$1.2 million Norwin pool project to more forward

Norwin is eyeing a Zelienople firm to serve as construction manager for an estimated $1.2 million project to repair and modernize the high school swimming pool.

The board is scheduled to vote on hiring The Foreman Group at its Jan. 13 meeting. The Foreman Group and two other firms were interviewed last year.

Phil Foreman, president of the architectural and engineering firm, told the board Monday his firm would oversee the construction, while Wallover Architects of Lancaster would design the pool repairs. Foreman would be paid $115,000 for the construction management services. A contractor has yet to be hired for the job.

Work on the swimming pool is expected to begin this spring after swimming season is complete and be finished in time for the fall season.

In a study conducted last year, Wallover laid out three options for the district. The board opted for the least expensive. Wallover, which will be paid 8% of the total project cost, recommended improving the filter system, installing a stainless steel gutter, removing the existing deck and laying ceramic mosaic tile, regrouting, installing LED lights and repairing and painting the ceiling.

During the construction, Foreman said his company will have a full-time employee at the pool twice a week. It will work with Wallover to get various government approvals for the project, Foreman said.

Having a construction manager at the site, rather than a school administrator, “will save us money in the long run,” said board President Brian Carlton.

Foreman said his company has worked on the last nine Norwin school construction projects.

Foreman said a Wallover representative should be at the job site once every two weeks.

The school board authorized borrowing about $9.95 million for the project by issuing bonds that were sold to investors.