QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FACILITIES, SECURITY & TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE
MEETING
A meeting of
the Facilities, Security & Transportation Subcommittee was held on March 29,
2023 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building.
Present were Subcommittee member Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mr. Frank Santoro,
and Mr. Doug Gutro, Subcommittee Chair.
Also present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School
Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, and Mrs. Emily Lebo; Superintendent
Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr.
Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Larry
Taglieri, Ms. Heather Wojcik; Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines; and Ms.
Laura Owens, Clerk.
Public
Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines presented an update on the DeCristofaro
Learning Center project, sharing the architect’s renderings for the building
exterior, playground, parking, and safety enhancements for the drop-off area
for buses. Commissioner Hines also
shared interior photos of the building taken today and updated that substantial
completion is scheduled for October 2023.
Supply chain issues have led to some delays in the availability of
materials, including windows. The
furniture, fixtures, and equipment procurement process is underway. There will be a full kitchen in the facility
and bathrooms in every classroom.
Mr. Bregoli asked
and received confirmation that this building will have air conditioning, it is
intended for year-round use.
Commissioner
Hines clarified that substantial completion of the building would mean work
would still be ongoing. Given the needs of
the students attending the programs scheduled for the building, Mayor Koch and
Superintendent Mulvey agreed that Fall 2024 is the likely full operational date
for the Learning Center, with some usage in summer 2024.
Commissioner
Hines then updated on the projects in process with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority (MSBA). For the
Accelerated Repair Program, Quincy has three projects beginning the Feasibility
Study/Schematic Design phase: Montclair
Elementary School, a partial roof replacement and possible parapet wall
re-pointing and Wollaston Elementary School, partial roof replacement, both anticipated
to be completed in Summer 2024. The Parker
Elementary School will receive a completely new boiler room, all fixtures and
components in Summer 2025. The MSBA has
assigned an Owner’s Project Manager (Anser Advisory) and Design (TSK) firms for
these projects, negotiations for contracts are underway.
For the MSBA
Core Project for Squantum Elementary School, the OPM will be PCA 360 (previously
worked on South~West Middle School and currently on the DeCristofaro Learning
Center). The Designer Selection process
is underway, three strong responses to the RFP and the city is scheduled for an
April 11 Design Selection meeting with the MSBA. Vice Chair Santoro, Superintendent Mulvey,
Commissioner Hines will review the submissions next week with the OPM and
Principal Sylvia.
Mr. Bregoli
asked about issues with the windows at Montclair. Commissioner Hines said that there is a list
of issues with springs and functionality which have largely been resolved, one
window is still waiting for parts.
Commissioner
Hines reviewed the Facilities needs requested in the School Improvement Plans,
some are ongoing replacements such as the North Quincy High School carpet and
tiles, which is still in process. In
addition, there have been many projects completed outside the School
Improvement Plan process. There has been
a focus on asbestos removal over the last few years, Wollaston and Bernazzani
Elementary Schools are completely asbestos-free, Montclair is in process. Water testing in 2018 showed some issues with
lead in faucets and fountains, there has been systematic replacement of water
service piping at Lincoln Hancock. Funding
for additional projects will be requested in the upcoming Capital Improvement
Plan.
Mr. Gutro
asked about testing for PCBs in window caulking. Commissioner Hines said that whenever a
window project is done, there is an assumption and the removal and disposal
Mr. Santoro
thanked Commissioner Hines for his focus on the school buildings, School
Committee does not have to weigh the budget for educational needs vs.
facilities priorities.
For the
Capital Plan update, there is a draft plan that contains projects for North
Quincy High School (ceiling tiles, carpet, LED lighting); replacement for light
fixtures at Quincy High School; masonry restoration for Montclair, Snug Harbor;
elevator for Snug Harbor; additional asbestos abatement and related
construction following abatement; and a complete renovation of North Quincy
High School auditorium.
Mr. Bregoli
asked about the recent incident in the NQHS auditorium, Commissioner Hines said
a cartridge fuse burned out/disintegrated and gave off smoke.
Mr. Gutro
asked if all capital projects in the School Improvement Plans are accounted for
in the draft Capital Improvement Plan and Commissioner Hines confirmed. Outside the scope of Public Buildings is the
request for a Pre-Kindergarten playground as this would be a Parks Department
project.
Mr. Gutro
asked about the $7,000,000 allocated by City Council for school projects in
2022. Point Webster boilers is in the
design process, Clifford Marshall boilers are completed, NQHS boilers are in
the design process, QHS gymnasium circulation fans in the procurement stage;
Broad Meadows auditorium is in the final punch list stage.
Mr. Gutro
asked about the Feasibility Study for school building needs, Commissioner Hines
said funding for this is included in the draft Capital Improvement Plan.
Commissioner
Hines reviewed that for elementary schools, there is a desire to move towards
kitchens so that food can be prepared at each school. In many cases, this would require capital
construction and sequencing for priorities.
For Wollaston, Commissioner Hines is hoping to get some funding from the
MSBA towards expanding the Food Service areas (a foundation was already
poured). The other priority is Lincoln
Hancock, Commissioner Hines confirmed that a design is underway. Superintendent Mulvey noted that there may be
funding available from the Food Services revolving account.
Mrs. Lebo
asked for further discussion on the use of the Della Chiesa Early Childhood
Center once the Learning Center opens.
Commissioner Hines noted that the ECC building needs extensive HVAC
work, a design is underway.
Mr. Gutro
asked Commissioner Hines to share the draft Capital Improvement Plan when it is
ready for review.
Mrs. Lebo
thanked Commissioner Hines for his focus on the school buildings.
Mayor Koch thanked
the Public Buildings staff members, they are responsible for the safe operation
of all city buildings, in addition to schools.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn at 6:45 pm, seconded by Mr.
Santoro. On a voice vote, the ayes have
it.