Littleton Committee Approves $578,859.92 Senior Center Warrant Amid Detailed Project Updates
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Meeting Type:
Building Committee
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Meeting Date:
08/14/2024
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Recording Published:
09/16/2024
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Duration:
58 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Littleton
- Meeting Overview:
The Littleton Permanent Municipal Building Committee convened for a meeting that encompassed critical approval of financial warrants, detailed project updates, and discussions on change orders related to ongoing construction projects.
The meeting began with the approval of two major financial warrants. The first warrant, related to the Indian Hill property, amounted to $157,158.94 and was approved through a roll call vote with affirmative responses from members Bob, Bartlett, and Steve. The second warrant, concerning the senior center, totaled $578,859.92 and similarly received unanimous approval from the same members.
Discussion then transitioned to the Shaker Lane project, with an upcoming meeting scheduled for the following Wednesday to review recommendations from the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM). The committee was reminded of the need to submit a recommendation to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) by the end of the month.
Steve provided an update on the high school roof project, confirming that all necessary documentation was in place and awaiting confirmation from Brian regarding the transfer of information onto a thumb drive for the school department. The senior center project also saw updates, with Brian sharing a verbal overview of the monthly report. Key progress included the installation of sheeting on the roof and exterior walls, with the project reported to be 30% complete. Financial commitments were tracking well against the total budget of $18.6 million.
Quality control measures were highlighted, including the presence of a tester on-site for concrete and compaction tests. Temporary windows would be installed as the exterior walls were completed to facilitate ongoing electrical work. The security system for the facility was also discussed, with a quote received from MOBA Security coming in at $60,000, well within the budgeted $100,000, prompting a recommendation to issue a purchase order.
The furniture procurement process was mentioned, emphasizing holding off on outdoor furniture orders until the building neared completion, while interior furniture orders were to be expedited to ensure timely delivery. Increased activity on-site was noted, with various trades mobilizing for installation work, including HVAC and plumbing. Additional updates included utility work by Littleton Light and the delivery of a transformer pad. Brian provided visual aids of the construction progress, detailing the pouring of the second-floor slab and inspections conducted by third-party testers to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
A discussion revolved around a change order related to door hardware and exterior finishes for the project. The door hardware consultant proposed a change order increasing the contract from approximately $55,000 to $60,800, resulting in a delta of $583.55. A more substantial change order termed the “alternate Foundation cover” was also introduced, stemming from the value engineering phase of the project. This included replacing some exterior stone elements with a fiber cement board, which was estimated to cost around $25,000, with a credit of $111,000 for the fiber cement board work, leading to a net addition of approximately $14,968.09.
The committee deliberated on whether to proceed with the stone installation, acknowledging the reasonable price for the decorative stone based on the overall project costs. Concerns were raised about the durability of the fiber cement board compared to stone, with one member expressing a preference for the stone to avoid deterioration over time. It was suggested to tentatively approve the change order pending stakeholder feedback, with a consensus among committee members regarding the aesthetic appeal of reinstating the stone.
Further discussion highlighted a conflict regarding light poles and drainage, to be resolved through allowances within the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), thus not impacting the town’s contingency funds. A change order request totaling $20,771.64 was introduced, including modifications to the door hardware. Concerns were expressed regarding the decision to install surface-mounted hardware on the doors, as it could affect the building’s security integration.
Amid these discussions, the committee reviewed a quote from a security consultant regarding the access control system and security cameras for the building. The police chief had already approved the layout, and it was noted that the expenses would remain within budget. Questions arose about compliance with state requirements for this purchase, particularly regarding the sole-source exemption due to the need for compatibility with existing systems. It was confirmed that a memo would suffice for record-keeping.
Updates on other projects, including the police station, were provided. Arrangements were being made for moisture testing and proposals for destructive testing to investigate issues related to the window sills. The need to assess the functionality of the dehumidification system at the police station was also highlighted, with concerns about humidity levels within the building raised by staff.
A presentation on the King Street project highlighted the formal receipt of the building permit, enabling construction activities to officially begin. Progress in interior selective and bulk demolition conducted by Classic was noted, with additional exploratory work focusing on exterior items before winter. The complete replacement of the roof by Cape Cod Builders was described as a significant advancement. Concerns about unforeseen rot in some siding and sheathing led to discussions about budget implications. The Town Department of Public Works assisted in clearing vegetation from the building, facilitating access for repairs.
A significant topic revolved around the installation of solar tubes to enhance natural lighting. The attic space configuration necessitated an additional 16 feet of tubing, raising concerns about penetrating the newly replaced roof. Alternatives such as LED lighting were discussed to avoid compromising the roof’s integrity.
James Duggan
Building Committee Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Building Committee
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Meeting Date:
08/14/2024
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Recording Published:
09/16/2024
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Duration:
58 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Littleton
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