All right, guys. Call this meeting to order. Uh, pursuant to Governor Healey's uh, approved legislation H62, a bill extending authorization for all local boards, commissions, and committees to hold public meetings remotely or in hybrid format extended timeline amended
section 38 of chapter 20 of the acts of 2021. most recently amended by section 40 of chapter 2 of the acts of 2023 and replacing the current expiration date of March 31st 2025 with June 30 2027. Therefore by there therefore this
meeting being conducted via remote participation in order to ensure public access to deliberation. So we'll call this meeting to order. If you join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you. And with that, as we as I usually do, turn this over to uh >> turn over to me
>> Mr. Hartnett, who's uh as as we all know has been the point man on 99.9% of what's been going on with the school building committee. >> So we have um Chris Thrasher, Jeff Wade, and Sean from um CHA
virtually. Um first one is a an amendment to the CHA contract. We've been in discussions with CHA for just probably about three or four months now. They had some previous billing that they've submitted to the town that they were looking for reimbursement for or
payment for. Um we've negotiated, Tony, myself, Fran's been involved as well um to see if we can reach some type of agreement on this old building and um at least we agreed or we're proposing to the committee that um we pay them a
total of $36,637. Um this goes down to the hourly rate. We use the hourly rates from the original contract which goes back almost eight years now. It was originally up over $100,000. We brought it down to about 36,000.
>> Yeah, Jim, they were asking for originally >> 111 >> 111,000. So >> like you know and and Jim spent a lot of time going through all the invoices and billing and everything and
uh you know again in negotiations with the CHA we were able to bring that down to 36,000 >> and in fairness to CHA this project has gone on longer than most. Um so you know I think overall I think the agreement is reasonable. I think they were fairly reasonable and I think um yeah I would
recommend approval of the amendment. We also need CHA to get us through this closeout process. We need somebody familiar with that's been familiar with the project that knows the closeout project. MSBA is still holding quite a bit of money back on us and um you know it's not going to be easy for us to
bring somebody else in. So I would recommend approving that. There's also um there's some timelines as to when they get paid. 10,000 would be paid execution of the amendment. 15,000 when all documents are submitted to the MSBA to give them some incentive to do that.
and the final 11,637 would be paid to uh CHA once the MSBA releases the final payment to the town. So, it gives them some incentive as well to get this moving along and getting this project closed [snorts] out. >> And they've committed to to having Shawn
uh here. He's going to he's going to, you know, he'll he'll stick here with the project to uh to finish this out. So, >> and Sean's been pretty good. We've worked with him over the last couple of months. He's familiar with the project. Um he's been moving things along. Um, it also as part of that, we also put in there an additional not to exceed amount
of $12,500 for extra services if needed. Um, this contract includes any work related to the close out, but if there's additional work where they have to come down, we have some roof work, some gutter work that we're going to do. So, if there's some additional work, that would cover that. That's we're not to
exceed 12,500. So, with that, I'd recommend approval of the CHA U amendment number four. Any questions, comments from anyone? >> I'd like to move approval. Um, I think you guys did a great job getting that reduced down. I think it's very fair and
thank you for the time that you put in. >> Agree. I think it's fair to everybody. I second that and go along with >> No, I think like Jim said, I think we I think we >> I mean, we were button heads there for a little while, but I think we've come to uh consensus on, you know, consensus on moving forward and
>> we I think we got a good commitment from CHA. So, we should >> looks good. >> It should be the end of it. So, all right, with that, is there uh we got a motion? Is there a second? >> Yep. >> All in favor? I. >> All right. So, that's approved >> and I'll sign the original.
>> Okay. All right, with that punch list, >> punch list review project update. >> The uh the punch list, we're down to a few items now. Um besides the roof and the gutters and the um work underneath the windows, the majority of it has been
completed. There's still a few outstanding issues that Maggustini is aware of and they've agreed to work on. Sean, I don't know if you have any updates on that punch list. I don't have a copy of the punch list in front of me, but if there's any >> I'm not working off the last punch list
you included in the documentations, you know, per this meeting. >> Okay. >> Which I believe is accurate of the current state of the punch list. I have no further updates to that punch list at this time. >> We've been working with Kim and Paul to kind of close out some of the outstanding ones. Um, you know, we had a
speaker in the maintenance office that finally got resolved. Um he's off. I just don't remember the list. I don't have it in front of me. >> So um I mean it comes up a little bit further down, but the filtration room ladder um I called for an update yesterday and um unfortunately that
company has had a a revolving door of people. So the owner is coming down on Monday to review it. But um we have picked out the ladder. We have picked we had the price. So that will all be the same. It's just [snorts]
the uh prod of it has been slowed down a little bit. Um the automated controls they we did get the programming tool that we were missing um from uh Zenergy to Air Masters. They were going to try to come for the week between Christmas
and New Year's, but they had some more um pressing uh schools that had like no heat and other more emergency type of things. So um I did put in an email again to them yesterday to find out when they were coming. We definely some issues. We have a lot of controls that
are not working. We have a lot of um uh you know units that are not responding well to the system. So, they're going to be coming in, you know, to do that as well. Um and I think that was the only uh two things that we really had left.
Um we did send in a a email regarding the leak that is in classroom 502. Melissa's classroom. Um it's an active leak. We did have um Gail Associates come out and run the water test on the
23rd and they did find out where the leak was coming from. >> Oh, they did find it. >> Yes, they did. And um I had contacted Brian Neely from Gail to see about the report. It's a very expensive repair and they were going to try to see if it could be worked into the other repair.
