August 10, 2023

Brian Hromadka of Turner & Townsend Heery reported that the school has received the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and work is ongoing for many punch list items (touching up paint, small tasks). Current work includes continued testing of systems, installation of the playgrounds, landscaping, and laying asphalt and line painting. The school will be ready for the first day of classes on August 29, 2023!

Permanent switchgear is expected to arrive the middle of the week of August 14 with the switch over from the temporary gear the weekend of August 19.

Furniture has been delivered and set up.  The move of all items from East Gloucester and Veterans' Memorial schools have been completed. As of August 8, teachers have been unpacking and setting up their classrooms, and learning the layout of the school.  Various staff have been receiving training on building systems and other operational tasks.

The School Building Committee approved Change Order #6 in the amount of $177,011 which includes playground / site revisions ($25k), millwork and windowsill modifications ($23K), adding back some granite benches into the project ($110k) after removing $400k during value engineering, MDF fir protection ($5k), framing changes for the stage curtain (10K), music room glazing revisions ($3K).

East Veterans School families will be welcome to tour the school on August 24 and 25 (schedules have been sent out to families.)

The new school will be open for Community Tours August 26 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Please come!

July 13, 2023

Brian Hromadka of Turner & Townsend Heery reported that the project remains on budget and is on track for occupancy and the opening of school in late August. BH reported that teachers should be able to start going in in early August. Work has been ongoing to test systems, finish remaining tasks and address punch list items. The project team is working with the city to get the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy which should happen any day.

The school logo has been applied on the gym floor, the mural now graces the front lobby, furniture has been delivered and put in place, landscape material is onsite.

BH highlighted the value and role of the designer, Dore & Whittier for their attention to detail from the start and throughout the project and the overall success of the school design. D&W and the project team have been reviewing all aspects of the construction and tracking the punch list items to ensure they are resolved.

Community tours are planned for August 26.

Jun 8, 2023

The project remains on time and on budget as reported by Brian Hromadka of Turner & Townsend Heery (CBRE entered into a strategic partnership with Turner & Townsend and this is the name change of the project management firm - there have been no changes in personnel on the project). 

BH reported that the City of Gloucester Building Inspector recently visited the site to review the temporary switchgear and gave approval for the school to open as scheduled with the temporary switchgear as it adequately serves the power needs.

The School Building Committee approved a change order that reflects a change to the substantial completion date to June 30, 2023, from June 2, 2023. This DOES NOT change the final completion date of the project. BH reported certain subcontractors continue to work six days a week to make up for schedule delays. 

Alex Corbett of W.T. Rich presented an Open Space tour of the interior of the school which showed many spaces at or near completion. AC reported that punch list items are being completed in some spaces. Wall pads and shades have been installed in the gymnasium. The cafeteria is nearing completion. Casework and finishes are close to 100% installed.

The tentative date for community walk-throughs is Saturday, August 26, 2023.

May 11, 2023

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reported that the project remains on time and on budget. The switchgear issue has been resolved by securing rental gear that can power the whole building. The permanent switchgear is scheduled to be delivered in July. BH also reported that the Information Technology switchgear is on target for delivery.

Building B finishes are progressing nicely. Furniture is schedule to arrive on time. The move planning process is underway for EGS and Veterans' Memorial.

Alex Corbett of WT Rich presented a drone video of the project (around the 35 minute mark of the meeting.)

April 13, 2023

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reviewed progress on the project including exterior fencing, interior casework in the classrooms, and installation of gymnasium flooring nearing completion.

Jon Rich of WT Rich reported there is a delay in receiving electric switch gear that will provide permanent power to the school. This delay was learned two days before the long-scheduled ship date. JR said delays of this type of equipment is a nationwide issue that has worsened since the pandemic. JR is confident testing of systems can continue on schedule with the temporary switch gear on site and with other switch gear that can be rented. JR also said they have identified and are evaluating an alternate product that is available and its compliance with specifications to power the whole school. JR stated that the solution should be known in the next couple of weeks and is "highly confident" the project team will navigate this issue for an on-time opening of the new school.

