Meetings & Updates

August 10, 2023 School Building Committee Meeting

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 School Building Committee Meeting

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 School Building Committee Meeting

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, School Building Committee Meeting

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, School Building Committee Meeting

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 School Building Committee Meeting

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  School Building Committee Meeting

The Commitee 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 School Building Committee Meeting

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 School Building Committee Meeting

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 School Building Committee Meeting

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.

November 10, 2022 School Building Committee Meeting

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 School Building Project Meeting

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 School Building Project Meeting

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 School Building Project Meeting

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 reported that the Massachusetts 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

July 15, 2022 School Building Project Meeting

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery presented the monthly update which noted that the project remains on schedule and within budget. Subcontractor awards are 99% complete. To date, there are approximately $100k in potential changes orders. The playground budget is approximately $37k over budget due to additional playground equipment.

Alex Corbett of WT Rich gave the construction update. Stairwells are complete in Building A, sheathing is 65-70% complete. The glulam beams (wood lamination coverings) are in and look great.

• • 7/15/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 7/15/22 Building Committee Minutes

June 9, 2022 School Building Project Meeting

The project remains on track in terms of schedule and budget, as presented by Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery. The project team is closely monitoring lead times and material availability due to market conditions.

Tom Hood of WT Rich reported that utilities are 90% complete, stairwells are close to completing, and interior framing is also going on. A key focus is getting the building enclosed.

• • 6/9/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 6/9/22 Building Committee Minutes

May 12, 2022 School Building Project Meeting

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery reported that the project is approximately 30% complete and remains on track and on budget. Steel erection is 100% complete on Building A, 90% complete on Building B, the west retaining wall is complete. For more detailed information, please see Weekly Project Updates.

Due to market conditions, there are ongoing lead time concerns which are being closely managed.

Alex Corbett and Jon Rich showed a new video technology that they have begun using on site called "Open Space" which captures the interior construction detail. 

• • 5/12/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 5/12/21 Building Committee Minutes

April 14, 2022 School Building Project Meeting

The building project continues to be on track in terms of budget and timeline as reported by Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery. Structural steelwork is nearing completion as well as underground utility work. The first concrete slab pour was completed and the next one is scheduled for April 20/21, 2022, which will be an extended day at the site. Neighbors have been notified. Please see Weekly Project Updates on the upper right of this page for a detailed list of construction activities.

The Topping Off ceremony was held on April 8th with brief remarks. The raising of the beam was accompanied by music a guest appearance from Principal Fusco's band which included two fifth-graders - one from East Gloucester and the other from Veterans' Memorial.

• • 4/14/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 4/14/21 Building Committee Minutes

March 10, 2022 School Building Committee Meeting

The project budget and timeline remains on track as reported by Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery. BH also reported that the full building permit has been received.

Alex Corbett from WT Rich reviewed a very detailed project plan for the next few weeks and said that steel erection is on schedule despite 4-5 days of adverse weather. Slabs will be poured later in the month which will require 2-3 longer work days at the project site.

BH provided an overview of the reports that are prepared during construction (Field Reports, Monthly Construction reports, MSBA Progress Reports) and showed examples of each. BH also provided a breakdown and definitions of the project budget by type and costs to date.

There will be a Topping Off ceremony on April 8 where the ceremonial last steel beam will be hoisted into place.

• • 3/10/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 3/10/21 Building Committee Minutes

February 10, 2022 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery presented the project update and also described the vigorous process that the project team follows for putting in place fair and comprehensive contracts with subcontractors to get the project done on time and without issues. The Gloucester Building Dept. has reviewed completed drawings for the building permit which should be issued soon.

Alex Corbett from W.T. Rich presented the construction project schedule and showed progress photos from the site. Deliveries of steel have begun and erection has started on the "A" building (academic wing). AC showed a graphic of the sequencing of the erection of the building. Deliveries are being staged at the Beverly rest stop so that there is no congestion on on Webster Street.

The Building Committee approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP") Contract for the project contractor, W.T. Rich in the amount of $51,925,531 which is the amount of the original construction budget.  (The total contract with W.T. Rich is $52,270,320 which includes preconstruction work and work at St. Ann's which is funded through other budgets).  Jonathan Rich of W.T. Rich reviewed the details of the contract and  construction allowances and value engineering assumptions that enable the project to stay within budget.

The Building Committee voted to have the Owner’s Project Manager (CBRE) approve the remaining Letters of Recommendations ("LORs") for subcontractors that are already included in the construction budget. This will enable the project to move forward expeditiously. 