But our concern is the fact that classroom and it's an active leak and we can't really have that during >> where is where is it where the roof boots up butts up against the uh the second floor exterior wall. >> Yes, >> they do have on this um agenda it has
the concrete block replacement on the windows. I believe that's is uh what they're talking about the added on um price that they were given when they after they did that water test. So >> So Sean, do you have a copy of that? I got an email yesterday or this morning from Gail with their report. Did you get
that? >> No, I did. We didn't. >> Sorry. I'll forward that. >> I didn't see that. Yeah. [snorts] >> I do not have a copy of that either. >> I'll forward that to Sean, Kim, Chris, and uh Tony. Um Sean, if you could just make note of
that when Agustinini comes down, if we approve that further on the the on the agenda when they do the roof work in the um the block work under the windows, if they could include that as well. It sounded like >> I would, you know, after this I would recommend, you know, we just have
another meeting just to kind of strategize on our path moving forward and where I can fit into that. Um because there's a lot of loose ends that we just need to tie up and this is one of them. >> Okay. [snorts] So Kim, that lake is is that's running
down the wall or it's >> Yeah, it's at like it's at the corner and it's coming from the top and they basically said that they would have to remove blocks and and really Yeah, that's that's what he was saying. It was kind of a big scope that he had recommended and he said he was going to give give a price to you guys, but I
don't know coming yet. >> So I'll forward that to Augustine as well. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So they have that. >> Okay. All right. Uh Tony, before we get off, >> um so um Karen [clears throat] Rouse is
messaging me. She says she's a member of the committee, but so she was on a minute ago under attendees instead of participants. Uh she dropped I think she's trying to sign back in, but I don't know if she Karen, are you there again?
>> Yeah. So she's back. Karen Rouse. >> Okay. All right. Karen, can you hear us? >> She's raised her hand. attendees at this webinar. She has to be promoted to >> Yeah. So, she's not a panelist. I don't >> have to let her in.
>> At the top. Right at the top. >> I think the first >> That's her. >> There we go. Karen, can you hear us now? >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Good. >> Hey, thank you. >> All right. Great. Thanks, Karen. >> Thanks.
I had another question. Sorry. I I don't know if um Paul and Kim if you are doing this uh with the control folks, but um is who's in charge of kind of co coordinating the lights going off at night and trying to solve that problem. >> That's we're trying to solve that
problem. >> Okay, that would be a good one for our community because it it's still kind of embarrassing to see as many we ought to be able to after a year know that the lights are going to be off at night, you know, if we're not using the building, especially in the weekend, you know. Yeah, if we don't some of them if we don't override them.
>> But somebody at the end of the night could just shut them off manually if they had to. >> The controls don't work. >> Yeah, >> those controls don't. Well, then we need to have because it's been a year. >> Oh, it's been longer than >> Yeah. And we're paying electric bill, too. So, it's just from a community standpoint, it's something that
>> we're still not able to get those controllers. This is part of um now Air Masters has the programming tool because we could get them but they have to be programmed to work with our system. We didn't have that tool. So now that we do so they have to come in and do a walk through
and assess like almost every room to make sure we have several bathrooms that stay on all night. We have some hallways that go off at 2 o'clock and then custodians can't see at night. So then I have to override them to I try to just override them for eight hours for their shift. But um I mean And like I'm not
>> It's the same thing with the gym. Like they the lights just can't won't shut off without shutting off the breaker basically. So we have a system that we're going to we put in there where we're bypassing the wraps that are there and >> and I understand it's a complicated situation and and Paul, you're new to it. But it's it's something that we
really need to >> Okay. Once we once we get that program, >> then we'll be able to do that all on our own. >> Right. The only lights that should be on what they call the watchman lights that stay on, you know, um security. I would be a little bit more aggressive than that. If if you left tonight and there
were lights on and it was because of a control, the next morning I'd tell them the controls that were off and have a document that you've told them that because, you know, it just it's not a good look at all for the school system to have lights on 24/7. >> Yeah.
>> You know, and there's no need for it, >> especially after a year. >> Yeah. I know some of the reports that they've already done that they're going to suggest, we're talking two years. >> Yeah. They're going to suggest replacing all the reed the first 24 months for the second 24 months. Come on. >> Okay.
Anything else? Anyone? All right. Um request uh request to uh construction contingency funding for the following Gail Associate report and recommendations. So, you know, as we've been talking about modifications to the roof and down
spouts, concrete block replacement below some of the windows, all of the windows, some >> some of the windows. Yes. >> And then foam insulation uh at the roof line. And is that contract here? >> So, that >> I think diverters on the roof edges are
in too, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Down spouts. Yep. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So they're looking at the main thing is there's a cricket right over here at the front of the building which kind of sheds water and it's shedding it all into one direction and it's it's
overloading the gutter system. So they're going to modify the cricut to shed the water where it's supposed to go. Um they're going to replace the down spouts. Um they're going to divert some of the water that's going to different areas by putting in I don't know what they're baffles. Jeff may know the
answer >> or the wording, but just to redirect some of the water that's on the roof to make sure it's shedding to where it's supposed to. The roof is fairly flat in areas and when the wind comes, it's pushing it to directions where it's not supposed to be going. So, this will directed to the gutters and hopefully
avoid or eliminate staining that we're seeing in some of the bricks on the outside of the building. Um, in addition below the windows where the windows are very close to the bottom, uh, there's a >> flashing >> flashing underneath there and and the
bricks the water's just not getting out the way it's supposed to. So, they're going to remove the bricks under the window, re replace the flashing, put the bricks back, and that's on just the majority of the windows um, except the front of the building. Total cost of that is 539,000.