BH reported that a move manager has been brought on board to coordinate EGS and Veterans' Memorial move into the new school. BH also reported that the MSBA will reimburse a portion of the change order for the cell service boosted.

The SBC voted to authorize equipment purchases not to exceed $160,000.

March 9, 2023

As reported by Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery, the project remains on track for the substantial completion date which is about 3 months away. In Building A, millwork, flooring and ceilings are well underway. In Building B, dry wall installation is nearing completion, gymnasium equipment has been installed.

The current challenge is securing permanent power to the site as National Grid has been having supplier issues, but is working hard to meet the target date for installation. A power outage is scheduled for March 13 (rescheduled from February) related to installing a generator which will provide power to the site for approximately one week. Notices have been sent out to affected addresses. 

The Committee approved procurement for Technology in an amount not to exceed $690,000 which is approximately $58,000 under budget. This amount will be used to offset overages in the furniture budget. The City and schools are in the process of purchasing a city-wide phone system will may also create additional savings.

Alex Corbett of WT Rich presented an Open Space tour of the site. The public is encouraged to view  the project progression in these video updates which are usually presented at the end of the meetings. Please see Meeting Recordings.

Finally, the Committee discussed and agreed to moving the meeting time of future meetings to 4:30 pm to accommodate schedule conflicts.

February 27, 2023

The Committee met to review and approve purchase orders for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E). Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reviewed the selection process which included feedback from educators and other staff.  The FF&E cost is approximately $100k over budget primarily due to purchasing individual desks for classrooms as opposed to tables which accommodate 4-6 students each. This change was made so there is more flexibility in the classrooms. The total approved for FF&E was $737,811 and $24,934 which is part of the technology budget.

February 9, 2023

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reported that finishes are moving forward in Building A and the elevator installation is complete. In Building B, dry wall installation is nearly finished and MEP rough ins are complete. Work has been happening on most Saturdays.

Commissioning Agent - BH explained the each MSBA project has a commissioning agent that works under the MSBA. BH introduced Michael Papagni from NV5 who is the systems commissioning agent on the project. MP explained that he reviews systems installed as the project moves along and responds with any issues in the design elements. He provides comments back to the MSBA and the project team. Corrective actions get logged and subcontractors rectify the items. MP / NV5 will come back 10 months after substantial completion to look for any deficiencies, test energy uses as compared to the design plan, and direct fixes which are taken care under warranty. There is also an Envelope Commission agent, Russell Young with BEA.

BH reviewed the work that was able to be reclaimed in project scope - concrete benches, raised planting beds, outdoor trash receptacles, bollards vs boulders, some plantings on the steep slope.

BH also reported that submissions of invoices to date are being made to the MSBA and reimbursements will be forthcoming.

A community update - National Grid will need to shut down power to the street Feb. 20 / 21 to install a generator that will provide power to the site for approximately one week.

Alex Corbett provided an "Open Space" tour of the project which can be viewed towards the end of the meeting recording.

January 12, 2023

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reported that good progress is being made. The project is on budget and on time. Work has been performed on some Saturdays to make up for delays and will continue where beneficial. Brian, along with the City, have been working with the MSBA on invoice submission through their payment system to facilitate MSBA reimbursement for applicable costs.

Supt. Lummis reported that the new school building was toured by East Gloucester and Veterans' Memorial Schools staff who were excited to see the building coming into form.

Michele Rogers from Dore & Whittier led a discussion and the Committee voted to approve numbering on some of the outside of windows as a safety measure. 

Alex Corbett of WT Rich provided a construction update with an "Open Space" view of the interior of the building (the video can be viewed at approximately minute 50 of the meeting recording.) Tile has been started in the classroom halls, casework is being installed in classrooms, finishes are being applied in Building A bathrooms, insulation and wall board is being installed in the gym, and the administration area walls are taking shape.

