HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-09 ad Hoc - Killam School Building Committee Minutes07 � OrN
w Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
�y
LKOPe�P
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Permanent Building Committee
Date: 2026-02-09
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECEIVED
By AC at 9:12 am, Mar 17, 2026
Killam School Building Committee
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Conference Room
Session: Open Session
Version: Final
,... ...
Stapler, Nancy Twomey, and Cana Nazzaro.
Members - Not Present:
Pat Tompkins.
Others Present:
Colliers Project Director Mike Carroll, Colliers Project Manager Justin
Ferdenzi, LBA Project Manager Jenni Katajamald, LBA Architect Leigh
Sherwood
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Harani Kumaresh
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in -person in the Town Hall Conference Meeting Room and remotely
via zoom.
Call to order:
Chair Carla Nauaro called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Roll call attendance: Shawn Brandt, John Coate, Chris Haley, Klrk McCormick, Ed Ross, Greg
Stapler, Nancy Twomey, and Carla Nazzaro.
Public Comment:
No reports.
Liaison Reports:
Furniture Sit Test:
Chair Carla Nazzaro provided an update regarding the upcoming Furniture Sit Test event
scheduled at the Killam School gymnasium. The event will allow teachers and staff to
evaluate and test sample furniture that is being considered for the new school building.
Furniture vendors will bring a variety of classroom furniture, including chairs, desks,
dividers, and other classroom equipment, to allow staff to physically test the products and
provide feedback. The event will occur over two days, with an Initial session followed by
additional time for teachers to review the furniture options.
Page 1 1
MSBA Design Submission*
Justin Ferdenzi discussed the 90% Construction Document submission to the Massachusetts
School Building Authority (MSBA). Mike Carroll and Justin presented the 90% CD cost
estimate and noted that the reconciled construction estimate for the project was reported to
be approximately $91.2 million, excluding off -site add alternates. The overall project budget
submitted to the MSBA continues to carry a construction value of approximately $101
million, which Includes contingency allowances and other project costs. The Committee also
reviewed estimated costs associated with the previously discussed off -site Improvements
along Charles Street and Haverhill Street. These improvements remain proposed as add
alternates and are estimated to total approximately $1.5 million combined.
Jenni Katajamaki reported that the 90% design package represents a significant milestone
in the project and Includes the majority of architectural and engineering documentation
required for review. The package has already undergone multiple intemal reviews, including
review by the Owner's Project Manager (OPM), commissioning agents, and the design team.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Shawn Brandt, the Killam School
Building Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve submission of the 900/6 Construction
Documents to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
Proprietary Specification Items*
Jenni Katajamaki presented a list of proprietary specification Items proposed for the project.
These items include certain building systems or materials where a specific manufacturer or
product is recommended due to compatibility with project requirements, performance
considerations, or long -tens operational benefits.
Committee members discussed the proposed proprietary items and the rationale behind the
recommendations. The design team explained that the selections were based on technical
considerations, coordination with the building systems, and maintaining consistency with
other project components.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve accept the proprietary systems for Genetec,
Honeywell and Cores - Schlage Primus Everest as written by LBA for J. Warren
Killam Elementary School Project
Chris Haley asked whether any existing technology licenses from the current Killam School,
particularly related to security cameras and associated software licensing, could transfer to
the new building. Chris noted that In some systems, multi -year licensing agreements remain
valid even if cameras are replaced or relocated, which could potentially reduce future
licensing costs for the expanded system at the new facility.
The design team explained that while newer hardware such as cameras may sometimes be
removed from an existing building and redeployed elsewhere within the district, It is unlikely
that equipment from the current Killam School would be reused in the new building due to
the significantly larger security system planned. Additlonally, the Increased number of
cameras and access control systems in the new facility will likely require upgraded servers
and expanded licensing.
It was noted that the School District's IT Director, Julian, who has participated in project
technology meetings„ would be most familiar with the district's existing licensing
agreements. The project team agreed to follow up with the district's technology staff to
Page 12
determine whether any licenses could potentially carry over or be utilized elsewhere within
the district.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
Pill Financial Review*
Justin Ferdenzi presented the financial status of the project. The project currently maintains
a construction budget of approximately $101.5 million, with the overall project budget
totaling approximately $122.7 million Including contingencies. To date, several categories of
expenditures have been Incurred, including architectunal and engineering services as well as
administrative project costs.
Mike and Justin presented several proposals for services required during the construction
phase of the project, licluding peer ievew beivfc�, early puLu.crnent of electrical
switchgear, and construction materials testing.
The OPM recommended Forleaf to perform thlyd-party peer review services, including
building code review, structural steel peer review, and accessibility compliance review. The
Committee also reviewed proposals for early procurement of electrical switchgear
equipment due to long manufacturing lead times. The OPM recommended awarding the
package to Systems Contracting in the amount of $147,800, which represented the most
competitive proposal received.