$86 $8684 3986 and884 >> there's a contingency right now still contract is contingency of $683,000 $689,000 so this work would be done under the contract's contingency funding uh we do not need a change audit to do it but we
do need a vote of the committee to approve or authorize the work um this is something we've been working on probably for three years now uh trying to resolve these issues Um, we've had discussions with the architect. Uh, we had mediation with the architect. Um, you know, we've
had discussions with the contractor. You know, I think at this point we just need to move forward and get the work done. >> And we've all, uh, I'm sure most of you have seen the videos of the water off the front of the building just shooting straight over the, you know, right off the roof, completely missing the gutters. And that's that cricket over
the the entrance of the building. just the way that roof was designed, it was just diverting too much water to two points and so what they could part so part of this is basically kind of rebuild that area. Uh and that area
includes those skylights in the front entrance in the foyer there. >> So it is some work, but that's that's one of the one of the problems uh that we were having. >> I think there's a great job on this. At one point we thought it was going to be over a million dollars. So >> yeah, it's like half that. So,
>> but it is a design floor >> and the architect should take some responsibility for this. >> It doesn't sound like he is. I appreciate what you've done. I'm I'm not criticizing. It's the best we can do and we got to move on. >> This I think publicly we we should be on record as saying we're disappointed in
the architect and the design. It's cost us money that he should be responsible for. >> No doubt. >> Any step forward? >> Go ahead, Jeeoff. Uh yeah, I just want to clarify that uh um the million dollars was for uh everything that we've talked about on this roof, but it was
also for the gutters, too. So that that has come out of it. Um the gutters are staying and it's believed that with the redirection of the water and the um size of the down spouts being enlarged, it
will it will handle uh the water. That's what it is believed to be. But but Jeff, you've been here since day one, too. And you recognize there was some discussion on design and some of these items going back over two years. >> Yeah. Design and construction. Absolutely. >> Right. So, that's the point I'm trying
to make and I think our committee and our town should go on reckoning on that. We're not happy with that at all. >> No. Tony, uh there's no doubt and you know, [clears throat] we we've been we've been fighting that battle for >> you guys have been excellent. There's no criticism on anybody around this table. No, it just it just come to a point
where the cost of continuing that battle versus us getting it done, you know, now and just putting this behind us. Uh >> I think I think I think >> I think the school building assistance program, the superintendent needs to be aware of it and a town administrator needs to be aware of it going forward
because this is an architect that's still building schools and still designing schools at the expense of the taxpayers of the state. too. >> So, I move approval of the um proposal or whatever. Who is this contract with? >> Augustini. >> The Agustinistini um proposal for the
roof and wall repairs as presented. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> I just have a question. Um that's not going to cover the leak that we just talked about. >> It is. >> It is. Or it isn't. >> The 539. I don't think that they even
seen that yet. That >> Yeah. No, that's not that's not on this. I think we need to push the contractor because this is a leak. They should be fixing it anyway. I'm assuming they'll fix it when they do the other work. >> Yeah, I think right now, no, >> that hasn't been approved for any addition. >> Those leaks should be warranted.
>> I I just I thought it was part of the same problem that we're having in other areas. That's why I thought >> I didn't like I said, I didn't see >> it should be a warrantied item on the roof. >> Yeah. And and that's in addition to your question, it's not in here, but it should be a warranty that we shouldn't
have to pay for. >> So the only thing that's warrantied is the membrane itself of the roof. So it's it's again behind that. So that's why they're saying that they're going to have to take this what he was explaining to me. The scope of work is like >> Oh, where are they where where are they saying this water's getting into getting? >> So right on right on the corner of the
building in the in the front side where the auditorium is. Um right where that wall meets. They started when they did their water test. They kept working their way back and it gets from all the way over there and then it travels all the way to the middle of the classroom which is probably 25 ft away, 30 feet away and um it comes through it comes
through a um where a pipe went through was drilled through the um roof so they know it's like underneath all the the roof and membrane and everything. >> Well, usually Paul roofs have a warranty the the roof bonds so to speak. And when we first accepted this building and they
cut the ribbon, we were having a problem with the roof >> and we went on record as trying to get correct that with a proper situation. So the warranty should be I mean the fact that they've had two years and they still haven't finished it. That's not our problem. We shouldn't get 50 cents on the dollar because they took them two
years to try to figure this out. >> They have a responsibility and that's what the warranties for. There should have been money held back for roof. I mean there in any major construction in a public building you're doing a roof. You're not just letting a contractor walk away and before you know you're in there for a year.
>> I think you're right. I think at this point we we let them know that this is a warranty item and they need to fix it. They're going to have the roofers here and the uh masons here anyway. So it should be >> a good time for them to fix it and um I think through Sean we will chime in on
that. I mean roof leaks are roof leaks, correct? I mean they should be covered under the the contract warranty. >> Absolutely. There's a warranty and there's a roof warranty that goes with that, you know, and the contractor is responsible for >> Y, >> you know, those leaks within the first
year definitely. Um, you know, and then there's the overall product warranty that goes with it. You the manufacturers's warranty. So, [clears throat] I mean, the contractor can be held to those standards and if a repair is required because of a leak, you know, they're accountable for that.
>> Okay. And Bob's known about that, right? We've we've we've been talking with Bob. >> Yeah, Bob's aware of that. >> I I think the one thing that you have to remember on it though is yes, you have a you have a warranty for one year, >> right? >> Um that's through the contractor. After
that, it's through the roofing um manufacturer >> and >> and uh um you got to be careful because this happened earlier to us is that um they claim that holes and things are made by others and and that they won't
warranty, but they will warranty if if uh it's a um the design and the um uh and and the actual initial construction was wrong. They they have to warranty that. that's under the warranty. >> And >> so you got to be a little careful on these. >> And most of what we're talking about
that goes back over two years was the initial design that I talked about earlier. So we're talking about a half a million dollars plus here. There's no way the town should be responsible for that or we should be taking out any local funds. >> Well, this $500,000 that we're talking about, I don't believe is the roof
itself. It's it's other things. It's gutters and diverters and things like that. So spouts [clears throat] and stuff. That's not the roofing company. That's not the roofing manufacturer. >> I was >> just beware. Just be aware, >> Jeff. I was talking about what the superintendent mentioned a few minutes
ago was 500 plus, I think, wasn't it? 500,000. >> 539. >> 539. Jeff >> Paul, the uh the the pipe through the roof. Was it just uh not sealed? >> That's just a conduit. No, it doesn't. It didn't have anything to do with that. That's just where the water's finding its way out
>> under the membrane. Exactly. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, obviously we'll follow up with that leak, obviously. >> All right. So, uh, with that, is there a All in favor of approving the, uh, and it's not aini
>> Augustini change over >> work authorization. >> Work authorization to repair modifications to the roof and downspouts, concrete block replacement, and some foam insulation work. All in favor? >> I I opposed.
>> All right. So, that passes. Right. So, next on the agenda, just an update on uh some previously approved projects. The auditorium sound panels. Uh so, sound panels were installed around Thanksgiving time. Um they have
made a drastic uh improvement within the auditorium. Um, this is a way for me to explain what it what the differential would be. So, let's pretend that you would have six echoes in that room because you're hitting hard surfaces no matter where the sound is traveling.
