A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the discussion of the athletic fields’ irrigation systems, with an estimated budget of $184,000 allocated for the design by Aquous Design. The committee weighed the costs and benefits of sodding versus seeding the fields, with sod estimates ranging from $456,000 to $695,000. The urgency of these decisions was underscored by their impact on the timing of field usability and the necessity to finalize plans before reaching the 90% construction document completion mark. Additionally, the possibility of third-party funding for artificial turf fields was considered, with members expressing concerns about the implications for the overall budget and potential added costs during construction.

The committee also tackled challenges related to construction management, including the necessity of alternates in the project. The early construction packages were updated, focusing on the timeline and involvement of subcontractors. Updates on the construction progress included work on the front parking lot, road grading, and paving, as well as the relocation of drainage and gas lines. Concerns about potential contamination from the removal of oil tanks were also addressed, with a plan for monitoring in place.

Another topic of discussion was the installation of a water line, tension pond, and drain line between the school and the tennis courts. This was part of a larger issue involving the delay in obtaining power for the entire project—a situation complicated by the need for considerable infrastructure upgrades and coordination with National Grid. Additionally, the committee grappled with logistics concerning parking space availability, particularly during the transition to the new building, and the temporary occupancy challenges, such as lack of furniture and IT infrastructure.

The committee proceeded with the approval and authorization of the project team to submit the 60% construction documents to the MSBA. They also approved an amendment for early enabling work with Fontaine, which included bids for a site contractor and electrical contractor, at a total amount of $1,534,663. To ensure ongoing transparency and community engagement, the committee discussed the distribution of a pamphlet with construction logistics and project updates.

To manage the complexities of the project, the committee decided to schedule biweekly progress meetings, with flexibility for virtual attendance. Addressing the immediate needs for the upcoming school year, plans were made to ensure power supply for trailers, including the use of a generator if necessary.