A primary topic of discussion was the approval of various invoices, including a $582 charge for the moving and storage of a piano from the old school during demolition. This expense was debated as to whether it should be categorized under the King Street project’s construction costs. The committee agreed to accommodate this expense within the existing budget earmarked for moving costs, and a motion to include the piano storage invoice was passed unanimously. The total invoice for the King Street project amounted to $27,886.57.

The committee then turned its attention to the Senior Center, approving a total of $528,685 in invoices. These included charges from Vertex Corporation, LLB Architects, Commodore Builders, and WSP Testing. The careful vetting process for these invoices was discussed, emphasizing the dual review by the architect and the project management team. The architect’s billing was structured on a lump sum contract, while the project management team operated on a time and materials basis. Members were reassured that sufficient funds were available for the project’s completion, with a focus on maintaining rigorous financial oversight.

Construction updates provided insight into the Senior Center’s progress, with substantial completion anticipated by March. Noteworthy advancements included the installation of subsurface infiltration, exterior masonry, and exterior clips. A successful blower door test confirmed the building’s tightness, while future inspections, including window testing, were planned. The project was reported to be approximately 50% paid through, maintaining a healthy financial path with adequate contingencies.

In addition, the committee addressed two recommended change orders totaling $17,196.80 for the Senior Center. The first involved security system upgrades, including the installation of card readers for an additional cost of approximately $742.76. The second change order concerned signage updates, requiring changes in mounting methods and increased electrical backlighting, totaling approximately $9,767.74. These changes were unanimously approved, and the project budget was noted to be well-managed, with a substantial contingency still available.

The meeting also covered progress on the Indian Hill building, highlighting exterior siding repairs and painting, with completion expected before winter. Inside, the work on concrete footings was near completion, with satisfactory rebar placements confirmed before concrete pouring. The committee discussed the replacement of HVAC units, with plans to install a gas furnace in the basement and various replacements on the first floor and attic to ensure system resilience.

Financial management remained a key theme, as the committee reviewed the contingency fund balance, which stood at approximately $146,000 from an original $218,000. Two change orders, just under $20,000, were approved, leaving around $127,000 in contingency. This careful management aimed to prioritize necessary changes while differentiating the project from previous ones.