Millis School Building Committee authorizes 30% design submission to MSBA; project remains on budget

The Town of Millis School Building Committee voted April 15 to authorize the owner’s project manager to submit the 30% design development package to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), after presenters said independent cost estimates align and the project remains within the committee’s budget.

“Good news is we’re on budget,” Jeff said as he reviewed the two independent estimates showing a direct construction cost of about $75.8 million and an all‑in total near $98 million, including contingencies, escalation and insurance. He told the committee the estimators and a third reviewer are in alignment on the bottom‑line projection.

The nut of the decision: the committee approved forwarding the design development submission to the MSBA so the project can proceed to the next statutory review phase. Chair Rich moved the authorization; another member seconded and the motion was approved with unanimous assent. Jeff told members the design documents will be issued to the MSBA the following day.

Why it matters: MSBA review is a key step that preserves the town’s schedule toward construction milestones and informs final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) procurement. Committee members pressed for clarity on several risk points before approving the submission, including escalation assumptions, scope alternates and site logistics.

Key details discussed

- Escalation and contingencies: Committee members questioned carrying a 3.3% escalation and were told that rate is reasonable now and will be reassessed at the next estimate milestone, when more market data are available.

- Alternates and add‑backs: Jeff said several items (an acid neutralizer, some security add-ons, and photovoltaic systems) are being tracked as alternates or carried elsewhere in the budget; he noted the acid neutralizer remains an open plumbing‑inspector issue but could be absorbed within current contingency if required.

- Site phasing and parking: The updated phasing plan shows a March 2027 ground breaking. The design team outlined temporary parking and laydown options and warned of low, poorly drained areas near the brook; members asked the team to coordinate truck movement and athletic access as the team finalizes logistics.

- Radon provisions: The design team reported 10 radon tests in the existing building found no reportable levels. Instead of installing a full sub‑slab mitigation system now (an estimated large cost), the plans will include vertical chases so a fan and mitigation system can be added later if future testing requires it.

Votes at a glance

- Authorization to submit 30% design development package to MSBA: motion moved by Chair Rich and seconded; passed unanimously. - Approval of Vertex invoice (March): $31,700; motion passed unanimously. - Approval of Tapay (progress) invoice (March): $341,807.50 (includes a $1,700 LEED registration reimbursable); motion passed unanimously. - Approval of March 18 minutes: motion passed unanimously.

What’s next

The design and construction team will deliver a calendar and topics for the 60% construction documents at the committee’s next meeting, tentatively scheduled for May 20. The team will also provide samples and alternates for finishes and return with refined pricing for committee decisions in May or June.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the design and construction teams and administration of routine invoices and minutes.