At the forefront of the meeting was the discussion on the design development of the new high school. Updates were presented on changes to the school’s floor plan, which included the relocation of the receiving area and kitchen, as well as the rearrangement of educational spaces. The cafeteria and media center’s new locations were also revealed, prompting questions from the council regarding the orientation of the building and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The design team responded to inquiries about the cafeteria’s square footage and seating capacity, confirming both would remain the same. Additionally, the design team shared sketches from the landscape architects concerning the receiving area at the back of the building, which was met with interest from the council members.

The council’s concern extended to the building’s ability to manage foot traffic during high-attendance events such as basketball games and theater shows. Discussions focused on visitor parking, emergency exits, and access points for the gym and auditorium. The need for visual diagrams and detailed building plans with dimensions was emphasized, as these would facilitate understanding of the layout and ensure the school could serve as a community resource beyond school hours. Access considerations for Robotics, Rock and Z activities, and drama productions were also examined to ensure the building design catered to a wide range of uses.

Security measures within the new building were a pressing topic, specifically regarding the placement of doors and access control systems. Council members highlighted the importance of future-proofing the design to accommodate changes in building use and staff over time. The provision of office space for school resource officers within the administration area was confirmed. The discussion also covered the building’s resilience to potential flooding, with a focus on the design of parking areas and lower levels to withstand such events.

The council delved into the environmental compliance of the project, with updates on the MEPA filing process. The first phase of the MEPA process is set for filing in September 2024, with further stages in the subsequent years. The project will involve exploratory and geotechnical borings, removal of existing foundations, pavements, and utilities in preparation for construction. The council discussed the scheduling of public forums, including environmental justice public forums, to ensure community engagement and input in line with MEPA requirements.

The issue of electric scooters and their storage within the school premises was raised, with the council recognizing the implications of city ordinances on safety and storage solutions. The committee agreed to further investigate and address the storage of electric scooters and other transportation devices. Moreover, the meeting broached the subject of expanding the school building committee by adding a new member, pending mayoral approval. The process for the new addition was discussed, and the committee agreed to move forward with the necessary steps for the appointment.