A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the progress of the ongoing construction project. The committee received an update on the development of building areas A, B, C, and D. Foundation work was advancing steadily, with waterproofing as the next major step. This process involved applying a waterproofing treatment to the foundation walls, facilitating backfilling and the completion of roadway grading and a modular retaining wall. The installation of drainage structures was also underway, essential for the connection of utilities. Moreover, the contractor was exporting excess soil and boulders while installing sediment basins and swales to manage stormwater effectively.

With plans to mobilize for geothermal unit drilling in November, the committee anticipated the drilling operation would involve two rigs working five days a week for approximately two months. A pre-construction meeting focused on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing commissioning was scheduled for the following week. The committee also planned a steel erection pre-construction meeting for November 4, with the actual steel erection expected to commence shortly thereafter.

Another focal point was the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony, set for November 4 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event was planned to take place at the site’s egress to the Marathon School parking area. The ceremony’s backdrop would feature heavy equipment and piles of dirt, with ceremonial shovels provided for participants to engage in the event. The committee discussed key talking points for the ceremony, underscoring the town’s values of community, innovation, and sustainability, and emphasizing the creation of a warm, nature-connected learning environment that is net zero ready, fully electric, and passive house certified. Coordination with various stakeholders, including the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) staff, was ongoing to confirm attendance and finalize plans.

Financial updates revealed no new change orders for the month, while the committee prepared the next batch of Project Change Orders (PCOs) for approval from Perkins Eastman. Expenditures for the architect had reached approximately $7.6 million, representing about 62% of their contract value. On the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) side, expenditures amounted to $1.3 million, equating to around 27.4% of the overall contract value. The construction contract’s value had increased to $102,350, with billings to date reaching approximately $7.8 million, representing 7.7% of the total contract.

There was some concern regarding potential overages related to geotechnical observation, specifically ensuring appropriate excavation depths. Although progress had been made, there was uncertainty about whether additional funding would be required for further geotechnical observation, particularly in parking lots and roadways. The committee was advised that tracking was ongoing, but there was no immediate anticipation of needing additional funding for geotech services.

The committee also addressed community concerns, particularly complaints about trucks arriving outside permitted hours and reports of rocks falling from trucks. In response, cameras were installed at the site entrance to monitor compliance, and inspections were increased. Additionally, following heavy rains, the Conservation Commission observed a breach in erosion control on the south side of the site. The contractor, Braate, promptly addressed this issue, but a subsequent inspection revealed a broken pipe meant to carry water through the site. This led to a request for Braate to appear at a ConCom meeting later that day.