Field project and HVAC updates highlight wetlands, setbacks and long lead times

Facilities staff told the school committee that rooftop air-handling units and HVAC components are in a procurement package with an estimated six-month lead time and that roofing and schematic documents should be finalized by the end of the month to go to bid. For the proposed front-field complex, the presenters said wetland delineations appear on parts of the proposed track (including near the 10-yard line), and that setbacks to private property lines, ADA-parking grade constraints and sewer access could require mitigation, zoning variances and coordination with municipal boards.

A vendor quote for certain track equipment was cited at roughly $50,000; staff said some purchases might be made separately rather than bundled into the major construction bid to limit contractor markup. Facilities staff also described options for concession placement, bleacher location, and potential need for conservation and zoning approvals. The projected schedule presented assumes a bid period in late April–early May, contractor selection in late May–early June and construction starting after school ends, with front-field construction expected to run approximately June 2026 through August or September 2027.

On other capital items, staff described an anticipated 48-week lead time for a district generator (pointing to a possible 2027 install), ongoing corrections to building-management-system installations at three schools, and a state grant-funded door-access project that must be completed by June 30. Committee members asked for follow-up meetings with town conservation and planning boards and for a standalone session to resolve field-site options.

Next steps: staff will contact conservation, planning and zoning boards to identify necessary variances and permitting steps and schedule follow-up meetings to refine bid-ready documents.