The OPM then presented proposals for construction materials testing services, which will be
required throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications and
building codes. Pricing for these services was requested on a unit -cost basis for a range of
anticipated tests to allow for an apples -to -apples comparison among proposers. Based on
the proposals received, UfS was recommended as the lowest qualified proposer.
It was noted that approximately $54,000 is being committed at this time for testing
services, while the overall project budget Includes $400,000 allocated for materials testing.
Because testing is performed on a unit -price basis, the total amount expended may vary
depending on the number and type of tests required during construction.
During discussion, John Coote raised questions regarding certain clauses included in the
UTS proposal, including a non -compete provision and a hold -harmless clause. The project
team clarified that these provisions were not included in the Town's contract documents and
will not be Incorporated Into the final agreement.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve a commitment to Daily Times Chronicle in the
amount of $1,372.00 for Advertisement for 7. Warren Killam Elementary School
Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to accept the OPM's recommendation for 4LEAF contract to
do the Structural and Code peer review for 1. Warren Killam Elementary School
Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
Page 13
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted B-0-0 to accept the OPM's recommendation for Systems
Contracting to do the early package for J. Warren Killam Elementary School
Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to accept the OPM's recommendation for UTS Contract to
do the Materials Testing for J. Warren Killam Elementary School Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
-Committee-voted--8-0- -Invoice No. 25-9KKU-1al
amount of $350.00 for J. Warren Killam Elementary School Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzam - Yes.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve LBA Invoice No. 23076 in the total amount of
$505,083.50 for J. Warren Killam Elementary School Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve Daily Times Chronicle Invoices No. 251246,
251246, 251247, 251305 and 260087 in the total amount of $1,372.00 for J.
Warren Killam Elementary School Project.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coate - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
Justin noted the current forecast continues to track only the anticipated costs associated
with the parking lot contract, the reading clerk's salary and the potential cost for the Tax
Consultant. Cash flow was reviewed, with expenditure currently slightly below projected
billings. As additional Invoices are processed in the coming months, spending is expected to
align with the projected cash flow trend. Overall, the project remains on track and within
the anticipated budget parameters.
CPL Schedule Update
Justin Ferdenzi provided an update on the project schedule. The project is currently at the
90% Construction Document submission, which the Committee voted to approve for
submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The next milestone will
be the 100% Construction Document submission, anticipated for review and approval at the
March 30, 2026 meeting.
The Committee also noted the early procurement of electrical switchgear, which was
approved earlier in the meeting due to extended manufacturing lead times. Delivery of the
equipment is anticipated in April 2027 to align with the construction schedule.
The project team reported that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for general
contractors and subcontractors is currently underway. Qualifications are due through
BidDocs on February 27, 2026, after which the project team will review submissions and
Page 1 4
establish a list of prequalifled contractors. Following the prequaliflcatlon process, the
construction bidding phase will begin. Filed Sub -Bids are scheduled to be due on May 6,
2026, and General Contractor bids are scheduled to be due on May 19, 2026.
Mike Carroll noted that once a contractor is selected, the Notice of Award and contract
execution are expected to occur within the tlmeframe required under Massachusetts
procurement statutes. It was also noted that the project team has conducted outreach to
several contractors to Inform them of the upcoming procurement opportunity and encourage
participation in the bidding process.
Following contract award, the project team will coordinate with the selected contractor
regarding mobilization timing. While mobilization timing will ultimately depend on the
contractor's schedule, it Is anticipated that site mobilization will likely occur after the school
year concludes to minimize disruption to students and school operations.
Mike Carroll noted that a site walk will be scheduled during the bidding phase rather than
during the prectralificatio , ocess. Tire site walk will allow Interested contiactom to review
existing site conditions prior to submitting bids. The project team will coordinate with school
administration to schedule the visit, likely on a Friday afternoon after school dismissal, to
minimize disruption. The final date will be included in the project specifications.
Approval of Prior Meetina Minutes (01/20/261 *
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to accept the meeting minutes of January 20, 2026.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
Future Agenda Items & Next Meeting Dates
Carla Nazzaro confirmed that the next KSBC meetings will be held on Monday, March 16'
and March 30'h. The March XLT meeting will take place on Monday, March 09th. No
additional agenda items were proposed.
Adiourn*
On a motion by Nancy Twomey, seconded by Ed Ross, the Killam School Building
Committee voted 8-0-0 to adjourn at 8:00 pm.
Roll call vote: Shawn Brandt - Yes; John Coote - Yes; Chris Haley - Yes; Kirk McCormick -
Yes; Ed Ross - Yes; Greg Stepler- Yes; Nancy Twomey - Yes; Carla Nazzaro - Yes.
Page 1 5