At the heart of the meeting were discussions surrounding the establishment of various working groups, designed to oversee the different facets of the project, including design, sustainability, site design, campus use, athletics, and technology. These groups are set to include council members and potentially other stakeholders like fire personnel and police department representatives, emphasizing the project’s multifaceted nature and the need for expertise in diverse areas.

The council delved into the specifics of the project’s permitting timeline, which is a critical step in ensuring the project’s adherence to local regulations and environmental justice considerations. The timeline includes public forums and community engagement, with the council exploring the possibility of forming a work group dedicated to permitting outreach and public relations. Ensuring that the permitting process is transparent and accessible to the public emerged as a top priority, with plans to distribute flyers and update the project website to keep the community informed.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around the project’s technological needs, with discussions on city infrastructure, fiber planning, building systems, security, and the needs of first responders. The technology group, which the council members deliberated over, is expected to address the integration of advanced systems into the project, underlining the importance of modern infrastructure in city development.

The project’s website was a point of contention, with council members raising concerns over outdated information and broken links. Moreover, there was a consensus on the need for a community relations PR group to handle content development and communication.

Financial aspects of the project also received attention, with the council approving a $60,000 budget allocation for advertising and public awareness. Questions were raised about the itemized breakdown of these expenses, pointing to the council’s oversight regarding fiscal responsibility. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved contract amendments for essential services from companies such as Leftfield, Perkins Eastman, and Kigle, taking care to ensure compliance with standard procedures and updating the language in the contracts where necessary.

In a move to streamline the project’s progress, the council made a decision to expedite the bill payment processes. This decision eliminates the need for the school committee to approve all bills related to the project, which is expected to accelerate the administrative aspects and ensure timely completion of various project milestones.

The council members expressed keen interest in participating in the working groups, with plans to hold meetings in June and involve staff members and students in the committees. This initiative underscores the inclusive approach the council is adopting, seeking to incorporate a wide range of perspectives and expertise in the project’s development.

The council is taking steps to ensure that all groups work cohesively towards the project’s successful completion, with an emphasis on thorough coordination and effective progress.