1995-03-13 School Committee Minutes

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REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 13 1995 VISITORS: PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PLANNING Mr. Russell Graham introduced Mr. David Finney, Architect, from The Design Partnership of Cambridge. Mr. Finney and Ms. Michelle Martin, Project Manager for the Parker Project, presented the design and development drawings to date. Mr. Finney explained how Ed Specs. are transformed to Building Plans. His firm has had meetings with every group imaginable to determine the needs of the Parker Middle School. He pointed out, on his diagrams, the views from all surrounding streets. He explained how they tried to match the windows and ceiling heights of the existing structure. The design phase is almost complete. Mr. Finney made reference to the auditorium chairs, replacement versus restoration. He felt that the old seats would be too expensive to match. The seats could be restored and upholstered. It would be costly but the net result would be favorable. Mr. Twomey asked about the square footage of the new auditorium versus square footage of the old. Mr. Finney explained that it was about the same. Using the old seats would definitely use less space. Mr. Twomey asked if Mr. Finney had a Schematic Estimate. Mr. Finney responded not yet. Mr. Stohlman asked about conversations with the neighbors. Dr. Delaney explained that several meetings have been held with the neighbors. There are no unaddressed issues at this date. Dr. Munnelly asked Mr. Finney to go over the time table. Mr.. Finney explained that the project goes from the design development phase to the construction document phase (6/1/95). From there it goes to the state for funding. The project then goes out for bid. Phase I of construction would go from the summer of 1995 to early summer of 1996, 10 months. During the summer of 1996 Phase II of the construction will begin and the existing building would be vacated so that asbestos work could begin. Mr. Finney received word late in the day on March 13, 1995 from Boston Gas Company that the cost to bring gas down Summer Avenue from Route 28 would be a cost that the Town of Reading would have to absorb. It was deemed too expensive. Any fuel savings would be offset by unrealistic start up costs. Mr. Cummings asked about a gas line at Joshua Eaton explaining that the gas line would have to come down Summer Avenue anyway. Mr. Finney responded that the gas pressure for Joshua Eaton is very different from the gas need for Parker. Mr. Twomey asked where the oil tank would be located. The oil tank could be located near the boiler room so deliveries could be made from the front yard but a final decision on location has not been made yet.