Delving into the storm water system expansion, the committee grappled with the implications of enlarging the detention basin, a measure made necessary by unexpectedly high groundwater levels. This modification is part of the plan to manage storm water drainage more effectively and ensure that the future addition to the school is adequately supported. The committee sought clarifications on the scope of the potential addition, the budgetary implications, and whether the additional work was accounted for in the previous estimates. The discussion was rigorous, with committee members expressing the need for a more detailed understanding of the financial impact. Despite reassurances that the budget included ample contingency and permitting allowances to accommodate the expansion, the committee required an estimate to assess the full budgetary impact.

Concerns were not limited to the financials; the functionality of the expanded detention area was also under scrutiny. A member inquired about the drainage time, emphasizing the importance of the area being able to drain within a 72-hour window.

In addition to the storm water system, the committee addressed the MEPA submission process, a critical step in the project’s environmental compliance journey. A representative from LEC Environmental Consultants briefed the committee on the submission process for the expanded ENF. The document, scheduled to be published online, would open a public comment period, allowing community members to voice their opinions and concerns. The forthcoming scoping session would further involve the public, MEPA, interested agencies, and the project team, and comments received would inform the environmental impact report (EIR).

Moreover, the committee touched upon outreach efforts to residents along Hayden Row and the southern side, discussing mitigation strategies in response to road work and the school’s presence. Initial discussions and negotiations with residents were to be followed by recommendations brought back to the committee for further input, exemplifying the committee’s approach to community engagement and transparency.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to authorize the project team to submit the completed expanded ENF to MEPA. Following this decision, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.