Building committee approves Stony Brook study amendment, keeps project on budget

The Robinson School Building Committee voted May 12 to authorize additional design work to carry the Stony Brook site option through schematic design, approving a time-sensitive amendment so traffic counts can be collected before the school year ends.

The committee approved a motion to pay $63,525 for Amendment 1 — which consultants said covers geotechnical borings, traffic study, environmental review, mapping and related subconsultant work — after staff explained the cost fits within the current feasibility-phase budget. Brian, the project representative, told the committee the amendment aligns with the original proposal pricing and would allow traffic counts while school is in session.

“That additional services was $63,005.25,” Brian said when describing the consultant proposal; the motion carried after committee discussion and a voice vote. The committee’s packet notes the amendment’s backing documentation and the consultant’s subconsultant pricing; staff said they would draft the formal amendment and circulate it for processing.

Committee members pressed for clarity on reimbursement and scope. Lindsay asked whether the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) would reimburse a third site if the team carried three sites through PDP; Brian said MSBA typically reimburses eligible site-investigation costs and that the district should be able to use much of the existing information the MSBA will accept.

The town and consultants expect the feasibility budget to remain sufficient. Brian reported the project is running slightly under budget through April with approximately $85,000 uncommitted and a forecasted credit from finalizing certain subcontract estimates. He told the committee that adding the Stony Brook amendment would leave roughly $30,000 in contingency for other minor tasks.

Members raised timing and risk questions. Committee members emphasized the urgency of completing the traffic study before school lets out for the summer so counts reflect in-session conditions. Several members also asked staff to refine the Day Elementary existing-conditions amendment so unnecessary work is avoided if Day proves not viable for a large enrollment solution.

Next steps: staff will finalize the amendment documents and initiate the Stony Brook traffic and site studies. The consultants said they will return with updated test-fit and cost information as part of the PDP alternatives presentation later this summer.