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Medford council approves first reading of $5 million loan order to start school HVAC and roof work
Summary
The Medford City Council voted 6-1 on Dec. 17 to approve a first reading of a $5,000,000 loan order to begin design, early purchases and preconstruction for HVAC and roof work at two city schools; the full project is expected to be about $25 million and will return for later votes.
The Medford City Council on Dec. 17 approved a first reading of a $5,000,000 loan order to start work on HVAC and roof repairs at the McGlynn and Andrews schools, taking the first formal step in a project school officials estimate will total about $25 million.
Director of Public Buildings Alicia Hunt and Assistant Superintendent P. Cushing told the council the city needs to order long-lead mechanical equipment and finish design work early to meet a timetable that would make air conditioning available in classrooms by next August. Tom Ellis, the owner's project manager, said some HVAC components face 16-to-20-week lead times and that early purchase is the principal rationale for the $5 million request.
Why it matters: The council and school committee framed the work as a safety, health and educational imperative after years of failing systems. The school committee voted 7-0 in support at its meeting the night before; councilors pressed for a Committee of the Whole in early January to review details before the third reading and full appropriation vote.
Council debate: Councilor Scarpelli argued for delaying any vote to review the city's broader capital plan and borrowing capacity, saying approving money now without clarity on the remaining $20 million would be irresponsible. Vice President Collins and several other councilors said timing is urgent because of equipment lead times and inflation risks, and moved to approve first reading while scheduling a January committee session for deeper review.
Public input and next steps: Members of the public asked where technical documents and feasibility studies are posted; officials said the feasibility study is on the school committee website and schematic design materials will be posted to the district construction page. Councilors passed the motion to approve the first reading 6-1. Staff said they expect to return with additional appropriation requests in late March or April for the remainder of the project; a third reading (final council vote) will follow the required advertising period.
