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Building committee selects Vertex as OPM; initial roof and HVAC estimates come in under budget
Summary
The Mendon‑Upton building committee recommended Vertex as the owner’s project manager for building and fields projects and reported roof and HVAC cost estimates roughly $6.4 million — under earlier budget projections near $10 million. Committee members discussed transformer, switchgear and solar‑readiness requirements.
The Mendon‑Upton building committee updated the School Committee on capital projects: it selected Vertex as the owner’s project manager (OPM) for the building/fields project and began contract fee negotiations.
Committee members said Vertex provided draft timelines and fee proposals for the initial design and construction phases, and discussions will continue about the level of on‑site coverage required during busy summer construction months.
Architect and OPM cost estimates for roof replacement and HVAC equipment were presented at approximately $6.4 million, described by presenters as coming in ‘‘under budget’’ compared with a planning estimate near $10 million. The committee discussed the potential to replace roof decking and add insulation — a supplemental option estimated at about $1.5 million — which, if added, would still leave the project below the previously planned maximum.
Committee members also discussed energy and equipment considerations: the roof design must be solar‑ready; the transformer replacement and the question of whether an upgraded transfer switch could also function as switchgear (potentially offsetting costs) remain under review. The committee noted potential grant funding through Green Communities programs and possible rebates for heat‑pump systems may offset some costs.
Members framed current market conditions as favorable for municipal bidders because private construction is slow, potentially improving bid competitiveness. No vote to enter into a final OPM contract was recorded at the meeting; the committee continues to negotiate fees and final scope.
