GALWAY — Galway Central School District is proposing a $3.1 million dollar Capital Improvement Project for urgent repairs.
On March 29, the Galway CSD Board of Education passed a resolution to put forth a Capital Improvement Project for voter consideration. The NYS Education Department requires districts to complete a Building Condition Survey (BCS) every five years, and this Capital Project is addressing problems that arose in the most recent. CSArch, the district’s architects, categorized all recommendations in the BCS as an immediate need and called for them to be addressed in the first year of the project.
The project includes the following to be done at the bus garage:
Replacing underground gas and diesel tanks with above ground storage tanks. Replacing the fuel dispensing system with a modern system that will help with fuel use and efficiency. Replacing underground fuel oil heating tanks with above ground storage tanks. Remediating soil as necessary. Replacing two vehicle lifts. Repairing concrete floors in service bays and providing epoxy floor in service bays and parts room. Reconstructing pavement with heavy duty asphalt at various locations. And, replacing the oil/water separator that is too small and not functioning well.
Galway CSD emphasizes that these improvements will assist their mechanics, Scott Hollbrook and Denis Ryder, in their efforts to keep the district’s fleet, drivers, and students safe. And, that getting students to school safely takes commitment and effort from many professionals. At the foundation of it all is having a fleet of safe buses and a safe facility in which to work on them. Galway CSD is rated as a Preferred Carrier by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT).
The project will also:
Replace an underground fuel tank in front of the Junior/Senior High School that was installed in 1988. Replace the pavilion at the track that collapsed in the winter of 2020, shifting its location to add two separate restrooms, a sink and storage for future concessions, and with a custodial closet. Replace the storage shed near the track with a larger building that can accommodate storage for athletic equipment.
To maximize State Aid, the proposed 2021 Capital Project will contain minor renovations to the following areas that were not touched in the 2016 Capital Project including: restrooms near the auditorium, restrooms near offices, and flooring near the entrance to the auditorium and gymnasium.
The full cost of the proposed capital improvement project will be $3.1 million. The district will utilize $100,000 from the Capital Reserve, which results in $3 million bonded over 15 years. For aidable expenses, New York State Building Aid will reimburse 78.7% of the proposed Capital Improvement Project. After subtracting retiring debt and funds from the Capital Reserve, along with NYS Building Aid, the net local share will be approximately $65,000/year.
If the proposed Capital Improvement Project is approved, design and construction documents will be finalized in the Fall of 2021. Approval by the NYS Education Department will be in Winter 2021-22. The bidding process will take place in Winter 2022, and construction will begin in Spring/Summer 2022.
Residents of the Galway Central School District will have a chance to learn more about the proposed Capital Improvement Project during the following information sessions:
Galway faculty and staff: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Virtual, link will be posted on www.galwaycsd.org.
Residents of Galway CSD: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:15 p.m. Virtual, link will be posted on www.galwaycsd.org.
Annual Budget Hearing: Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. In-Person, HS Library
Residents will vote on the proposed Capital Improvement Project during the regular school budget vote on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.
