Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-27 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session March 27. 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Griset called the regular session to order at 6:10 in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were Mrs. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. The purpose of the meeting is to interview three architectural firms a second time for the high school project. Mr. Griset welcomed Mr. Bowen from Flansburgh Associates. Mr. Bowen stated in order to better answer the questions; he put together a presentation. Mr. Pierce spoke about the team concept at Flansburgh. They each had at least fifteen years experience. - The high school would be ready to open at the start of school in 2006. Mr. Bowen stated there would be many skylights. Students do better with natural sun light. The gallery will organize the school. We would have a first class auditorium. The media center would be alive with technology. The high school is driven from the elementary schools up not from the high school down as it once was. The firm would employ strategies to control mold and moisture. Mr. Tomlinson spoke about the phasing collaboration process. Mr. Griset thanked them for their presentation and asked if there were any questions from the committee. Mr. Griset stated that the evaluation sheets need to be completed. Mr. McFadden asked how many high schools have they done. Mr. Bowen stated 52 high schools. Mr. McFadden asked if their estimators were internal or external.. Mr. Bowen said they used Atkins and Hanscom. They do the same estimating as a contractor would. It is an independent opinion. They have estimated 39 schools in the past years and were very accurate. Mr. McFadden asked how many projects of this size have you worked on together. Mr. Bowen stated they worked on the Triton project together. Mr. McFadden suggested that Mr. Bowen should be an architect registered in the state of Massachusetts. Mr. Bowen stated that he has a master's degree in architecture from MIT, and all the plans were drawn by registered architects. Mr. McFadden asked if computers were covered under the SBA reimbursement. Mr. Bowen stated that they could be included were but suggested that we would be better off to invest in the infrastructure instead of something that has only a two -year life span. Mrs. Cavicchi asked how long we would be without the auditorium. Mr. Tomilson stated that we would not be without the auditorium at all. Regular Session 2 March 27, 2003 Mr. Dahl stated he was interested in the amount of experience Flansburgh had, as well as security and communications. Mr. Bowen told him the administration would have to decide on the security at the high school. The high school currently has 86 doors. The needs of users will have to be addressed. Cameras in schools do not stop vandalism. Mr: Griset asked if there were anymore questions. He thanked them for coming. He called for a minute recess at 7:20. Mr. Griset called the meeting back to order at 7:33. Mr. Grist welcomed The Design Partnership of Cambridge. Mr. Finney expressed their enthusiasm for the project. They were the architects at Parker Middle School. They have a level of experience on projects of this magnitude. Mr. Hoffses gave an overview of phasing. Ms. Shadley gave an overview of the landscape design. There was discussion of a mold issue at Westboro High School. The area is contained like you would contain asbestos and then treated. Mr. Pelleriti stated they need to use durable goods in the construction process, goods that do not absorb moisture. He too agreed that the plans were excellent. Mr. Vogel stated that they were so excited about the work that they could not help themselves from working on the project. Reading is your quintessential small town. The high school would be the flagship of the Town. We are very good listeners. We have good recent appropriate experience and there is no reason why we cannot do it again. Every school should have it's own learning signature. Mr. Finney stated that security in extremely important especially after school hours. It can be looked at and solved by technology or looked at by passive design. You need to avoid dead end corridors. He stated they could meet the June 1, 2003 SBA submittal deadline. Mr. Griset thanked them for their presentation and then asked if any members had questions. Mr. Russo asked who the principal in charge would be. Mr. Finney stated he would be the principal in charge. Keith Hoffses would be the project manager. Mr. Vogel would be the project architect. Mr. Russo asked about years of experience. Mr. Finney stated that it was from two to eighteen years. Mr. Russo asked about any new ideas. Mr. Vogel stated the need for a center spine, better lighting and heat, a better auditorium and better phasing. Mr. Russo