Let’s Be Sure TMS Roof is Really Repaired

Following is an edited version of the statement Linda Hall had prepared for the Torrington Board of Education meeting on August 14. She was interrupted and not allowed to complete her presentation that evening.

Over the summer, we have continued to work with the school district to ensure a healthier building for all the students and staff at Torrington Middle School. We were able to work out the recommendations for the indoor cleanup; some of the recommendations have been initiated and the rest are planned for the near future. The ventilation has been increased so that more fresh air is entering the building. The carpet cleaning has been completed by a professional company. We will also be spending $15,000 to replace many stained and damaged ceiling tiles. All of these modifications will make a significant difference in the indoor air quality at TMS.

However, we need to control the source of the leaks, and the roof "repairs" remain a major concern. I have made some inquiries about MMS Northeast Company, which has been subcontracted by Borghesi to carry out the roof repairs. I have called the Better Business Bureau and the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Connecticut. I checked with the Dept. of Revenue Services (for a tax ID #) and occupational licensing, and they have no record of MMS Northeast. I searched the Yellow and White pages online and called other licensed installers in Massachusetts and Connecticut—they have no record of MMS Northeast. I researched many associations (roofing, metal building network, steel builders/ erectors)—all have no record of MMS Northeast Company. Who are they?

Let's remember how we got into this situation. Borghesi took the contract on the original roof and subcontracted it out to Weather Tight Roofing—and remember that although part of our problem with the roof is a design issue, another part is "workmanship or installation." So I would hope we are concerned about having a reputable, qualified company perform the current repairs.

We have come full circle since 1993 when the roof was first constructed. Borghesi, the same company that subcontracted the roof out to Weather Tight, is now subcontracting out the repairs nine years later. Shouldn't we find out a little about MMS Northeast? Do they have a license to install metal roofing products? Are they insured? Did they apply for a building permit verifying a license and insurance? Why couldn’t I find any type of record about them in either Massachusetts or Connecticut? Remember what happened to Weather Tight once the roof started leaking! (They no longer are in business.)

We need to hold these companies responsible. What if the repairs are only a temporary fix and with weathering and aging, with the contracting and expanding of metal, the roof begins to leak six months or a year from now? I guess we all have our fingers crossed, but if these repairs will really work, why didn't they take place years ago?

I'm sure Borghesi would love to be involved in the construction of the Torringford School project. Giving them this business without making sure the TMS roof is watertight or fixed for good would be absurd. Furthermore, please remember that we had a 20-year warranty for weather-tightness on the roof, and they say we have used seven years of the warranty even though the roof has never been weather-tight! Why? Shouldn't the 20 years start when the roof no longer leaks? We need to learn from our mistakes, not keep repeating them!

I would like to end on a positive note and publicly thank our school superintendent, Dr. Riccio, for always being available to us. He has returned many phone calls, responded to countless e-mails, kept us up-to-date on his schedule, and he has been available for many meetings, even some on short notice. He has always been respectful, never ever diminishing our concerns, and Dr. Riccio always expressed a genuine interest in the health of our children. I would also like to thank Hugh Murphy for pinch-hitting for Dr. Riccio when he was not available. He also returned calls and e-mails, and met with me on short notice.

I look forward to working with Dr. Lambour and Mr. Hudson as a parent representative on the TMS Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Committee. I have already ordered and digested the Tools for Schools kit from the EPA and I am looking forward to the training on October 3.