December 8, 2022

The project remains on budget and on track for substantial completion in early June and as reported by Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery. While there have been delays due to staffing levels and materials, the project team is making up time with work on Saturdays when possible. 

The School Building Committee discussed and approved adding cell service boosters in the building which costs approximately $100,000-$130,000 for implementation now vs costs that could be as high as $160,000 if this is added after construction is complete. Energy efficiency aspects of construction pose barriers to dependable cell service. The additional cost will be covered by the contingency budget. 

CBRE/Heery has been submitting project invoices to the MSBA now that the Project Funding Agreement is in place.  Reimbursement should start flowing in January for reimbursable costs to date.

Josh Perrine from Dore & Whittier presented the Furniture, Fixture and Equipment (FF&E) selection process and timeline. Costs are higher than in the past due to price increases and the incremental costs will be covered by the contingency budget.

Alex Corbett of WT Rich presented a drone video of the project which can be viewed here. He reported that the façade of "B Building" is getting finished off and they are working on getting the building totally enclosed for the colder weather. Finish work is underway in A Building.

• December 8, 2022 Building Committee Minutes

• December 8, 2022 Building Committee Packet

November 10, 2022

Supt. Lummis reported that the Project Funding Agreement (PFA) has been signed by the Mayor and the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The PFA had been held up due to litigation that was recently fully resolved in the City's favor.  With the execution of the PFA, the City will begin receive reimbursement from the MSBA for eligible project costs incurred to date and going forward.  Owners Project Manager, CBRA/Heery has been working to get all past invoices submitted.

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reported that the project remains on track, but that there was some slippage in schedule due to labor shortages this past month that WT Rich will make up with additional manpower. The focus has been on getting the building closed up before the colder weather. Metal panels are being installed on the exterior and windows were scheduled to arrive next week.  The project is now over 50% complete.

Tom Hood of WT Rich presented the Open Space view of the project which provides a detailed view of the interior of the building. He noted the gym is starting to take shape.

• November 10, 2022 Building Committee Minutes

• November 10, 2022 Building Committee Packet

October 13, 2022

The project remains on schedule and on budget as reported by Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery. The project team  continues to monitor material delays, but WT Rich, the construction manager, has been able to make accommodations to keep the project on track.  Change orders are being managed closely.  Almost $70,000 of scope has been able to be added back into the project. Please see Weekly Updates for more detail on work being performed.

Dore & Whittier has begun the furniture, fixture and equipment procurement process and has been working with the District on selections. Sample furniture options have been delivered to EGS and Veterans Memorial for educators to try out and provide feedback. 

A drone video provided a nice view of the overall progress on the project.

• October 13, 2022 Building Committee Packet

• October 13, 2022 Building Committee Minutes

September 8, 2022

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery provided an overview of the project and reported that it remains on schedule and on budget. Delays in materials have been well managed by the project team to keep the project on track. The construction is approximately 50% complete.

Contracts awarded to Minority and Women owned businesses (MBE/WBE) is 16.4% of the total vs a target of 11.2%.

Alex Corbett of WT Rich presented an "Open Space" tour of the exterior and interior tour of the building, showing details of the brick and other finishes on the exterior and pointing out various aspects of the interior design taking shape. Temporary window coverings are being installed so that work on interior finishes can be underway. 

• • 9/8/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 9/8/22 Building Committee Minutes

August 11, 2022

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reported that the project is tracking well and within budget. All subcontractor work has been awarded. The Committee reviewed four change orders, three of which were accounted for during the Value Engineering phase. The change orders  included cost increases related to site conditions, changes in dry wall density in certain places, metal / soffit design and wiring. All change orders are within the project budget contingencies.

It was also reported that the Appeals Court affirmed the decision of the Superior Court in the Amaral v. City of Gloucester in which the City of Gloucester prevailed.

• • 8/11/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 8/11/22 Building Committee Minutes