They would have reduced it by half roughly. Um, and in addition to that, just yesterday, the finishing of the audio system in the same building paired with those sound dampening panels. It's a night and day scenario. It is. I I
don't know if the superintendent's gotten the chance to, but >> we had it uh both extremely loud and extremely quiet. Microphones only, music only, this side only, that side only, subwoofers only. We did every type of test and it proved more than we had
anticipated in terms of quality. So, in in my estimation now, when you have a performance there, you're not going to have the music drown out the performers when they're speaking or singing, nor will they overpower the music playing in the background and and so on.
>> Good. All right. That's good to hear. So, so you mentioned the auditorium PA speakers, you saying so that just got done. Uh audio upgrades, the filtration room ladder, Kim, you mentioned that earlier. >> You'll be here Monday. and the automated controls. You al we also talked about
that earlier, >> Tony. >> So, the other project was the public address speakers. So, the speakers in every room that most weren't um there um they did the front half of the building. There's some work to be done and obviously you shouldn't do that until
the whole complete kit is installed. But what some are experiencing is you're having a system where there's a slight echo that speaker which is original paired compared to one that was just recently installed. There's a a delay in the signal. So you hear it here and then maybe a third of a second you'll hear it
over here. So it sounds like an echo. Some programming to be done, but the front of this building is done. And over February vacation, they'll do the back half of the system or of the building for a complete system. and then they'll tone it out and basically make everything uh I would say whole. There
are some also some volume issues. Um these are very loud speakers depending on where you are and uh specifically >> programming Tony I mean you should be >> in this case it yes it in this case it would be a manual program you'd have to dial down the volume. If you're in a meeting and all of a sudden there's an
announcement um you're not hearing anything but that announcement no matter how loud you yell. In some ways that's a good thing if there's like an evacuation notice but at most of the time that's through a different system. So uh there was some mention of having some volume controls in certain rooms. Uh
specifically one could argue easily um all of the special education rooms for those students who are sensory um have sensory issues. Uh we definitely should be looking at that. So that's something that um I just want to make the the group aware of. But generally speaking, it's my anticipation is it's going to
work as promised. >> Good. And Kim, the uh gym lights, is that that been squared away? >> So, yes. So, the lights have been received. Go ahead. >> Um yeah, we have them all like pre-wired ready to go. So, we're uh me and uh the electrician George are going to come in
um on uh Martin Luther King Jr. Day and um and complete most of the lights there then and then try to get in whenever we can to finish that process off. And well, the company's going to come right after we're finished install. >> We have the stuff here. We have the
>> Yep. Yep. He already installed. >> We We installed seven of them so far. >> So far Monday, >> they'll do what they can. And when they're finished, then we'll have um there will be a a sensor or something on the wall that does not go through the
BMS system. So, anybody who has an iPhone or whatever, they can do it on map and or they can do it on that um that mechanism and then we can dim the lights, shut the lights off, do put the lights on. Um I don't know if this do
they have the >> strobing capability? No, we didn't get that. So, we we'll be able to we'll be able to do that. >> And then the the crack in the floor on that one room, Kim, you've we've that's settled. >> That's settled. We we have to fix that ourselves. We have to [cough] purchase um
>> Okay. [snorts] >> some type of a cau for that before. >> Anything else? Anybody Fran? >> No, we we meeting you know like bi-weekly now. But no, they they've done a a tremendous job of working on that
punch list. So, um Kim and Paul, thank you. >> Kim, I know I mean it really hasn't been that cold this year. We I mean we had a little cold spell there, but I don't know if it was cold enough. How how how have the uh any of the heaving of the sidewalks or curbings? >> So, I don't think we've had any trouble.
We haven't had any problems with plowing or anything the the couple of storms that we've we've done. Um we haven't really had any problems. I think the worst place right now in for this building and it's nothing to do with, you know, construction or anything is the back where the gym is. Doesn't get
any sun and it has [snorts] a different It's not the concrete like the rest of the building. It's a car, right? the asphalt on the sidewalk so that doesn't melt as quickly as >> Yeah. And it never gets any sun in the winter time. >> It doesn't get sun. But other than that,
I mean, we've been >> And the uh the uh the um the gauges, the controls in the uh in the tank, the water tank, those have been installed. That's all working. >> Yes. So, the alarms are working with the
ultrasonic um floats. We have the manual floats, the, you know, the tangible ones installed. They're ready to go. George, our electrician, hooked it up. Um, so we're just waiting when air masters comes, they come, they will integrate it to the system. So that that those will
also be like the second alarm, but we do have the audible alarm now that's working in the shop. >> So we can hear that, too. >> All right. Good. All right. >> We were a little stagnant for a while, but the school's made a lot of progress over the last month or two. Some of these Sounds like it. >> Well done. >> Good.
>> Yeah. >> All right. Anything else anyone on that? >> Uh All right. So, uh now we we have a a request for uh to approve a field maintenance. It says tractor. It's really not a tractor. It's a piece of equipment.