The Building Committee voted to add back the built-in classroom window seats which Supt. Lummis and Principals Fusco and Paquarello felt are important to the educational design. This charge will be covered by project contingency funds and partly offset by savings on other costs of the project. CBRE noted they felt comfortable the team would still be able to deliver the project within the total project budget. 

• 2/10/22 Building Committee Packet

• 2/10/22 Building Committee Minutes

January 13, 2022 School Building Committee Meeting

The project update was provided by Brian Hromakda of CBRE/Heery. The project remains on time and on budget. Priority II work is now being awarded. The project team will continue to monitor costs to keep within budget.

Foundation work is ongoing at the site and the outline of the "academic" building footprint is starting to take shape, and the common / community foundations are coming along.

• • 1/13/22 Building Committee Recording

  • 1/13/22 Building Committee Packet

  • 1/13/21 Building Committee Minutes

December 16, 2021 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromakda of CBRE/Heery provided a project update. WT Rich shared a drone video of progress on the site. Upcoming work that will be happening on the site: concrete foundations formed and poured in January, and steel erection beginning mid-February, slabs poured April / May, and exterior wall framing beginning late April.

Brian Hromakda reported on the bid results for trade and non-trade contractors. Given cost escalation due to market conditions bids came in overall approximately $500k over budget. The majority of the overrun was from trade bids. To keep the project at or below the construction budget, the project team conducted a value engineering process and identified certain changes in finishes and other aspects that could save money while not impacting the educational program or quality of the project. The Building committee voted to accept the recommendations allowing the project to move forward within the established construction budget. The value engineering changes will be finalized in the coming months.

The Building Committee voted to award all Trade contracts and Non-trade contracts for Priority 1 work. The remaining Non-trade contracts will be awarded over the next few months.

• • 12/16/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 12/16/21 Building Committee Packet 

  • 12/16/21 Building Committee Minutes

November 4, 2021 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromdka of CBRA/Heery reported that the 100% Construction Design documents have been submitted to the MSBA. Regarding communications, upcoming project work will be posted on this website to keep the community informed.

• • 11/4/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 11/4/21 Building Committee Packet 

  • 11/4/21 Building Committee Minutes

October 14, 2021 School Building Committee Meeting

Mark Lydon of CBRE/Heery reviewed the Propriety Items list that are part of the issuing the bid packages. Some of the items include certain insulation, hardware, fire protection products (see page 42 of the packet for a full list.) The Committee approved the list. The project timeline was reviewed and the project remains on track. The Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

• • 10/14/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 10/14/21 Building Committee Packet 

  • 10/14/21 Building Committee Minutes

September 9, 2021 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromadka of CBRE/Heery gave a project update which included receiving the initial demolition permit and Conservation Commission approval.  He also reviewed price increases of certain material costs since June 20 and the 60% Detailed Design submission as the market has had significant price fluctuations and efforts to keep the project within budget. Jonathan Rich from WT Rich discussed negotiating competitive prices for the Early Package #2 work with subcontractors. The Building Committee reviewed and approved the 90% Detailed Design submission which had no changes in the space summary and educational program from the previous MSBA submission.

• • 9/9/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 9/9/21 Building Committee Packet 

  • 9/9/21 Building Committee Minutes

August 26 School Building Committee Meeting

Mark Lydon from CBRE/Heery reported that the MSBA had relatively few comments on the 60% Detailed Design (DD) submission which were addressed by the project team, some of which would be included in the 90% DD submission. The committee also discussed the steel portion of Early Package #2 and agreed on a "not to exceed" amount for this line item in the budget.

• • 8/26/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 8/26/21 Building Committee Packet (no attachments to agenda)

  • 8/26/21 Building Committee Minutes

August 12 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromadka from CBRA/Heery reported that the work at St. Ann's is nearly complete and that teachers have begun preparing their classrooms.  He also reviewed the project schedule and the upcoming milestone of 90% construction documents due to the MSBA at the end of the month. Michele Rogers of Dore & Whittier reviewed changes to a few windows in the gym, cafeteria and media center as the design evolves due to structural and functional considerations.

• • 8/12/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 8/12/21 Building Committee Packet

  • 8/12/21 Building Committee Minutes

July 29 School Building Committee Meeting

Brad Dore of Dore & Whittier reviewed the detailed list of value engineering items for the Building Committee to discuss and prioritize potential add backs if pricing / budget allows as the project progresses. 

