Committee approves $1.87 million payment package, tech and FF&E purchases

The Norwood Middle School Building Committee on Monday approved the monthly invoice package for the project and voted to authorize additional technology and FF&E purchases.

The committee approved the monthly owner and project-management invoices and subcontractor pay application for a grand total of $1,867,574.17. The committee took a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous approval.

Included in the monthly package were: Vertex (owner’s project manager) monthly services and an IDS invoice for building automation totaling $105,039.95; AI3 architectural invoices totaling $15,303.73; W.T. Rich application for payment No. 28 for $1,604,107.38; technology purchases charged against the technology budget totaling $39,560.09 (including vape sensors and other requested items); and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) purchases totaling $103,126.18. The FF&E figure included a delayed Fisher Scientific delivery for science labs, floor scrubbers (~$20,000) and a grand piano (~$20,000).

Separately, the committee approved three additional technology items — an Owl camera, a computer table and smart screen covers — totaling $21,294.36. The technology motion passed on unanimous roll-call.

Budget context: staff reported the overall project has committed $138.3 million of a $150 million authorization, with $127.05 million spent to date and about $11.6 million remaining in the capital budget. The committee also noted MSBA reimbursement activity: $127.9 million in costs submitted to the MSBA, $75.3 million eligible, and $40.9 million received to date.

The committee approved minutes from the Sept. 15 meeting and several routine FF&E and technology transfers and authorizations by unanimous votes.