A key highlight of the meeting was the approval of a $73,976 utility charge from Eversource, essential for establishing electrical service at the new school. This charge covered necessary infrastructure, including transformers and power components for vehicle charging stations. Additionally, a larger invoice package totaling $472,426.57, containing various vendor charges related to the project, was reviewed and approved. The approval process included invoices from Vertex and Perkins Eastman and a police detail for a hydrant flow test required for sprinkler design. These financial decisions illustrate the committee’s dedication to ensuring the project’s timely and efficient progress.

Environmental considerations also played a role in the meeting. The committee discussed the discovery of an intermittent stream affecting the project’s design and compliance with regulatory standards. This stream, not identified in initial surveys, necessitated an amended notice of intent and revised landscape drawings to accommodate the new environmental data. The committee planned to engage with the conservation commission and local abutters to present these changes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and stakeholder involvement.

In a notable move towards inclusivity, the committee explored enhancing the playground’s accessibility. The proposal aimed to create an adaptable playground at Charleswood School, featuring ramps, tunnels, and ground-level play elements suitable for children of all abilities. This initiative, inspired by successful efforts at Marathon School, aimed to replace the original playground plans, with the cost for the adaptive structure estimated at $300,000. Despite being higher than the initial $200,000 estimate, the increase was justified by the long-term benefits of fostering an inclusive environment. Committee members expressed unanimous support for this vision, recognizing the importance of equal play opportunities for all students.

Further deliberations centered on the potential installation of a turf field to replace the existing grass field, which faced challenges in maintaining its condition due to heavy usage by approximately 1,200 children during recess. The turf field proposal was introduced as a bid alternate, allowing for cost evaluation during the bid acceptance process. The committee acknowledged the benefits of a turf field, such as its durability and reduced maintenance needs, which would alleviate the upkeep of the surrounding playground area.

In addressing community concerns, the committee discussed the possibility of conducting pre-construction surveys of homes near the construction site to assess potential damages from construction activities. Although no structural damage claims arose from the previous Marathon School project, concerns about water management persisted. To preemptively address any issues, the committee considered obtaining bids for pre-construction surveys, which would document the condition of nearby properties before construction begins. This measure aimed to protect the town from false claims while ensuring transparency with residents.

The meeting concluded with updates on the bidding process for the construction project. Key dates included the deadline for questions from sub-bidders, the submission of bids, and the review of general contractor bids. The committee planned to reconvene around May 20th to evaluate these bids.