>> Um >> so anyway, I'll let Paul I'll let you guys uh explain it. >> Yeah. So, one piece of equipment would be um the air raator and um that would be an attachment that goes on um units that we already have in house. Um and then the other one would be um a
spreader that will like a four yard spreader so we can add um material to the field, add sand to the field for like better drainage on on the top surface of the field because underneath doesn't have probably the best draining. But I I think after like a a year or two
of doing the um the top the top sand two times a two times a year, we'll uh get better drainage for that field where people aren't uh slipping and doesn't look unsightly. So, >> and Kim, you had you had given us uh just kind of a uh a sheet of what you guys basically were paying for to have
this all this work done from an outsider. So before um the fall season, we we paid close to $50,000 to um our fields were in tough shape. We had um a breakdown with the irrigation system. We
had um um lack of maintenance um over the previous year. So, um what we needed to do was we needed to get the fields airrated and um top >> dressed slice seated um
>> and um we had this student stay off the field for the first uh portion of the season and the grass really did come back. We had, you know, the irrigation system. Paul took like meticulous care of the lawn. He was out there cutting it, you know, exactly when everybody was
telling us to. So, everything took, you know, went great. So, um, that's why Paul's confident with this new machine, we'd be able to handle this in house. Plus, we have the addition of the maintenance person that does the grass at the former high school. Then, he will
be assisting, you know, with Paul with getting the fields done. If not, um, every year, we'd have to pay just about 75 to almost $80,000 each year to have this done twice a year. >> Paul, that's better. You could spread
lime, fertilizers, sand. >> Yeah. >> So, the only thing we wouldn't do is the fertilizer, but um yeah, we can do we could spread anything >> and then you get the air raator. So, you'll be able to And it's a a plug airator. >> Yeah, it it is. Yep. There's But there's a couple different attachments for it, but um you can do deep uh tiny air
rating or just top surface. Um, and it's also good for the infield uh for the infield of the baseball to to break that clay up a little bit because that's like a vibrating uh um set thing on it that that it does that on the infield. as you as maybe you guys don't recall, but that first year when we had an issue and we
actually brought a turf I would I would call him a turf expert >> and we were out there and uh >> you know he had this tool or plunger whatever he called it and uh he basically could only push that like three inches into the ground >> because it was so compact and and
>> you know what he told us at the time was like I see this all the time these they have just general contractors site guys build fields And you know, they level the ground, they compact the be Jesus out of it, and then they throw a couple inches of turf on it, and it's really
not, you know, it's really not the proper way to do it. And we had them initially come in and try to deep tine it. >> Yep. >> But but you know, and we had other people come in, uh, New England Turf, uh, the name of the company there, uh, they would tell us, "Yeah, you guys need
to do this like three times a year or whatever to to loosen up this, uh, this these fields." So, so yeah, the only thing I'll say about the equipment we have, you know, we'll go go ahead and buy this equipment. We just need to use it. Make sure to use it trained and you know, if we use it, that's great. If if
we buy it and it sits in the garage, then just >> it really is our only option because otherwise the timing of it is so critical. And if we don't do it in house, we need to train people to make sure they stay on top and take some pride in doing it. Otherwise, you every fall, you know, you're probably going to
have a problem and or you're going to have a problem at some point in the year where you're going to not have people on those fields. >> You make a great point just to have it in house. We can do it at the times where where it's allowable for us because um >> you call somebody to come in, you're at the mercy, you know, if you're not on their schedule, you know, and that was
part of the, you know, we were lucky and the gentleman said it. I mean, I was constantly calling him like every second to get here to do our field. So we finally >> gave in and said, "I got to go see this lady >> and picked up 50,000 doing it." So
>> we can do it ourselves. >> I have I have a question. >> So the equipment is an air raator basically. Is that what it does? >> Yeah, the attachment is an air raator and then a spreader would be a towbehind spreader that goes on the fivepoint hitch. >> Yep. >> Okay. So um I'm a little confused on
this um estimate that I saw um from North Turf Incorporated. And the services that cost well the services here say um you know varsity and uh baseball and softball field renovation. Remeasure alignments of
field edge and remove all vegetation. Rebuild mound and specification. Touch up home plate area. Add new infield mix as needed to achieve proper grade grades. uh laser grade playing surface
uh to asssure the um shedding of water and overall safety and playability. Apply um uh turf face infield conditioner, final grooming and rolling blah blah blah. So they really don't get into any of the seating and that was
$33,000. >> So that's just for the infield, the baseball infield and softball. >> No, that's right. Yep. >> And and then the native infield mix was an additional $10,000. So that that $50,000 48,600 or something [clears throat]
>> I I don't know if that's the same thing you're talking about with um getting this uh airator and and the spreader. >> Yeah. So that's >> that is even in this cost. And so are we going to every year get this cost because they're the ones that go and and
regrade the infield and the mound and the edging between the uh infield and the outfield. That's where the $33,000 came in. So, I just want to make sure we're all clear. I'm not, >> but uh make sure it's all clear in uh
>> um what what we're going to be paying every year. Um and and it sounds like that equipment though I I think we need it. Um really has nothing to do with us or little to do with this $33,000 and additional $10,000.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, the $50,000 were were was to complete the grass and the outfield for um it was fall sport, so we had soccer and field hockey. So, that was just for the outfield. The $50 >> What was that number? I'm sorry. >> The $50,000 or close to $50,000 that we paid that you
>> Where's that? Where's that invoice? Was that here anyway? >> That was done in the in the August this past year. So, that's already we've already done that. What this quote is for is if we don't get the machine, we would have to hire them to do it just
for spring sports coming up for this $50,000. >> I just don't see that $50,000 anywhere because I'm looking at these two estimates or not estimates, they were there 25 and another one for 10325. There's
>> another page. Next page. >> Yeah. Okay. I mean, deep aation is only $7,000. Slice and seize 6,000. Right. Um, >> load and top dressing. There's nine. So, there's there's a total of uh $22,000 right there.
>> $75,000 comes up. >> Jeeoff, these are quotes. If we had someone do the work, >> I I know. I know. I know. I guess I guess what I'm saying is that the work that this machine does is not all of the $75,000.
>> I hear what you're saying. Yes. >> Yeah. you're still going to have to buy additional material, but you the aeration uh it's, you know, you do it once a season or twice a season. We're probably going to have to do it at least twice a season based on the number of kids that are out there. You're going to probably see that he's got twice a year.
You're going to have to probably do some seating almost on an annual basis. You got the top dressing that's going to I mean, you got to maintain the fields. So there's gonna be >> So it sounds like to me for for these guys to do it, it's probably $25,000 a year doing the top um the slice seating
and the top um uh uh soils on it. It's $25,000 a year, which still means that in two years or so, we pay off the equipment. So >> yes, >> but I just want to make sure everybody knows it's not the full $75,000. Yeah, maybe you didn't get the rest of
the pages, but they passed them out tonight. There's I don't know, there's six or seven pages. It's really detailed >> and we have >> All right, we got All right, we got a couple of questions. We got Shauna, go ahead and then Karen's next. >> I'm like in favor of this in concept, but um I don't have a good sense of
where we are with the budget that's available and where this funding is coming from and what that'll leave us with. I don't have the exact budget numbers with me tonight, but with the estimate coming in, we had originally planned for over just over a million dollars for the roof repairs. Now we're under $600,000.
So, there is funding available for this. >> So, in the um in the sheet that you have for the um this one, this was the one for the roofing. It says that the current balance of the contingency is 689 and we
just approved 539. So, but so that would suggest to me that we have 150,000 left in the CM contingency, but we might have other buckets of money that I don't I don't I don't understand how much money we have to know whether this $75,000 is something we can even afford.
