Central to the meeting was the discussion of the ongoing school project and concerns regarding storm water management. The Mayor emphasized the urgency of resolving storm water issues, warning that neglect could exacerbate flooding in nearby neighborhoods. The Mayor stressed the importance of addressing these concerns promptly to maintain the project’s timeline, which aims for the new school to open by fall 2029.

Christopher Ely, project executive from Vert.ex Companies, provided an overview of the school project, highlighting efforts to reduce costs through disciplined decision-making. Ely proudly noted that the project is the lowest-cost initiative in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) pipeline. The budget, which includes design fees, construction costs, and contingencies, benefits from a previously appropriated $2 million, reducing the reimbursement amount needed from the MSBA.

The project is expected to achieve approximately 63% reimbursement from the state, contingent upon spending decisions made throughout its phases. Ely explained the reimbursement process, noting that the base rate can be adjusted based on socioeconomic factors and the school’s maintenance score, which places Marlborough in the top 25 percent for school maintenance.

A critical aspect of the project involves storm water management, as identified by the Department of Public Works. Ely emphasized the necessity of understanding the impact of recurrent flooding on the new school, stating that investing in storm water management is essential to protect the $162 million investment. A civil engineer has been retained to explore solutions, with an estimated additional investment of $5 million for construction and a contingency of $1.3 million for design costs.

The city’s engineer further explained the drainage project related to the new school, involving Milham Brook and its undersized drainage trunk lines. The project, divided into phases, is in the design stages and aims to be ready for bidding once funding is secured. The engineer underscored the importance of coordinating with Mass DOT, particularly regarding infrastructure related to the highway near the school site.

Council members inquired about the specifics of the drainage project, including the linear footage needed for replacement and the outfall’s capacity to handle increased water flow. The new school is designed to include detention facilities to improve drainage. Financial discussions highlighted the tax implications for residents, with one council member stressing the importance of transparency in communicating the total cost of the project to the public.

The financial strategy for the school and storm water projects involves a bond of $9 million to tackle storm water issues, deemed necessary regardless of the school project. The bond’s impact on residents is anticipated to be approximately $275, though it is expected to decrease over time as principal payments are divided to minimize interest costs. The city’s capital plan could add around $50 to the average tax bill.