00:53The introduction of Left Field was a central focus of the meeting, with Patrick Maloney passing the floor to David Sanden, the project director, and his team. Sanden introduced the team members, including Dave Chanaldo, the senior project manager, and Brian Johnson, the on-site project manager during construction. They presented a detailed overview of Left Field’s qualifications, emphasizing their extensive experience with Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) projects and their commitment to effective communication and community engagement.

11:05Sanden provided an in-depth presentation on Left Field’s approach to the Parker Middle School project, stressing the importance of maintaining financial discipline and ensuring that the project aligns with community expectations. “The most important element of a successful project is to make sure it becomes a project that it can pass the ballot box,” he stated. He also highlighted the firm’s dedication to delivering a facility that meets educational needs while being cost-effective and easy to maintain.

35:51The meeting also delved into the intricacies of the project’s timeline and processes, focusing on the feasibility and schematic design phases. A preliminary design program is expected to be submitted by the end of the calendar year, with a preferred schematic design due in late spring. The MSBA requires minimum studies, including a code upgrade study and various enrollment options, leading to at least seven preliminary design deliverables. The committee must specify which enrollment option to pursue by the end of the year, following which a thorough study of the selected option will ensue.

38:08The timeline for the project is stringent, with the necessity of adhering to MSBA protocols and deadlines. A comprehensive project schedule, though not visible during the meeting, was referenced. The importance of appointing a point person for the RFS process was highlighted, as this is important for securing an architect promptly. The RFS submission to the MSBA is anticipated around May 15, following their approval, to ensure timely inclusion in the designer selection panel queue.

45:55The meeting further addressed the selection process for the project’s designer, which involves initial scoring and ranking by the Designer Selection Panel (DSP). This panel, composed of 13 MSBA-appointed members and three district representatives, conducts interviews and reference checks before making a decision. The firm being considered operates a Boston office, and effective communication has been maintained despite geographical considerations. The process is governed by strict MSBA regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.

51:11Budget tracking and invoice approval processes were also discussed, with the project team emphasizing their careful approach. They committed to providing a monthly budget report and making it available as a PDF, expanding over time. The importance of audits with the town was raised to ensure accuracy and accountability in invoice processing. A member was elected to approve invoices in the absence of a quorum, with a motion passed unanimously to formalize this responsibility.

53:53Additionally, the meeting involved scheduling future committee meetings and assigning roles for the RFS process and Design Selection Panel. The committee proposed meeting on the third Thursday of each month to simplify scheduling and avoid conflicts with other town meetings. A motion was made to appoint a point person for the RFS process, typically the superintendent, to facilitate minor edits without requiring a full committee meeting. The motion was unanimously approved, with a member elected to this role.

01:05:18As the meeting concluded, the necessity of careful planning for future meetings and votes was emphasized, particularly in preparation for the town vote in spring 2027. The meeting ended without public comments due to the absence of an audience, and a motion to adjourn was passed unanimously.