Key Dates

• December 17 – Submit plans to the Planning Board
• January 5 – Board of Education – Public Hearing for Bond Resolution
• January 6 - Architectural Design Review Commission
• January 8 – Building Committee meeting
• January 15 – Submit Alteration of Terrain permit
• January 21 - Planning Board Review
• April 1 - 60% Construction Documents & Early Bid Package
• May 1 - 60% Cost Estimate
• August – 100% Construction Documents

Building Committee Meeting Notes – December 4, 2025

Agenda – HMFH Presentation

1. PV Procurement Update
2. Main Street Design Development
3. Media Center Design
4. Career Pathway Spaces (Food Tech, Wood Shop, Robotics)
5. Budget & Schedule Updates
6. Traffic & Pedestrian Access
7. Other

Discussion Highlights

1. PV Procurement
   • Moving forward with solar panel procurement to be eligible for ITC tax credit
   • Safe harbor requires purchasing 5–10% of panels by Dec 31
   • Goal: Maximize rooftop installation; minimize canopy
   • Estimated tax credit: ~30% of $5M budget (~$1.5M)
2. Main Street Design
   • Cafeteria centrally located; defined with low walls and benches
   • Ramp designed for accessibility and multiple gathering zones
   • Acoustic concerns addressed with soft surfaces and rated partitions
   • Storage planned under ramp and in adjacent rooms
3. Media Center
   • Located on second floor above entry; accommodates two classes
   • Includes maker space, recording studio, tech help desk
   • Daylighting studies underway; shades planned for glare control
4. Career Pathway Spaces
   • Food Tech Classroom: Fully independent kitchen, flexible for events and programs
   • Wood Shop: Flexible layout, outdoor access, dust collection under review
   • Robotics Classroom: Adjustable tables, computer stations, storage solutions
5. Budget & Schedule
   • Next cost estimate at 60% design due April 1
   • Final drawings by August
   • Loan resolution hearing scheduled for January 5; financing options under review
   • Geothermal test well completed; report expected by year-end
6. Traffic & Pedestrian Access
   • Transportation engineer engaged; study includes pedestrian and bike access
   • Planning Board courtesy review in January
7. Other
   • Met with city representatives from the fire and police departments to share safety plans and get feedback
   • The CPT test has been completed, results are expected by the end of the year

Action Items

• Complete PV procurement by Dec 31
• Continue teacher input sessions for design details
• Provide utility cost comparison at next meeting
• Finalize traffic/pedestrian study for Planning Board review
• Prepare for 60% design submission by April 1

Resources

Middle School Project webpage: Middle School Project

This page includes the school building aid application, the full 2022 Preliminary Design Study and documents, reports and presentations by year.

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