packed event filled with big numbers, big decisions, and, of course, the unyielding march of progress in public school construction.
Starting promptly at 9:00 AM, the meeting was kicked off with a standard approval of the July 12, 2024, minutes—a nod to the committee’s commitment to procedural accuracy and their unwavering enthusiasm for minutes that could double as bedtime reading material. With that essential task out of the way, the subcommittee moved on to what everyone had been waiting for: the invoice approvals.
The Invoice Extravaganza
Let’s start with the heavy hitters. The committee approved a colossal $5,263,173.76 payment to O&G Industries for Application #25, which undoubtedly represents some major construction milestones. When you’re building a high school, you’ve got to pay to play, and O&G is playing at championship level.
But that wasn’t the only invoice O&G Industries had on the docket. They also submitted a $2,019.00 bill for adding an electrical outlet at the reception desk in Room 1501. Because, let’s face it, where would we be without a well-placed outlet? Then, there was the $7,084.00 for a projector screen mount in the amphitheater—an essential component for any high school seeking to project its future into the 21st century.
O&G didn’t stop there. They also handled the removal of fuel storage tanks, submitting two separate invoices: $55,413.00 for a 20,000-gallon underground tank and $24,282.00 for an above-ground and an additional underground tank. For those of you counting at home, that’s $79,695.00 to ensure that no fuel is left behind—or under.
Next, O&G charged $14,803.00 for installing mat hoist motor steel supports—because who wouldn’t want their gymnasium mats safely hoisted? They added a $2,798.12 charge for a post supporting a motorized operator control device for an extra touch of control.
A Symphony of Smaller (But Equally Important) Payments
Not all invoices were as eye-popping as O&G’s, but they were no less essential. TSKP Studio, the architectural masterminds behind this project, billed $82,465.12 for professional services through July 31, 2024. It’s the kind of bill that makes you appreciate just how much thought and design goes into making a high school look like a place of higher learning.
Then there was Independent Materials Testing Labs, Inc., which charged a modest $1,315.17. This might seem small potatoes compared to the others, but remember, without proper materials testing, that new high school might just turn into a very expensive house of cards.
Innovative Engineering Services made an appearance with a $17,223.30 invoice for their expertise, while Project Manager’s services were valued at $8,994.70—a sum that no doubt reflects the complex coordination efforts behind the scenes.
Arcadis U.S., Inc. billed $17,822.50 for their project management prowess, ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as a newly installed gym floor. Speaking of gym floors, Insalco Corporation sent in an invoice for $73,596.27, and Interscape Commercial Environments followed up with a hefty $589,320.58 for their contributions to the furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) that will make the school not just functional but stylish.
Strategic Spaces joined the FF&E party with a $122,538.63 invoice, and Robert H. Lord contributed to the high school’s furnishings with a $462,228.00 bill. After all, what’s a high school without desks, chairs, and all the other accoutrements that make learning possible?
Technology and Tech Savvy
Not to be outdone, the tech side of the project saw its own share of invoices. Vintage King Audio had multiple entries: $1,939.74, $3,271.43, $2,245.48, and $776.72 for various tech items—because, obviously, good sound doesn’t come cheap.
Meanwhile, Environmental Systems Company billed $76,677.26 and another $17,173.00 for ensuring that the school’s systems are green and clean. SHI International Corp chipped in with three invoices—$25,101.20, $96,384.00, and $7,800.00—demonstrating that when it comes to technology, you really do get what you pay for.
Atlas Technical Consultants LLC made sure everything was up to spec with a $15,936.03 invoice for their services, and Sweetwater Sound Holdings sent in a $11,299.50 bill, ensuring that the new high school will have the auditory fidelity to match its visual splendor.
William B. Meyer, Inc., not one to miss out on the fun, submitted an $18,849.50 invoice to round out the move of various equipment and materials—a crucial step in transforming construction into an operational school.
Central Office: The Unsung Hero
The central office didn’t escape attention, with TSKP Studio submitting a separate $5,600.00 invoice for their professional services, and O&G Industries asking for $22,895.00 to relocate existing ductwork. Because even the central office deserves to breathe easy.
Other Business and Beyond
Just when you thought the meeting couldn’t get any more thrilling, the subcommittee tackled a few last items. They approved a $7,088.50 culinary equipment request—because let’s be honest, you can’t have a high school without a place to teach kids how to make a decent omelet. Then, they reappointed Russ Arnold as Project Manager for another year at a cool $75,000.00. His job: keep this train rolling smoothly until August 30, 2025.
Finally, the subcommittee wrapped things up by approving a $37,350.00 proposal from William B. Meyer, Inc. for additional labor to complete the move at Farmington High School—because when it comes to moving, more hands make light work.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
This in-depth look at Farmington’s financial drama wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsor, Farmington Storage. Whether you’ve got stacks of invoices or just need a place to stash that vintage sound equipment, Farmington Storage is here for you. Visit them at 155 Scott Swamp Road, or give them a call at 860.777.4001. Farmington Storage: Because even the most thrilling paperwork needs a place to call home.
