During the meeting, the committee discussed the detailed design development submission to the MSBA, including the reconciliation process between Fontaine, the project’s construction management firm, and PM&C. The estimates provided by both entities were reported to be within a $90,000 difference. The detailed breakdown of the Fontaine estimate, totaling $147.4 million, covered direct trade costs, design contingency, general conditions, bonds, insurance, and the construction manager fee.

Potential alternates for the project were also considered, such as additional sports field storage, athletic field irrigation, and choosing sod over seed for the fields. The committee noted the importance of tracking these alternates and making decisions based on potential bid savings. Moreover, the time difference and cost savings associated with using sod instead of seeding for the fields were evaluated, highlighting the advantages of turf in terms of savings in seasons.

The committee raised concerns about the positioning of the bathrooms in relation to a snack shack and the potential lack of privacy. The placement of the bathroom entrance was debated, with a preference expressed for locating it around the back to enhance privacy. Insulation for the fieldhouse and the associated costs were also discussed, along with the need for a cost breakdown for the potential purchase of photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Furthermore, the committee discussed the phasing plans for the construction, emphasizing the need to maximize field use and the utilization of an access road. The early release packages for the project were reviewed, which included enabling site work, utility relocations, electrical work, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems (MEPs). The coordination with consultants and the management of fence moves to accommodate summer events were part of the conversation, highlighting the aggressive schedule and the necessity to push the design team to avoid delays.

The committee also touched upon the need to review plans and drawings in advance to prevent construction delays, with the design review committee being tasked with ensuring swift, thoughtful decisions.

Plans for school renovation included the consideration of stockpiling materials, such as dirt, to reduce costs and the addition of parking in front of the school to manage traffic flow. The finalization of a design to separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic was on the agenda, along with the coordination of the parking plan with existing landscaping, preserving six trees, and the flag pole, and planning for the reinstallation of a walkway.

The committee addressed the potential impact of construction on the existing pool area and field access during the construction period, particularly for community use. The access to the field complex during construction and its effects on community facilities were mentioned as important considerations.

The impact of new high school construction on the existing site was a point of discussion, with the committee considering how to maintain access during the construction period, including the summers. The creation of temporary parking areas and partnerships with neighboring towns for alternative locations were explored. The committee aimed to complete the parking lot by the summer of 2025 to facilitate subsequent construction activities and proposed phasing the preparation of the football field and other fields to enable earlier use. The potential for planting grass in 2026 for availability in spring 2027 was also discussed.