• • 7/29/21 Building Committee Recording

  • 7/29/21 Building Committee Packet

  • 7/29/21 Building Committee Minutes

July 27 City Council Update 

School Committee Chair Pope, Superintendent Lummis, and Brad Dore of Dore & Whittier provided a project update to the City Council on the ongoing work with MSBA, moving out of Veterans' and into St. Ann's, and the timeline for abatement, demolition of the Veterans' School, and beginning of construction. 

• 7/27 Presentation to City Council 

July 8 School Building Committee Meeting

Brad Dore from Dore & Whittier reviewed the list of value engineering items that were recommended by the subcommittee for consideration to bring the construction estimate in line with the budget. Supt. Lummis highlighted that the changes have no impact on the educational program. The Committee voted to approve the list as presented.

• • 7/8/21 Building Committee recording

  • 7/8/21 Building Committee Packet

  • 7/8/21 Meeting Minutes

June 30 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromadka from CBRE/Heery reviewed current construction budget estimates and the current market pricing on certain materials (e.g. steel) which show there is a potential impact on the construction budget. He discussed the Value Engineering process to keep the project budget on track.  A subcommittee was established to review a detailed list as consideration for reducing costs. The subcommittee will meet prior to the next School Building Committee meeting on July 8 and bring forth their recommendations for the committee to consider.

The Committee approved change order management and approval levels as presented at the 6/10/21 meeting.  All change orders in any amount will be reported to the School Building Committee throughout the project. Michele Rogers of Dore & Whittier reviewed the Detailed Design development submission which will be submitted to the MSBA on or about July 14.

The work at St. Ann's is proceeding as planned. Supt. Lummis will be reaching out to the neighborhood to communicate about parking, traffic circulation and other related matters.

• • 6/30/21 Building Committee recording

  • 6/30/21 Building Committee packet

  • 6/30/21 Meeting Minutes

June 10 School Building Committee Meeting

Brian Hromadka from CBRE/Heery, the Owner's Project Manager (OPM) reviewed the project milestone schedule and a recommended Change Order Management process. The committee approved the radon design fee as an added line item of the budget (will reduce the Owners Contingency line item).  The project team of CBRE/Heery, Dore & Whittier and WT Rich are keeping an eye on materials costs and delayed delivery times as they plan for the project phases. The Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education have approved the special education program design.

St. Ann's School work continues in preparation for serving the Veterans' Memorial School students and staff in the fall.

The next School Building Committee meeting will be held on June 30 to review the 60% Detailed Design for submission to the MSBA.

• • 6/10/21 Building Committee Meeting recording

  • 6/10/21 Building Committee Packet

  • 6/10/21 Meeting Minutes

June 8 - City Council P&D Subcommittee

On June 8, the City Council held a public hearing and voted 8-1 in favor of granting the special permit for the  East Gloucester/Veteran's Memorial School Building Project. During the public hearing School Committee Chair Jonathan Pope and Superintendent Ben Lummis presented the rationale for the special permit on the height of the building. In approving the special permit, city councilors spoke of the importance of the new school for the families in downtown and East Gloucester and how the new school will  have an overall positive impact on the neighborhood and entire community. The approval of the special permit is one more step in the final permitting process for the construction of Gloucester's new school building.

• City Council Special Permit Presentation

June 2 -  City Council P&D Subcommittee

After three subcommittee meetings and multiple site visits, the City Council Planning and Development Subcommittee voted 3-0 in favor of a special permit for the East Gloucester/Veteran's Memorial School Building Project. The full City Council will vote on this matter at the June 8 meeting where a public hearing will be held prior to discussion and vote.  Meeting materials are below:

• • Presentation Answering all Submitted Questions

  • Solar Studies 

May 13  - School Building Committee Meeting

The project timeline was reviewed by CBRE/Heery.  Michele Rogers from Dore & Whittier reported that they are working on the 60% Design Development documents for the MSBA as well as responding to the Massachusetts School Building Authority's (MSBA) questions about the Design Development submission.  Work at St. Ann's school (swing space for the Veteran's Memorial community during construction) is on track for completion with access in early August to prepare for the new school year.  WT Rich reported that bids for Early Package #1 which include for site work, abatement and demolition came in under budget.

An additional meeting of the School Building Committee will be held on June 30, 2021, to review 60% Design Development documents in preparation for submission to the MSBA.