>> The 539 is coming out of the contractor's contingency, which is essentially money that we've already agreed to spend up front. >> Beyond that, we have >> Yeah. But what's the remaining balance of the contingency? the rest of the money that we have or
>> I don't have the exact it's it's up it's up there I believe >> is it in excess I mean is it far like like are we close to the hundred is okay so we think we have million dollars or more >> yes >> in contingency still remaining and so this is just a $75,000 bucket
>> I believe we have at least that but >> the order of we're talking about >> so we just the MSBA just approved the project funding agreement increase of $942,000 so that's in Yeah, that was not contracted under any of our existing contracts. Okay.
>> So, so that is available. >> Okay. So, we have >> and it's still part of the original. >> I would like though in the next meeting that we have to understand where we are with the budget because you're we're being asked to spend money without knowing how much money we have. >> We don't even have to wait till the next
meeting. We we should get that out to the building committee now and certainly to the selectman going forward and the superintendent. They're going to need that uh as they're dealing with budgets going forward. I think it's close to a million dollars. I think it's 900 and change, but I'm doing them on back of
envelopes. So, >> is that on top of the 600,000 contingency that the contractor has? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> That's what I thought. >> Again, if somebody could take the lead on that, uh Tony, and send it out to members and to the appropriate other
place. Finance committee probably should have that, too. I think Karen's on here. you need to go ahead. >> Hi, thanks. Um, so, um, thanks Shauna. You asked some of the questions that I was going to ask. Um, so just a just a
question of what I'm not clear about and I only came on to this committee well after you guys have spent years of all your hard work and what you do. Um, I'm curious to know how how buying a tractor
at this point is something that is part of the building committee's purview. It it seems like a tractor may be something to use for ongoing maintenance and isn't necessarily something that would be part
of the construction of the building. So, I'm just not clear how it meets the criteria to be part of this. Um, and then if we're purchasing it under this this it's going to be paid for over 30
years, which does not seem to be reasonable to me to purchase a tractor and pay for it over 30 years. So, I'm just trying to understand how this qualifies in in in this capacity. >> All right. Good question, Karen. So, just to be clear, we're not uh the
school's not looking to buy a tractor. So, we we've we have the tractors. It's two pieces of equipment. >> Yes. >> And the total of those pieces of equipment is uh >> 6100. >> So it's $40,000 for the >> 61,600
>> 616. >> Yeah. >> So it's 616 for the two pieces of equipment. So it's it's the hopper slash >> spreader. >> Spreader. >> Yep. >> And then the air raator. Yes. >> Two two pieces of equipment that attach to current tractors that we have.
So these uh these are field maintenance equipment that should have been part of any equipment package to a new school to take care of fields that just wasn't. >> Can you talk though about the her because her underlying request here is it's not part of the building. So how do
we how do we cover that or what are some of the other types of things that we've covered like that? >> Well, let me take a crack at that. U I saw this this morning Karen for the first time and I think it's an error that on the agenda they put down a tractor and it caused a lot of confusion. >> So I got on the phone and I started
asking these folks what what are you talking about and we got the detail uh tonight uh on that what they're talking about like we did inside this building. There's stuff with a school building committee that we are responsible for in a new building. Uh computer related
stuff, controls, all kinds of stuff. And if we were buying a tractor, I would be voting against it, but we're not buying a tractor. And that's that's a mistake on our agenda. What we're doing is we're getting the necessary services as we've done inside the building so we can
maintain outside. Uh we made some decisions for better or worse in terms of the number of fields, those kinds of things. But there is a responsibility to maintain those going forward. We're not buying the fertilizer for the fields on there. We are buying uh air raators.
We're we're buying uh cedars that cut on the side. Over all maintenance that the same way we do inside the building when we do cafeteria stuff and we get equipment for the cafeteria. We do stuff for sports and in the gymnasium and the auditoriums and so forth. So, you're
right on from the finance committee. They should be questioning it. U but you know, we kind of failed on on addressing it on the agenda. We shouldn't have been saying attractive because it was >> point Tony and and just to just to bring everybody back when when when the
committee had to cut $12 million off the budget five, six, seven, eight years ago, whenever that was, you know, what kind of things get cut off those budgets. It's, you know, the last thing at the bottom of the list is equipment for the fields and it's that that type of stuff. So, I mean, this stuff should
have been part of any new school maintaining the fields. this equipment should have been part of any equipment list. >> We also didn't get on those playing sports fields until the fall of 2023 because of the um >> the issues we have issues that we have with the fields.
>> So basically with the previous um maintenance wasn't previously done on these fields to this extent because we hadn't used the fields. So now we know exactly what needs to be done and that's why this equipment is important. It originally started where we came up to try uh put a
get a maintenance program put together by turf company and that's when we started looking to other options when we seen the when we seen 75,000 for the outfield 48,000 for the infield. It's two different two separate pricing. >> Yeah. And >> these two pieces of equipment again will will save the district tons of money
over the years >> uh on on just not having to hire out a lot of this work that we'll be able to do in house. I mean >> but I think we still haven't really addressed the the question though. So the the building project included fixtures, furnish fixtures, furnishings
and equipment. So um part of the and somebody else can speak more intelligently than I am, but it's kind of that but for the field we wouldn't have needed this piece of equipment. So the the project built something that needs to be maintained. If the project
hadn't built it, we wouldn't need this. So I think that's kind of the rationale of why it's included in the project. Well, just take the auditorium. We we've got scoreboards, we've got uh clocks, we've got other stuff because we built the auditorium. We have a gymnasium. Uh take if we have an assembly where
there's things that you bring in. That's part of what we're planning going forward. Now, we should have done a better job when we dealt with the outside. We did if you look at the earlier meetings because we there were a number of members that felt we didn't have enough fields to start with and we shouldn't go forward with that kind of
plan. The horses left the bond. We got it now. We're trying to maintain it. It makes sense if we we shouldn't be buying equipment through the school building committee if it doesn't relate to the school building committee. This relates to us. I'm very comfortable with I wasn't 24 hours ago, but I'm very
comfortable with it now. >> Karen, if I may, if if we instead of having a turf field, we had artificial turf field. Artificial turf field. Um the maintenance of that is is a vacuum
um system that that brings up the little pellets and then sticks them back in the ground and keeps everything all level. Which if if that was if we had gone with a turf synthetic turf field, we would have been buying that piece of equipment to maintain it because that's
specialized to that. And I guess what's being said here is the same thing is that is that to have a a real turf field, real grass, you need certain equipment to to keep it up and that [clears throat] should be part of the project as in a as
in an artificial turf with a vacuum system. >> And and and just to add, >> thanks everyone. I appreciate all your comments. Thank you. >> Thanks for your question, uh Karen. And just to add to that, you know, we could all think back years in in all these meetings when we've had to make all
these different cuts and decisions, and our hope was always to have something left at the end of all this to be able to fill in some of these holes again. And I, you know, this is I I just think this falls into that category. I'm I'm fine with it. >> Can we have one question? Um, can this
equipment be rented? We looked into that at all? Um, I didn't look into I haven't looked into renting it, but um, it it would take licenses, certain licenses to rent it from companies and everything that might I'm not 100% sure on that, but
>> I'm sure some of it could, but I'm sure United Rentals, whatever. >> Well, we rented it like three times a year. >> I was going to move approval of the request to purchase the turf equipment. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All right. Okay. So, what we're approving here is uh two pieces of
equipment. The uh spreader hopper doohickey and the um >> airator >> at uh 40 >> 61 616 >> 616 $61,600. >> All in favor?
