The Mt. Lebanon School Board on Monday declined to consider bids that would have resulted in an estimated cost of more than $660,000 for a firing range that complies with government standards, particularly with regard to clean air and ventilation.
In 2011, the board decided not to include rebuilding the range as part of a $109 million renovation of the high school. At that point, the low bid was $410,000.
The high school rifle team used the existing range for nearly eight decades, through the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. For the recently concluded season, the team competed at the Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsman’s Club in North Strabane.
To bring the home range back to Mt. Lebanon, district officials plan to pursue contributing in some manner to an upgraded municipal firing range, which is being considered as part of a major overhaul of the public works facility off Cedar Boulevard.
Michael Riemer, the school board’s municipal liaison, said he has had conversations with his counterpart, Commissioner Kristen Linfante, about the possibility.
“I equate it to a win-win-win for the community,” he said, noting that the municipal range could continue to be used for police training and public target pistol classes in addition to serving as a home for the high school range.
The master plan for the new public works facility said the school district would require locker rooms, bathroom facilities, a scoring area and a storage room. It estimates firing range renovations and additions at $819,000.
At Monday’s school board meeting, Barry Long of Parkway Drive suggested a committee of school officials, coaches, students and parents to examine the issue.
“We do have expertise that we could contribute to expedite the discussion,” said Mr. Long, who has a child on the rifle team. “We understand the situation you’re in, having to accept or reject a bid that is very high.”
Lawrence Lebowitz, board president, agreed with the concept and said that a group of some type will be formed.
“We not only welcome but need the ongoing input,” he said.
The board has said it wants to maintain a rifle team but bulked at the cost of a new range. the low bid for the project was $661,000 plus project contingencies.
The bulk of the cost is for a return-air system that, given the location of the range inside the school and new ductwork that has been installed by other contractors during the renovations, would be more expensive than originally anticipated.
Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer said that the old range could be used for storage.
First Published: February 27, 2015, 5:00 a.m.