• • 5/13/21 Building Committee Meeting recording

  • 5/13/21 Meeting Packet

  • 5/13/21 Meeting Minutes 

April 8 - School Building Committee Meeting

Mark Lydon and Brian Hromadka from CBRE/Heery, the Owner's Project Manager (OPM), reviewed the updated organization chart of the OPM team, the project schedule, an updated and the submission of the Early Release Package (ERP1) which includes demolition of Veterans' Memorial School and early site work.  The committee approved pre-construction work to be performed by Mulitvista which entails photographic documentation of properties within 250 feet of the building site.  A neighborhood meeting is planned for May 18 to discuss the construction process with neighbors.

Superintendent Lummis was unanimously voted as co-chair of the School Building Committee.

• 4/8/21 Meeting Recording

• 4/8/21 Meeting Agenda - Packet

• 4/8/21 Minutes

April 1 - Joint School Committee / City Council Meeting

An update on the Design Development plan was presented to the School Committee and City Council at their joint meeting on Thursday, April 1.

 Supt. Lummis reviewed the project timeline and various aspects of the project including safe arrival and dismal, site safety, and the good news that the project is on budget. Principal Fusco (Veterans' Memorial School) and Principal Pasquarello (East Gloucester School) highlighted improvements to the educational plan that this new school provides - showing photos of the outside play areas, classrooms, gymnasium, and other learning spaces.  

• 4/1/21 Presentation is here.

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March 25- Building Committee Meeting

The Building Committee met on Thursday, March 25 to finalize and authorize the Owners' Project Manager (OPM) to submit the completed Design Development (DD) plan to the MSBA.  A brief overview of the project and submission documents were presented to the committee by Michele Rogers (Dore & Whittier) and Mark Lydon (CBRE/Heery). The DD submission is comprehensive and includes the designer’s cost estimate, detailed drawings and specifications, project approvals, building code analysis, and much more. It also includes responses to the MSBA’s questions on the schematic design. The DD submission was approved unanimously by the building committee, and will be submitted to the MSBA by the OPM on  their behalf by March 30. The MSBA will review the submission and respond within 21 days with any follow-up questions, which will have an additional 14 days for response. A project update will be presented to a joint city council and school committee meeting next Thursday, April 1.  

• Meeting Recording - 3/25/21

• Meeting Agenda - Packet - 3/25/21

• Meeting Minutes - 3/25/21

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March 18 - Building Committee Meeting 

The School Building Committee met on 3/18/21, at which the committee was given a Design & Submission update and overview. This included a presentation from Michele Rogers with the latest updates to the design, both interior and exterior. These minor changes included square footage changes to classrooms, the music room, and the back of house/delivery elevator.

The project construction cost estimate which was completed since the last meeting has come in right around the original budget for construction costs which is good news.

This meeting was in preparation for next week’s authorization for the OPM submission for the design development package to the MSBA.

• Meeting Recording  - 3/18/21

• Meeting Agenda / Packet - 3/18/21

• Meeting Minutes - 3/18/21

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January 21 - Exterior Subcommittee Meeting

The Exterior Subcommittee of the EGS/Vets Building Committee met at Veterans' Memorial School and discussed another iteration of the colored exterior paneling and the brickwork. Subcommittee members asked the design team to do another iteration of the colored panels on the outside walls of the media center and art room. The Exterior Option panels will be displayed in the library at Veterans' School so staff can continue to provide input.

• Meeting Recording - 1/21 Exterior Subcommittee

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January 20 Community Forum

More than 30 community members attended our Community Forum and got a full update about the Design Development Phase, the work of the Exterior and Interior Subcommittees, and the process to identify swing space for Veterans' School to use during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.  Superintendent Lummis again introduced members of the Project Team and the Building Committee.  After a presentation led by Superintendent Lummis, members of the Building Committee answered questions from attendees. 

• Presentation - 1/20 Community Forum

• Meeting Recording - 1/20 Community Forum

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January 14 Building Committee Meeting

The School Building Committee (SBC) heard an update on the process for identifying swing space for Veteran’s School. The Swing Space review committee expects to make a recommendation the School Committee on January 27. The SBC also discussed and voted to adjust the construction schedule to allow more time to complete design work while not changing the date for occupancy. The date for occupancy remains September 5, 2021. Michele Rogers of Dore & Whittier shared the work being done by the subcommittees to consider exterior and interior such as brick, paint, carpet, and wood colors. Superintendent Lummis announced that the SBC would hold a Community Forum on January 20 to update the East Gloucester and Veterans’ school communities and the public about the project. 

• 1/14 Meeting Presentation

• 1/14 Meeting Video

• 1/14 Meeting Minutes