Barton Community College Expands Roof Repair Bid Search

A recent review of roof repair needs at Barton Community College has led to discussions about expanding the search for contractor bids. During a board study session on October 14, 2023, Vice President of Administration Mark Dean detailed the necessary repairs to various roofs on campus. Although no formal decisions were made at the meeting, the board plans to address Dean’s recommendations at the upcoming business meeting on October 28, 2023.

Dean reported that a thorough inspection of the campus roofs identified several areas requiring repairs and recoating with Gaco S42 coating. The roofs needing attention include:

– T-Bldg. Upper room area: 15,750 sq. ft.
– T-Bldg. Lower roof area and pods: 11,500 sq. ft.
– T-Bldg. Lower roof entryway: 1,600 sq. ft.
– T-Bldg. 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.
– Repair and foam all Fine Arts Building flashing areas, including new urethane foam and coating.

All of these roofs had previously been recoated in April 2016 due to storm damage. The overall project is budgeted at $365,997 and will be funded through two auxiliary funds and the General Fund.

Dean explained that Washington Roofing, a local contractor, is the sole provider for the required Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) coating, which is why the college has not received additional bids. He indicated that if the board approves the project, work could commence immediately and be completed by spring, provided temperatures remain above 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the application process.

Trustee Dale Maneth expressed concern about the board’s policy requiring quotes from three vendors. Dean clarified that this requirement can be bypassed if a vendor is designated as a “sole source.” In such cases, a document must be submitted for auditing purposes. Trustee Gary Burke emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “We need to move forward and get this done.”

To address the board’s concerns, Dean offered to reach out to other potential contractors in Kansas to gauge interest in bidding. However, Chairman Mike Johnson warned that this could delay the process by up to 30 days and might not yield additional bids. Dean noted that he would inform the vendors of the need for a timely response within the next two weeks.

As the college moves forward with its roof repair project, the focus remains on balancing the need for competitive bids with the urgency of the repairs, ensuring that the campus facilities remain safe and functional for students and staff.