Staff selected C. B. Goldsmith And Associates, Inc. from the approved Continuing Services Consultants list to investigate water intrusion issues at Hill Middle School. The investigation has revealed widespread corrosion of the wall ties connecting the brick exterior to the structure at the school that opened in 1986. The corrosion has progressed to the extent that portions of the brick exterior might fall if impacted by pressure such as that developed by high winds or nearby lightning strikes. The investigation has revealed other conditions that require immediate correction to avoid further damage to the structure. Goldsmith recommends complete removal and replacement of the brick exterior of the school. Due to the extent of the recommended repairs, staff requested a peer review of Goldsmith's findings and recommendations by Long & Associates Architects/Engineers, Inc. Long concurs with both the potential for falling brick and the recommended repairs.

Students attending summer school at Hill have been relocated to Gaither High School for the remainder of the summer. Additionally, measures have been implemented to insure the safety of the limited staff at the school during the summer. Staff has tasked Goldsmith and Walbridge-Aldinger Company pursuant to their continuing service agreements with the District to design and implement measures to insure the safety of teachers and students during the upcoming school year.

Florida Statutes allow school boards to dispense with normal competitive selection requirements when immediate action to address the threat of potential hazards or loss is needed. Due to the urgent nature of the required repairs, staff recommends that the Board bypass the normal professional services selection process and immediately appoint Goldsmith and Walbridge to provide design and construction management services for the building envelope renovation. The scope of work will include replacement of the exterior windows, in addition to the brick replacement and other repairs. Goldsmith is recommended based on their particular expertise in building envelope construction. Walbridge  is familiar with the site based on their completion of a recent heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) renovation and roof replacement at the site, and has demonstrated their ability to manage similar challenging work.