One of the most discussions during the meeting centered around two amendments related to the senior center project. The first amendment involved planning and design work for the relocation of an elevator machine room, with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) established to cover additional work if necessary. This amendment ensured that any excess costs would be managed within the GMP contingencies, while any savings would be reimbursed to the town. The second amendment, costing $1,815, was necessitated by the need to relocate the elevator machine room on the basement floor following a coordination review with subcontractors. The committee supported this fee as it fell within the existing soft cost contingency.

A motion to approve both amendments, totaling $1,065, for design services related to the senior center received unanimous support during a roll call vote. The discussion also touched on the results of a blower door test, which had passed successfully, and the status of the installation of windows and doors. While windows were in place and sealed, exterior doors had not yet been installed.

The committee also provided an update on the Indian Hill project, where progress was reported. The demolition phase was nearly complete, with the roof almost finished, pending the installation of a skylight and solar tubes. Preparations for painting were underway, and electrical work in the basement and framing for the Parks and Recreation department were ongoing. The flooring subcontractor had begun discussions regarding new flooring installations.

A issue emerged regarding the fire protection system, which had shown significant deterioration. Moisture within the system was accelerating corrosion, particularly at the lowest points where condensation collected. Following assessments, it was determined that many of the fire protection mains exhibited corrosion and leaks. A sprinkler contractor recommended replacing the main on the first floor to ensure proper function and prevent further issues. The proposed cost for replacing the main was estimated at $40,000, framed as a necessary investment to mitigate future risks.

The committee discussed the materials to be used for the new piping, specifically whether it would be cast iron or galvanized. The importance of monitoring labor and material costs was emphasized, with daily or every other day updates requested from the general contractor to keep the project on track. The committee was prepared to approve a not-to-exceed expenditure of $40,000 for this replacement.

Further, the committee discussed an existing HVAC unit in the attic, which was nearing the end of its useful life. A third-party mechanical contractor had assessed it, and the committee planned to obtain quotes for potential replacement. This unit served the lobby on the first floor and had been flagged as a priority for replacement based on the building’s overall mechanical analysis. The need for upgrades to the security and low-voltage systems was also discussed, with the IT department expressing a preference for Cat 6 cabling over the existing Cat 5.

Additionally, the possibility of adding a bathroom to the downstairs children’s area of the Parks and Recreation facility was proposed. The committee discussed the logistics of this addition, including the need for an emulsifying pump to facilitate sewage discharge from the basement level to the main sewer line.

A motion was made to approve the not-to-exceed expenditure for the fire protection work, which passed unanimously.

Questions regarding potential additional costs from increased oversight of the fire protection work were addressed, confirming that any extra work required for monitoring would be included within the existing agreement with Vertex, which had personnel dedicated to the site. The facilities manager confirmed regular contact with project managers from Vertex to ensure proper oversight of activities at the King Street site.

Updates on the police station project included moisture testing for the masonry and building envelope, with further information awaited on when this work would commence. The scheduling of the next meeting for the following month was confirmed, and a motion to adjourn was unanimously approved by the members present.