Committee on Joint School Buildings: Hillside and McLaughlin work advances; Southside and Parkside mobilize

The Committee on Joint School Buildings on Oct. 14 heard that construction on the Group 1 schools — Hillside and McLaughlin — has moved into foundation and roof work while Group 2 mobilization began this weekend at Southside and Parkside.

Left Field representatives said a guaranteed maximum price contract for Group 1 (Hillside and McLaughlin) has been executed and that site work, including footings and walls, has started. Mark (Left Field) reported procurement for Group 1 is “at 96” and that McLaughlin roof work is underway while Hillside roof work is preparing to start. He said foundation gang formwork at Hillside “has gone exceptional” and that controlled soils removal remaining is small and being managed by the construction manager Consigli.

The update noted Group 2 design work reached the 75% construction-document stage and, during the meeting, presenters said Group 2 work had progressed to about 90% in reconciliation and estimate. The committee was told the construction schedule for Beach Street School was finalized in the prior 30 days and Beach Street mobilization is planned for February; Left Field said the team is working toward an award for the Beach Street contract.

Why it matters: the committee’s oversight role includes schedule, budget and site coordination while multiple schools are active at once. Committee members asked for details about noise mitigation, energy-efficiency elements and public information about invoices and project photos.

Details and next steps Left Field and SMMA reported ongoing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection coordination and that the ERV (energy-recovery-ventilation) work for the modular units is complete; only programming and balancing remain, the team said. Consigli has been scheduling weekend and vacation-period work to recover or preserve schedule; presenters said Consigli recovered roughly a week and a half on Group 1 via a schedule-recovery activity with S & F Concrete.

On energy and envelope improvements, presenters said the projects include new insulated windows, improved insulation levels in additions and roofs designed to meet code; the buildings will be set up to support future rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations but PV is not part of the current contract scope.

Budgeting and documents Presenters showed an overall-budget screenshot and said the projects remain within the authorized budget; the September invoice package was still under district review and was expected to be approved in time for the next check release, after which it will be added to the committee’s report and the project website. Left Field said weekly photos and progress pages are available for Group 1 sites and that Group 2 site photo pages are coming soon.

Safety and site logistics Committee members were briefed on site logistics for mobilization. Construction trailers have arrived at Southside, site fencing and signage are scheduled, bus and parking plans have been coordinated with principals, and fencing to isolate construction from students is planned to be installed. Presenters said the team is working with city traffic staff on pedestrian improvements along Beach Street, including a rapid-flashing beacon to help crossers access the park across Beach Street.

Votes at a glance The committee voted to accept Left Field’s monthly status and financial report for September, to be forwarded to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Board of School Committee for informational purposes. Motion: “To accept the monthly status and financial report submitted by Left Field.” Moved by Committee member Turner; seconded by Chairman Theriault. Outcome: approved (voice vote: ayes; no recorded roll-call tally).