A point of discussion was the implementation of a new electronic ticketing system for maintenance projects and requests throughout the district. Dr. Krushing presented the system, called Operations Hero, which is designed to streamline the management of custodial, maintenance, and technology needs. The conversation underscored the necessity to incorporate unfinished projects into this system and to establish an annual schedule for capital planning discussions.

The committee engaged in a debate over the role and reporting responsibilities of the building and ground subcommittee in comparison to the capital planning subcommittee. The importance of prioritizing projects and the level of detail to be included in the city’s capital plan for schools were topics of contention. Additionally, there was a request to submit an application to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) for a historic assessment of the Curtis Tufts School.

Building recommissioning was another focal point, with the committee considering the process of returning buildings to their original purpose and function. The idea of conducting recommissioning studies for all outbuildings in rotation, ensuring that no building would be more than six or seven years out of the cycle, was proposed. Discussions also touched on the involvement of the City of Medford in contracting with architectural firms for “House doctor” services and the potential involvement of the original architect for the five schools.

The committee grappled with establishing threshold guidelines for what constitutes a capital project, considering the implications for net school spending and Chapter 70 funds. Clarification was sought on the criteria for excluding projects from net school spending and the potential impact on Chapter 70 funding. Specific lighting upgrades and projects, such as exterior lighting, hallway lighting, and LED upgrades in various schools, were highlighted.

The status of completed projects from previous plans became a point of inquiry, with committee members raising questions about the accuracy of cost estimates and the effectiveness of the projects. Skepticism was expressed about the comprehensive research of project costs. The committee examined specific details of completed projects, including the installation of extended-life film on the Andrews School roof and the status of security improvements, outside curb repairs, and seating work at the Medford High School complex.

The committee underscored the importance of thorough research and verification of the status and impact of completed projects, including factors such as insulation and R value. Security improvements and the status of specific projects were scrutinized.

Updates on various ongoing projects were also discussed, including asphalt and field complex repairs, HVAC projects, and the replacement of water heaters at Andrews and Brooks schools. The need for alignment between the Capital Planning Committee’s process and the city’s capital planning was emphasized. The possibility of making a presentation on the universally accessible playground to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) building committee was mentioned.