Alton town warrant results

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by lagoon

I have watched with interest the posts related to the Alton High School "project". It is very clear that the amount of financial burden far exceeds what the demographics can afford especially with demand decreasing in the years to come.

It does seem as if the school board have blinders on and can ONLY consider more money as a solution, not better or innovative concepts.

Add to that the amount of funding sought seems to be stratospheric and they will not consider anything but the full ride and non bidding for the architect fees as well. Stunning lack of perception of the voters and the times we all live in.

Am I understanding it correctly that they didn’t go out for bid to do the architectual work on this renovation?
Also what were the architect fees for the conceptual design, 3D drawings, and cost estimate?
Doesn't Alton have a bidding procedure that they must follow?

[Little Bear]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Am I understanding it correctly that they didn’t go out for bid to do the architectual work on this renovation?
Also what were the architect fees for the conceptual design, 3D drawings, and cost estimate?
Doesn't Alton have a bidding procedure that they must follow?

Thanks for pointing this out, Rusty.

[Argie's Wife]

You asked if we had to go out to bid for an architect. The answer is no. The bid process can be waived - and should be in this case. This isn't my opinion - this is based on fact, expert recommendations, and rules of the trade. There's a lot of information about this on the web:

Selection of An Architect
School Construction and Operations Resource Guide
Manual for Planning and Construction of School Buildings
Qualified-Based Selection (selecting an architect)
QBS - The Brooks Act - Federal Law about hiring an Architect

There's tons of information on the web about the selection process, best practices, etc.

The QBS process WAS USED when the architect was hired - I have researched this very thoroughly because when it was first questioned I did not know for sure - it was before I was involved. All of the binders from the selection, extensive meeting minutes and other documentation is all on file at the SAU and available to the public. I can provide you with the names, dates, meeting minutes, motions, if you want - I've done my homework here.

I am sensitive and respectful to the opinions of the posters here who did not vote for the bond. However, the budget has decreased over the past few years and many cuts have been made, while many improvements have also been made. I'm proud of our schools and I'm not ashamed of our work - anyone who has any questions about what has been said in opinions in the papers is welcome to contact for information - I'll respond with facts, as always.

As I said here earlier, I don't wish to see this thread turn political - we're all here because we love the lake, and we all want the same things (e.g. good schools) but may not see eye-to-eye, and I respect that. My invite for you to be part of the solution still stands.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

You asked if we had to go out to bid for an architect. The answer is no. The bid process can be waived - and should be in this case. This isn't my opinion - this is based on fact, expert recommendations, and rules of the trade. There's a lot of information about this on the web:

Selection of An Architect
School Construction and Operations Resource Guide
Manual for Planning and Construction of School Buildings
Qualified-Based Selection (selecting an architect)
QBS - The Brooks Act - Federal Law about hiring an Architect

There's tons of information on the web about the selection process, best practices, etc.

The QBS process WAS USED when the architect was hired - I have researched this very thoroughly because when it was first questioned I did not know for sure - it was before I was involved. All of the binders from the selection, extensive meeting minutes and other documentation is all on file at the SAU and available to the public. I can provide you with the names, dates, meeting minutes, motions, if you want - I've done my homework here.

I am sensitive and respectful to the opinions of the posters here who did not vote for the bond. However, the budget has decreased over the past few years and many cuts have been made, while many improvements have also been made. I'm proud of our schools and I'm not ashamed of our work - anyone who has any questions about what has been said in opinions in the papers is welcome to contact for information - I'll respond with facts, as always.

As I said here earlier, I don't wish to see this thread turn political - we're all here because we love the lake, and we all want the same things (e.g. good schools) but may not see eye-to-eye, and I respect that. My invite for you to be part of the solution still stands.

A.W.

I can see why you were voted in and a respected member of the board. You will go a long way to help the town of Alton and I wish you well. More towns need board members like you!

Keep up the good work!

Dan

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

A.W.

I can see why you were voted in and a respected member of the board. You will go a long way to help the town of Alton and I wish you well. More towns need board members like you!

Keep up the good work!

Dan

I agree, Alton is very lucky to have someone as interested and dedicated to helping make education better for our children.