The playground surfacing topic garnered considerable attention due to the Conservation Commission’s concerns about the environmental impact and safety of bonded rubber. The commission’s opposition led to a discussion and ultimately the selection of coren as a preferable alternative.

The meeting also covered updates on the overall project’s timeline and procurement process. The members discussed the recent activities, including the advertising of bid documents and the successful submission of responses to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Further elaboration on the project’s progress highlighted the satisfaction of the council with the pre-qualified submitters and general contractors. Efforts to engage sub trades to ensure good competitive coverage were emphasized, along with the smooth progression of the bidding process despite the potential for distractions during the summer period.

In addition to the procurement updates, the council members touched on the response to the MSBA’s 90% comments, noting that the comments were perfunctory and related to the early bid package of the project. Council members deemed the review of these comments as unnecessary during the meeting, signaling confidence in the handling of this administrative step.

Financial oversight was another significant aspect discussed during the meeting. The council reviewed and approved a package of invoices related to the construction project, which included various expenses such as advisory services, construction administration, and testing labs.

A change order for the early site package contract was also presented, which included scope adjustments and the purchase of traffic lights.

The council responded by reassuring that energy modeling was on target and that the design phase was expected to be completed as planned. Additionally, it was suggested that plug load management could be addressed through education and information, though this was not an agenda item and a point of order was raised.