asked about communication. They would report weekly to the School Committee. Regular Session 3 March 27, 2003 There was discussion regarding electronic security. Mr. McFadden asked if they have done any high schools that have similarities to Reading. Mr. Finney stated Reading is unique. Westboro is similar in size with the same mix of old and new. The scale in square feet is almost the same. Mr. McFadden asked what is the biggest obstacle if they were to get the job. Mr. Finney stated that the bridge is not an ideal solution. Mr. McFadden asked if there was enough money budgeted for the asbestos removal. Mr. Hoffses stated to remove all of the asbestos is cheaper than doing it in sections. The asbestos removal cost is in the demolition budget. Mr. Russo asked how many high school renovations or newly constructed high schools have you built in the last five years. Mr. Finney stated seven. Mr. Griset thanked them for their presentation. At 8:35 he stated there would be a five- minute recess. At 8:45 Mr. Griset called the meeting back to order. He welcomed Strekolovsky and Hoit. They gave a brief presentation. They are all registered architects in the state of Massachusetts. They brought their support staff. The three areas they wished to cover were a cost- effective design, educational programming and the true cost of ownership. These are proven strategies to protect your investment. Mr. Walter stated that the main street moves 1300 students around the school. Mr. Walter stated that they have worked on 150 schools and they have determined that mold problems are either design related, maintenance related or energy conservation related. If you have a moist environment you will have mold. Mr. Griset thanked them for their presentation. Mr. McFadden asked about long term operating costs. Did they recommend how many custodians the high school should have per square foot. Mr. Raymond stated they would have to bring in a consultant to make that determination. Mr. McFadden asked if we would need more custodians during construction. Mr. Walter told him not necessarily. Mr. McFadden asked if they could foresee any issues during construction. Mr. Raymond stated they would build the school according to the plans and specifications. Mr. McFadden asked if they were in favor of the catwalk. Mr. Walter stated the catwalk would need some tweaking. Mr. Raymond stated that the design process works best when there is input from both sides. Mr. Twomey suggested they did not answer the questions asked. What ideas did they have for the cafeteria and science labs? How would they treat the gallery? Regular Session 4 March 27, 2003 Mr. Walter stated that the library is the academic center or heart/ pulse of the school. Its primary purpose is to disseminate information out to the school. The cafeteria is the social center where students gather and refuel. The auditorium is the cultural center for theater drama and music. The field house is the athletic center where students learn teamwork and leadership. The science labs are technology spaces. The main street can have conference rooms off of it. These are exciting spaces. Mr. Dahl asked if they could meet the June 1, 2003 SBA submittal date. They stated they could. Mr. Griset stated the Superintendent would be in touch with the three firms. Mr. Griset thanked them for their presentation. At 9:40 he stated there would be a five - minute recess. At 9:50 Mr. Griset called the meeting back to order. BILLS AND PAYROLL There were no bills and payrolls. There was discussion regarding the three firms. Mr. Dahl stated they were all capable. Each firm looked at the project differently. Some have more experience than others do but they are all qualified. Flansburgh had educational expertise. The Design Partnership of Cambridge stressed the importance of durable materials. Strekalovsky and Hoit stressed cost - effective design. Mrs. Cavicchi stated that Flansburgh made a better presentation this week compared to last week. The Design Partnership people were extremely organized and extremely enthusiastic. They are familiar with the Reading community we could use their experience in cost control. Mr. McFadden stated that it seems as if The Design Partnership already has the project. They are moving forward. He stated his concern with Flansburgh having two or more projects in Reading. He said it is better to diversify. Mr: Russo expressed his concerns about Mr. Bowen not being a registered architect in the state of Massachusetts and Mr. Pierce having experience working on only two high schools. He was concerned also about Flansburgh working on three projects in Reading. Diversity would be better. Mr. Twomey stated that Strekalovsky & Hoit was non - responsive to the questions and had to be prompted. The Design Partnership and Flansburgh described specific ideas. Strekalovsky & Hoit were the least