Schools
D'Huy Engineering Retained by School District
Chief Operating Officer Michael Simonetta said a review of competing bids reveals D'Huy is the best choice.
In limbo , the matter of appointing a district engineer was finally settled Thursday evening when the Easton Area School Board voted to retain D'Huy Engineering of Bethlehem.
The firm has served the district since 2002, but after members of the public questioned a possible conflict of interest, the board put out an RFP (request for proposal) to get competing quotes for engineering services.
The board voted 7-0 in favor of the move, with board vice president Tim Reilly and member Pat Vulcano absent.
Find out what's happening in Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At its June meeting the board split 4-3 in favor, but the appointment required a clear board majority of five votes. , pending a review by .
D'Huy was clearly the best choice for the district's needs, he said.
Find out what's happening in Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Most of [the others] had a significant up-front cost,” Simonetta said. “The hourly rates...were lower too.”
He added D'Huy included architect and design fees in its proposal, something other firms did not, which added to the value the company offers to the district.
“Others did not include them, and we have no idea what [the added costs] might be,” he added.
In addition, D'Huy's experience with the district's facilities and response to problems are valuable assets, Simonetta said, noting that the firm recently cleared up problems with a contractor doing roof work over the summer at the high school. D'Huy has ensured the contractor will correct the mistake at no cost to the district, and will work around the school's schedule so as to not disrupt the beginning of the school year. The contractor will work after the school day is over and on weekends to complete any work that is unfinished as of
Aug. 29, he added.
“D'Huy is very responsive, and you can't put a price on that,” he said. “I can't stress enough the comfort level of having a company that is familiar with the facilities.”
Before the vote, board president Kerry Myers noted D'Huy has been the recommendation since June, saying “There were three finalists and four board members who interviewed them.”
The engineering contract for the district runs for three years.
Newly appointed temporary board member Frank Castrovinci said he felt the company is the right choice as well.
“D'Huy is extremely competitive,” Castrovinci said. “My view, I think this is the right decision at this time.”
