The upcoming topping-off ceremony was a focal point of the meeting, scheduled for February 25th. The committee planned the event’s logistics, including the timing, location, and potential participants. After considering various options, a consensus emerged favoring a Wednesday morning ceremony at 10 a.m. The committee discussed whether the event should be held indoors or outdoors, factoring in weather conditions and the anticipated doubling of attendees compared to the previous groundbreaking ceremony, due to the inclusion of tradespeople.

In addition to logistical considerations, the committee explored the possibility of including student speakers or performers, such as a band or chorus, and potentially involving a STEM class. This would provide an educational aspect to the ceremony, aligning with the school’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The tradition of having notable speakers was maintained, with the suggestion to extend invitations to representatives from the pool committee who were absent from prior events. Preparations for the signing of a ceremonial beam, scheduled for February 10th, were also discussed, emphasizing the need for staff supervision.

In construction-related updates, the project manager provided insights into filed sub-bid results, revealing close to $3 million in savings when factoring in the MEP and non-trade bids. Despite some over-budget areas, such as the pool masonry, the overall financial outlook remained positive. The committee discussed the consistency of subcontractors across the school and pool projects, with variations in waterproofing, painting, fire suppression, and HVAC. Clarification was provided that different contractors for fire suppression would not pose integration issues.

The meeting also featured a briefing on the recent MSBA kickoff session. Site visits are slated to begin in March and will occur bi-monthly, with the final Guaranteed Maximum Price report anticipated in February. An amendment related to project costs was finalized, amounting to $77,500.

Another topic was the official naming of the school’s atrium as the “Redstone Atrium,” a tribute to the historical Redstone Quarry. The committee discussed incorporating graphics and interior decorations reflecting this heritage, such as a welcoming sign. This decision aligns with the town’s efforts to honor its local history within the educational environment.

Updates on furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) were presented. The committee is exploring the possibility of using contingency funds to address underfunded areas, prioritizing essential over desired items. A notable item of discussion was the need for custodial equipment, with a focus on acquiring an auto scrubber rather than a traditional floor waxer to reduce custodial workload.

In terms of construction, progress was reported on building D and the auditorium area. The construction team is installing steel pieces at a brisk rate, with about 60 to 75 pieces being erected daily. Weather impacts on construction, particularly concrete pouring, were discussed, but the team continues to make headway. The pool’s foundation work is ongoing, with plans for further excavation and wall pouring.

The committee considered the use of drone technology for construction monitoring, which allows live visuals to be uploaded to a GIS map for public access. This initiative has been positively received by committee members, providing transparency and real-time updates on construction progress.