Construction manager pact okayed by Ellsworth School Board, process previewed

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A contract with construction manager firm Kraus-Anderson was approved by the Ellsworth School Board Monday.

Superintendent Barry Cain said the school district’s attorney reviewed the contract and found it to be in order, but asked for specific referendum services to be listed. The firm provided those, plus agreed to a 2.4 percent fee for its overall services and there will be a one percent fee for bonding regarding subcontractors.

John Hunek of Kraus-Anderson discussed the role of the construction manager, to be involved in pre-referendum services. For that aspect, three phases include research and development, community review and feedback, as well as the referendum phase.

As for construction, the manager will work with engineers and designers, track the budget and make sure schematics are followed, bid out the jobs, trying to keep participation local as much as possible, and work as the constructor, Hunek said.

Hunek emphasized keeping things at projected costs. He said the plan calls for doing a walk-through of school buildings beginning next Monday. He also said his firm will team with any future architect.

Watch for more information in the print version of the Herald.

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