>> I I >> Okay. All right. And when how soon will we have that? >> Oh my He was saying that if I Yeah. if I let him know like two months ago he would have would have been available, but we'll see.
>> Uh Jim, what do we got here? Got some uh >> Those are CO Those are carbon CO, right? Not oxygen. >> Yes, CO detectors. They're for the rooftop units. So, >> you have on that
>> came to our attention when we just had our inspection over the uh Christmas holiday. um they have uh come to their end of their life for their certification. So they're currently working but they need to be replaced for
the code and what happened was the they were on the shelf someplace too long. So we didn't get the 10 years. So now we have to replace them. >> Which one is that? >> K. It's from
>> 3400. It's It's not I don't think he has a note there. It's just on the agenda with that offer. >> It's not in our packet or on the agenda. >> Sean, is that is that common? So, we had these uh CO detectors in the units up on the roof that I think had a 10-year
warranty, but they were on the shelf before they were installed. So, we only got five or six years out of them. Is that typical or >> I would I never heard of it. I wouldn't think so. >> No way.
>> You if you have a 10-year warranty on an installed unit, it's by the install date. >> It's the install. >> The 10 year warranty should start. Usually, they note that on the purchase of that unit or the install is written on the back of the unit. >> But I think the problem that they're stating is that the date on the actual
device. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is what they go by. >> No, they they might try to go by it, but that legally they can't go by it. It automatically sends a signal saying that it's that it's end of life at 10 years. >> Were they provided were these things
provided by this project or did you have them before this project started? >> No, they were provided by this project. >> So, >> I mean, the school's only been here for >> Yeah. So, >> it sounds like that's something that >> warranty the warranty doesn't start on on any anything until substantial
completion. So once that substantial completion has been set, which it has been, that's when the clock starts ticking. >> So if it's 10 years, it's 10 years from that day, and we're nowhere near 10 years yet. >> Kim, who's telling us this? Who's this? >> This is our inspection company. So they
they they can't it's not working. We're having a trouble on our alarm system. So >> these do hit these sensors, >> yes, >> aren't working. >> Correct. Well, they're technically they're working, but they're not they're not certified to be working. >> So, the the inspection company is
saying, "Well, these things are out of spec." Basically, >> they're in a trouble state. Yeah. >> All right. So, they should not be out of spec. So, whoever installed those unit uh items or whatever they are, >> need to reertify them, change them out or do something because there's no way they could be out of >> spec. It's not that old.
>> And when we asked about repurchasing purchasing them so we'd have some on the shelf, if anything happened, he's like, "No." Then the same thing would happen. and it would sit on your shelf for four or five years and then you would go to install and then you would only have five years left on it. >> Yeah. Again, it just seems kind of weird. >> What kind of cost are we talking about for this? So,
>> I think it's 5,000 for there's 11 >> 11 or 12 uh detectors that have to be replaced. >> And what contractor would be? >> So, would we currently have FEI? >> No. Who would have installed stuff? NSC was the original company I
think that put them in, but um we couldn't use them as our inspection company because they don't do sprinkler systems. So this company FEI was recommended through the fire department um Mach Brisk. We contacted
them. They do both fire alarms and sprinkler systems. So that's why we went through this company. But I mean I don't think that they >> Sean, it sounds like the you know the left hand doesn't know what the right hand's doing. Is this something you could maybe look into and help us out?
>> Who you asking? Sean. >> Sean, I'm sorry. >> I mean, this technically is warranty items and that's not technically CHA's responsibility. However, I can, you know, get with Kim and and talk about it and just make some phone calls. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Sean.
>> Yeah, that just that seems weird. If this isn't approved tonight, is it an issue or can it wait a month or >> Well, we the fire department wants it replaced sooner rather than later. So, we have them coming in. Currently, they're scheduled to come in on the 29th because it leaves our uh system in trouble.
>> January of January. Yes. >> I would hope they get it squared away. Sean's going to help you out. I mean, it's it's not normal at all. And they try to take advantage of it. They think it's a small amount, so it we'll get it off our plate and we'll pay them. You know, >> it seems more like a like a
administrative issue more than anything. >> I like I said, the the detector, if I'm saying this right, the detector comes >> with predation. So, if somebody had them and then they just, you know, maybe they were brought on the job system, you know, job when we first started and now
they're they're done. >> Doesn't make any sense, right? I >> mean, the only thing the contractor is going to go back to is, you know, what do I own for warranty? If it's a one-year warranty, that's what they own. If there's something in the spec that specifies a certain unit, a certain warranty, like a roof that says 30
years, >> right, >> they have 30-year warranty. But on individual components, unless it's specifically stated in the contract or in the specifications, it's going to be a challenge to get them to do anything because it's not stipulated.
