School Building Committee (2020)

School Building Committee (2020) Regular Meeting City Hall Room 335 Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School Community Room, 25 Mahan Drive, Norwich CT And Virtually via ZOOM Tuesday November 16, 2021 6:30 PM Committee Members Present: Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Alderwoman Stacy Gould, William Hull, Heather Romanski, Peter Gauthier, Greg Carabine (virtual) Kristen Talley (virtual) and Christine DiStasio and Gregory Ballassi. Committee Members Absent: Gerald Martin and Alderman Joe DeLucia. Ex-Officio Members Present: Mayor Peter Nystrom. Citizens Present: Bob Castronova, City of Norwich Purchasing Agent; James Barrett, Gregory Smolley and Ronald Paolillo, Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. I. Call to Order and Quorum: Alderman Mark Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. II. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings: William Hull made a motion to approve the September 21, 2021 meeting minutes, with some spelling adjustments. Peter Gauthier seconded. The chairman called the roll of members present and all were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. III. Brief Status Update by DRA Representative Jim Barrett and Staff: Gregory Smolley reported that their group finished up the architectural walk through of all schools at the end of August and their consultant went through all of the district playgrounds. Gregory Smolley stated that the playground conditions that pose the most concerns are in regards to falling and ADA compliance. Gregory Smolley stated the playgrounds are a combination of relatively new equipment and older legacy equipment. Gregory Smolley stated that in the fall areas the padding is not up to standards and that a lot of the playgrounds do not meet ADA accessibility standards. Gregory Smolley continued that in early October the crew from Consulting Engineering Services assessed the mechanical of the buildings and noted that the mechanical systems have begun to be upgraded in some of the buildings. Gregory Smolley stated that 95% of data needed to assess facility conditions has been collecte. Gregory Smolley continued that DRA would be coming back to confirm that  they have accurate sizing for all facilities and to establish a comparative basis between the buildings. Gregory Smolley stated they were waiting until October to gather enrollment data as there were delays due to COVID. Gregory Smolley stated DRA's enrollment consultant pulled out from the projects so their team reached out to three other firms they’ve worked with in the past, with equal or superior experience to SLR. Gregory Smolley stated they decided to go with McKibbon, based out of South Carolina, who will begin to reach out to gather data for enrollment projections, which they would follow with the mapping student location and attendance. Gregory Smolley noted there would not be a change in cost due to the change in consultants. Gregory Smolley stated that during the public information sessions they would attempt to gather input regarding the buildings. Gregory Smolley stated they would follow up with the superintendent's office regarding educational programing projections so that they can fit that into building plans. IV. Meeting Schedule: William Hull, Kristen Talley and Gregory Ballasi stated they would meet as a subcommittee on educational planning and confer with the associates from Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. in January 2022. Gregory Smolley stated it would be beneficial to have Board of Education involvement as well as involvement from a couple school principals. V. Next Regular Meeting: December 21, 2021 Alderman Bettencourt stated that the December 21, 2021 regular meeting would be canceled. VI. Additional Agenda Items: Heather Romanski stated she would look into the school building tours. VII. Adjournment: Alderwoman Stacey Gould made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:56PM. Heather Romanski seconded. The chairman called the roll of members present and all were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. The committee adjourned at 7:28PM. Respectfully Submitted, Katherine Rose