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Haverhill council approves $300,000 schematic-design and $1.2 million feasibility appropriations tied to MSBA applications
Summary
The council approved a $300,000 loan order for schematic design of a new roof at Silver Hill Elementary and a $1.2 million loan order for a Whittier Middle School feasibility study, both steps in seeking MSBA grant funding.
The Haverhill City Council voted Tuesday to authorize two loan orders to advance school capital projects and to position the city for possible Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funding.
The council approved a $300,000 appropriation to conduct schematic design work for roof replacement at Silver Hill Elementary School (675 Washington St.). The ballot language states the appropriation may be funded through borrowing under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44 or Chapter 70B and acknowledges the MSBA’s grant program is discretionary; any city costs exceeding a future MSBA grant would be the city’s responsibility. The vote passed 9–1–1 (Councilor Rogers recorded the lone nay; one member absent).
Councilors asked whether the roof schematic would include provisions for solar panels. City and school officials advised that the Silver Hill submission to the MSBA is for a roof-only project and that MSBA funding rules and the project pipeline make it unlikely solar could be incorporated under this scope; the superintendent said solar consideration is more common when an entire school building project is under review.
The council also authorized a $1.2 million loan order to fund a feasibility study related to repair, replacement or addition at John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School (256 Concord St.). The order directs the city treasurer, with council approval, to borrow under M.G.L. Chapter 44 and/or Chapter 70B. The loan order text reiterates that the MSBA’s grant program is discretionary and that any costs beyond a grant award would be the city’s obligation. That vote passed 10–0–1.
Superintendent (Haverhill Public Schools) and facilities staff said the feasibility study and schematic work are required steps in the MSBA process; school facilities staff were referenced repeatedly as part of the team that will manage design and bidding. Council members pressed for fiscal prudence: they said the city will seek competitive bids and attempt to minimize design costs when possible.
Ending: The council approved both appropriations to move the projects forward in the MSBA pipeline; officials said they will pursue standard bid and procurement steps and that they may seek grant funding from the MSBA to offset local borrowing costs.