So, that's that's the uphill battle we're going to fight with this. So, it, you know, yes, I agree that something says a 10-year warranty. Yes, you know, it should be that, but I think it's going to be a very difficult battle
for us to actually get that to um, you know, be a contractor's responsibility because it's not specified. >> That's what we have to verify. >> Maybe warranty is the incorrect word, but it's certified for 10 years. So, like Paul was saying, when it goes on
and then it plugs into the system, you have it till whatever that that device is, you know, scheduled for. But, >> no, I understand what you're saying. It's like if you go to the the box store and buy a smoke detector, you put it and
you look at it and it says, you know, it expires in a year, so obviously you wouldn't buy one that would, you know, whatever. Like, I get it. just doesn't >> maybe Chris could talk to the fire chief and the fire chief could help us on this a little. >> Yeah, we can have a conversation. You
know, I think um my take on what Sean is saying is more or less, you know, going back to the original contract, did we specify that those CO detectors needed to be 10 years? >> Yeah, I I don't know because I think that's going to be >> So, these are NOx Knox detectors in the
roof units, the seal detectors. And if we didn't specify that had to meet warranty, then we might be on the hook. >> Should we approve the 3500 if needed? >> I have I have a question. So, um, that's not on our agenda and I don't know. I
don't have a cooperative quote. I don't know if other people do. >> We have the oxygen census approved the oxygen census >> on the agenda. >> Is this not the right agenda? >> It's not on here. >> Oh, it's not on here. >> What was the agenda that was posted? >> Never mind. It's not on there. So, so if it wasn't on the posted agenda, then it
would have to be an emergency that would need to be handled within the 48 hour rule. Um, so I guess I just want to understand the urgency of whether this can wait to be acted on or is this was there? >> No, it's not on the agenda. >> Is it It's not the BOS invoice. >> This Yeah,
>> I had sent over a draft that didn't it's not on the finals. >> Okay. So, it's not on the posted agenda. So, that would mean we would we would need to entertain it though if there was an urgency about it. So, I guess I'd missed the part where we talked about what is the urgency of resolving this. It wants it replaced because it's
leaving our system in a in a trouble condition. >> We told him that we had a we had another uh two months before they had to do their quarterly and he said can you get it try to get it before that and Kim had called to ask when the soon as available that they could do it and that's the >> So, we need to resolve an error for the fire inspection and when is the fire
inspection? So the next one would be February vacation, but our fire department does not want it to stay in the trouble status. >> Sure. >> So So you you've ordered them, right? >> We gave them. Yes. >> So So with our next meeting, we could have
>> enter one way or the other. We have to because the fire department said the next So get them, put them in, and then next meeting we'll fix it. >> Because I think the it sounds to me really it would be just a matter of is the school department going to have to pay it or school building committee going to have to pay. Well, it's a little bit more than that. If it's not
gonna um if it's not gonna impede the resolution of the alarm, I think we should wait until another meeting until we can properly post. >> I would agree to exactly what you said except that I think it's a little bit more than that and that's why I was asking if Chris could talk to the fire chief. >> U somebody needs to read the uh
>> the bid that we're now what we're talking about here. >> I think we can move forward with both planes. >> Yeah. You can just check out the >> warrantie chief and then in the meantime it can be posted to the next order >> and it's already been ordered. >> But look at look at what we what we bought. Did we buy a warranty for 10 years or not? >> At a future meeting, we'll discuss. [snorts]
>> We had Mark Brisk here and we also had um Lieutenant Nunes and also um uh Chief Baldwin was here and um we had another issue with uh a gas smell in the building and that's when all this came to, you know, we told them and that's
what the chief wants. So, >> do we know when they're expected to be delivered? You said they were ordered. So, they're coming here on January 29th to install them. >> Okay. Okay. >> But there's a document that says what we ordered and the warranties associated with it the whole bit
>> for the old ones >> for the what? Yeah. Installing this. >> Oh, so I I guess I'd have to look that up. >> Yeah. And and what I'm saying the fire chief could help you do that and you know he might get a phone call in to these people. They deal with fire departments. Former fire men are running
these companies. So >> it's their world. We can deal with them. >> All right. All right. So Kim, on the agenda, you have the agenda in front of you. >> Yes. >> So what's that first invoice that the 2000 >> that's the that's the chaos at
>> all right. So the next one >> I believe >> 29125 >> for the equipment needed for our electrician to install the um floats in the in the water tanks. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Okay. And then the one after that, the 10 >> that is for the gym lights. >> Okay. So, we we already had approved that they're here. >> Yes. >> It's just the invoice. >> And then the 3440 >> is for the installation of the floats in the water tanks. >> Everybody clear with those?
>> Yep. >> Is that same? >> And then we had one Gale Associates. Uh the committee had authorized us to pay these up to a certain amount. So, we don't need your approval. I just want to note that it's for $4,762.65. Hey guys, I got to run.
>> Thanks, Jeff. >> All right, Jeff. Have fun with the baby. >> Thank you. Take care, guys. >> So, I'd make a motion to approve the four invoices plus the Gail invoice. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Okay. Uh, next on the review and approve school building committee meet uh meeting minutes from Tuesday, September 16th. We have bills in front of us. Is there a motion? >> I have approval. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. So, uh, what are we thinking for our next meeting? >> Give it a month or two. Um, we should set up or somebody should set up a meeting with Sean and Agugustini to, um, authorize the additional work.
>> Ask him about the leak over the, um, the classroom. We could [clears throat] also ask him about the uh oxygen senses CO detect senses as well. >> Okay. >> I have a um question sort of tangentially related. Christopher Thrasher, I don't know if you can hear
us. Um I thought there was supposed to be a public meeting coming up for the long-term building committee about what to do with the old school and I was wondering if that's been scheduled. >> It has not been scheduled actually just because uh I I we originally were planning for the 22nd. there were a
number of conflicts that arose. Uh my plan is actually to have hopefully have that uh after I talk with the town administrator uh tomorrow or Friday. The plan is to have it set uh for February I believe looking at my calendar right now. I
believe it was the >> Okay. But it hasn't been it hasn't been scheduled and it's not >> It hasn't been said yet. No, I think there's there's a hope to have it on the on Wednesday, February 11th. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. I think that's it. You need a motion to
adjourn. Anything else for anyone? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> All in favor? >> I we're all right. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you.