Town of North Stonington
SCHOOL MODERNIZATION BUILING COMMITTEE (SMBC)
North Stonington Gymatorium Band room
Monday December 14, 2016 7:30pm
Attendance: Walt Mathwich, Sam Cherenzia, Dave Sellins, Mike Anderson, Pam Potemri, Jay Peterson, Mike Urgo, Bob Carlson, Mark Perkins. Dan Spring arrived at 8:30pm.
Representatives of the North Stonington Board of Education and Superintendent Peter Nero were in attendance until the Architect's presentation was completed.
Architect (Quisenberry) was represented by Rusty Malik and construction manager (Downes) by Paul Wojtowicz.
1. Call to order. 7:35 pm.
2. Public comment. None.
Mike Urgo commented to open the meeting... On the middle high school plan, we have opted to change the direction of the building from the proposed V shape, to a building that runs parallel to the road. This design helps us in a variety of ways. The soil behind the gymatorium tested slightly wet, so this helps us build the structure on firm ground. We also should manage to design a facility in a less expensive manner than the previous design because there will be less “angles”. This concept also avoids interference with underground utilities and fields unlike the conceptual design did. Finally through our meetings with many architects during hiring process, we discovered a “campus design” was much more suitable to our footprint and also showcases the facility we are all investing so much time and effort in building for our students.
On the Elementary school, we have discovered through environmental testing that it will make more sense for us to actually take down many of the interior (non load bearing) walls and dispose of them as bulky waste rather than sanding them down to remove the paint as would have been required by the state. This approach will now allow us to save money and also open up our design plan in a way that will truly allow us to create a 21st century learning space for our students.
The committee continues to evaluate ways to build the most state of the art facility possible while realizing savings through design, construction methods, and negotiating contracts. Though there have been changes with both designs, the square footage remains the same and the overall project costs have not changed. We are continuing to work to the budget passed at referendum and the committee is committed to saving the town money wherever and whenever possible.
Mark Perkins moved to change the order of items for the meeting, shifting #5 (architect's presentation) to #3. Seconded by Mike Anderson. Vote was unanimous in favor.
3. Architect's presentation.
a. Gave updates on land surveys and related issues (e.g. water drainage for the site). Will try to retain current drainage as much as possible to keep costs down.
b. Presented current schematics for Jr/High school plan. There were small changes from the previous schematic. Overall, emphasized that existing utilities like boiler in gymatorium will be use for the combined school/gymatorium. Music and chorus will be in two rooms at the East end of gymatorium. Adjoining media center/cafeteria area will be flexible and size will allow two lunch waves. Architect is working on a mechanism (doors) to block off portions of the building so after-hour use has limited access. The design also included several folding partitions between classrooms for space flexibility. Art rooms on the first floor are large, with small extension beyond the rest of the building face to support a green roof. Architect has a plan for increased seating in gym if budget permits. The increase would bring capacity over the threshold
needed for playoff games to be held in the gym.
c. Presented current conceptual plans for elementary school. Of note were some changes in the cafeteria and media center across the hall from the kitchen. The concept of open, flexible space was retained. There is a partially-enclosed collaboration space on the second floor.
d. Architect is still in schematic phase. Design development phase will be in January.
4. Correspondence. Mike Osborn resigned from the SMBC due to new unanticipated schedule conflict with the meetings. Mike Urgo noted his exceptional service and work done for the committee. New nominees should be directed to Mike Urgo for consideration by the committee and then the Selectman.
5. Invoices.
a. Committee expressed the need for us to be able to view the invoices prior to meetings. That will be done in the future with E-mail with approvals and discussion taking place at our normal meeting.
b. Discussed billing and invoices in general, receiving input from construction manager.
c. Committee agreed to postpone decision on current invoices until next meeting so they can be viewed by committee members. Current invoices allow sufficient time window for the delay.
6. Approval of minutes. Pam Potemri moved we approve Nov. 21 minutes and Bob Carlson seconded. Vote was unanimous for approval.
7. Update on environmental plan and actions.
a. Architect and construction manager are to meet next day with Eagle Environmental. Not all test results are available from Eagle. Expected soon.
b. We have the survey report from CLA. Some areas still need work, but enough is known to prepare the schematics. Additional surveys may be needed for DEEP-approved septic design.
8. Discussion on solar integration options. Discussed solar panel system for Jr/High school building. This is not within the scope of the project, and would be self-funded (by the solar company) or funded by the Board of Education. However, electrical and structural requirements for solar installation may be included in the project to minimize installation cost. Architect is working to bring an expert to discuss the solar options with the SMBC at a later date.
9. Discussion on vacant secretary position. Mike Urgo will investigate details of hiring and SMBC will bring it up again at a later meeting. There is funding in our budget for this expenditure.
10. Future Strategies. Next meeting Tuesday Jan. 3, 2017.
11. Public comment. None.
12. Adjourned 9:08 pm.
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