ATWATER -- The Merced Union High School District board has tentatively agreed to hire Greg Opinski Construction for a $12 million building project that will enlarge Livingston High School.
The five-member board of trustees voted unanimously to allow the district's staff to begin contract negotiations with Opinski for the project.
The company, based in Merced, pledged to use 69 percent local laborers or materials to complete the project.
"I think the most important thing is our promise to the voters," said board member Dave Honey before the vote. "We promised we would use as many local workers as possible."
Opinski was one of three contractors interviewed by the entire board Wednesday night.
His company had the second-lowest price estimate in a bidding process this summer, coming in $380,140.93 more expensive than Sacramento-based general contractor Roebbelen.
Roebbelen, however, committed to just 51.3 percent local business participation on the project.
Opinski's bid is still more than $5 million less than the district budgeted for the project before the recession when building costs were much higher.
Greg Opinski said the job will help him get local workers back on job sites.
Two years ago, his company had a 60-man payroll. That has shrunk to eight or 10 now.
"It's really hit us hard. I am just so grateful to be awarded the job," he said in the parking lot outside of the meeting.
The enlargement will include a 12-classroom building, 1,400-seat gym, new quad, additional parking and a required fire road.
The plans were approved by the Division of the State Architect last year.
The district is still working on plans for the redevelopment of Peach Avenue to allow students to safely cross the road for planned sports fields that will be built on the south side of that street, which borders the current campus.
Plans for the sports fields, bathrooms, concession stand, and Peach Avenue will not be approved by the Division of the State Architect until after April 2010, district facilities manager Michael Belluomini said.
Construction on the initial phase of the project could start in November and is expected to wrap up within 12 months.
The board is expected to approve a finalized contract for the project at an upcoming meeting. The board is scheduled to meet Oct. 14.
Reporter Danielle E. Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.
E-Mail
Print