experienced. Mr. Twomey expressed his disappointment with Strekalovsky & Hoit. The Design Partnership and Flansburgh were similar in the issues they addressed. Their styles were different, but they said the same things. He went on to say that The Design Partnership went further into the plans and did a better job evaluating our needs. The Design Regular Session 5 March 27, 2003 Partnership showed strength, ability and understanding of what the School Building Committee really wanted. Mr. Griset stated that he was impressed with Strekalovsky & Hoit knowing that they were third invited to the dance. He stated Mr. Bowen from Flansburgh did an excellent job. The Design Partnership showed such enthusiasm. Mr. Griset asked the Committee if there were any more comments. CITIZEN'S INPUT Mrs. Phillips wanted to know if Flansburgh had a fixed fee or not on the elementary school project. She spoke about the elementary project. Mr. Dahl reminded her that the discussion tonight pertained to the high school project. Linda Nadeau stated she worked for a consultant that defended Flansburgh with a water barrier issue in Everett. She stated it was costing the City of Everett a fortune. Mr. Phillips requested that the School Committee recuse Mr. Twomey from voting because Mrs. Bowen worked at his firm. He stated Mr. Twomey was unethical, dishonest and under handed. If Mr. Twomey voted it would not be in the best interest of the Town. Mr. Griset stated that he has known Mr. Twomey for twelve years and he has been nothing but ethical and forthright. Mr. Griset stated that he took exception to the comments of Mr. Phillips. Mr. Dahl stated that he has known Mr. Twomey for twelve years also. He stated he has never met a more ethical person. He-stated that he resented the suspicion that Mr. Phillips verbally tossed. Mr. Phillip's comment was scandalous and almost libelous. Mr. Twomey thanked everyone for his or her comments. He stated that the hiring occurred after the School Building Committee hired Flansburgh to do the feasibility study. There is no conflict of interest here. Dr. Harutunian stated that this is Mr. Twomey's last School Committee meeting. He is one of the best architects.and attorneys in the northeast. He has donated anywhere from ten to fifteen hours per week for twelve years to the children of Reading. He has given the Town twelve years of stellar service. Mr. Russo stated Mr. Twomey was a very valuable person on the School Committee. He did not believe there is any conflict of interest. Mr. Griset already submitted this situation to the Ethics Commission. The matter complies with all the rules. Regular Session 6 March 27, 2003 Mr. McFadden gave an apology and stated Mr. Twomey deserved better than this. Superintendent Harutunian made a telephone call to Town Council. He stated that he was told that as long as Mr. Twomey receives no financial gain from the employment of Mrs. Bowen there is no conflict of interest. Mr. Dahl made a motion for the Reading School Committee to move forward with The Design Partnership of Cambridge. Mrs. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1. Mrs. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo voting for and Mr. Twomey voting against. Mr. Dahl made a second motion for the Reading School Committee to move forward with The Design Partnership of Cambridge. Mrs. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0. Mrs. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Twomey Mr. Russo stated that The Design Partnership of Cambridge was the better choice. Dr. Harutunian stated that all evaluation sheets must be turned in. Mr. Griset thanked Mr. Twomey for everything he has brought to the Reading School Committee, his enthusiasm, and his honor. Mrs. Cavicchi thanked Mr. Twomey. He is a friend and a colleague. He has always been a kind and attentive listener. He has been a real pleasure to work with. He has an acute and keen mind. He will be sorely missed. Mrs. Cavicchi stated that she was sorry that aspersions were cast against Mr. Twomey. Dr. Harutunian stated that Mr. Twomey was a great friend. The Town could never pay Mr. Twomey for his contribution to the Town. Mr. Dahl explained how he met Mr. Twomey when he was running for School Committee. Mr. Twomey suggested that he just try it. Everything Mr. Twomey did was in the best interest of Reading School children. He thanked Mr. Twomey. Mr. Twomey thanked everyone again for his or her kind words. He stated that the time he served gave him tremendous satisfaction. He always kept the best interest of the kids at heart. It has been a great learning experience for him. At 10.50 Mr. Twomey made a motion to adiourn. Mrs. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mrs. Cavicchi. Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Twomey Respectfully Submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools