HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-05-PBC-min.pdf TOWN OF LEXINGTON MASSACHUSETTS
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
Minutes of Tuesday November 5. 2002 meeting in the Fiske School cafeteria, as approved
November 12, 2002.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by PBC Chairman Kelley with other PBC members
Creager (also Design Advisory Committee member), Himmel, Johnson, Oldenburg (also DAC)
Poinelli, Sperandio and Touart present. Also attending were Project Manager/Owner's
Representative Bill Kealy Director of School Facilities Paul McGonagle, School Superintendent
Joanne Benton, School Committee members Tony Close, Tom Griffiths and Robin
DiGiammarino; Design Advisory Committee members Karen Bechtel, John Frey, Sally
Harkness, Barbara Hulsizer, Steven Hurley, Olga Voronina and Betsy Whitman Others attending
included Selectman Dawn McKenna, Fiske School principal Paul Foley, Harrington School
principal David Crump and TLCR architects Todd Lee and Carol Marsh. Also present were
Fiske School constituents Aaron Clayton, Sherry Grobstein, Olga Guttag, Alfonso Hernandez,
Margie Johnson, Amy Miller, Tricia O'Brien, Rich Shembol, Deborah Strod, Lori Bliss
Tambone, and Leslie Wilcott-Henrie Attending Harrington School constituents included Judy
Crocker,Barry Glass and Denis Kefallinos.
Items distributed included the following:
Requisitions for payment from the contractors for the high school and Cary Library for
examination and then collected for action.
Construction progress reports from Project Manager Kealy and his staff
Reauisition from Peabody Construction for work at the high school, in the amount of$169
751.00 was VOTED approved upon motion by Johnson seconded by Himmel.
Reauisition from Alexandra for payment of$569,931 14 for work at the library now at
approximately 42 percent completion. Kealy told the committee that work is progressing but not
catching up. Approval VOTED upon motion by Touart seconded by Oldenburg.
Noise problem at the high school auditorium and an inappropriate ramp to the stage were
reported by Selectman McKenna. The noise was described as `unacceptable" by Kealy Presently
temporary adjustments are being proposed. The controls definitely need to be fixed, as parts of
the auditorium are also reported as either too hot or too cold. Kealy said his staff and the
consultants are working on the punch list issues with the air handlers. Committee reconfirmed
that Director of School Facilities McGonagle should be the one to be informed about these
difficulties, filter them, and then communicate with Kealy
Punch list completion and some work at Diamond comprise most remaining secondary school
work. Kealy told the committee that this is slowed because school is in session. All work that
produces noise or odor has to await school vacation. SC representative Sperandio requested that
the School Department Director of Facilities be involved in the punch list and facility acceptance.
PBC Minutes of November 5, 2002 -page 2
Cary Library window details still have to be resolved. Proposal requests for the stucco
installation are now out to the contractor The interface between windows and stucco has to be
worked out by the architect. Point person for the solution is James Wetzel of Hale s firm. In
addition, certain window details need to be revised by the architect.
While the meeting was shifting into the presentation by architects TLCR on the Fiske and
Harrington schools, the committee received a memo from the secretary submitting her notice of
retirement effective January 1, 2003.
Plans for Fiske School began with display and distribution of a miniature model of the new
Fiske. Architect Carol Marsh recommended placing the eye at a pedestrian s level to get a
feeling of the school s shape. She noted the similarities of this school to the Harrington that is
already farther along in planning, roughly shaped like an airplane with two classroom pods, one
with a semi-separate one-story unit for kindergarten room. The area where the two arc-shaped
halls intersect contains the administrative offices and shared school use room such as music, art
and library on the second floor The other two pods are for full-sized gym with stage-platform
and cafeteria with kitchen capable of some food preparation in addition to warming and serving.
The architects pointed out the need for flexibility to serve needs and programs that may shift over
the decades of the school's life. They also noted that the gently curving single hall in each
classroom pod would provide better sight lines than halls of the present Fiske that turn several
right turns and sharp angles. This would enhance supervision and security
In discussion of facade, the architects displayed drawings of the new Harrington School front
elevation and samples of various colors, sizes and finishes of bricks and blocks. Members of the
Design Advisory Committee opined that the school needs more color and definition. Architects
explained that the flat drawings do not do justice to the effects of shadows and projections/
Discussion also touched on parking (about 100 spaces to be provided) and it relation to door,
access, play fields and toilets, probably required at recreational times school does not operate.
PBC member Poinelli commented on the needs and requirements for `community space'
Additionally noted was a disconnect between the model shape and elevation drawings. Other
criticisms centers on the multiplicity of design ideas in juxtaposition, suggesting that perhaps a
more fitting entrance emphasis design could be found. Another constituent asked for elevation
plans for the gym and cafeteria wings.
The committee will meet in two weeks (11/19/02) to continue discussion of the two new
elementary schools. The committee will also meet in a week to take up approval of minutes and
other business requiring their attention
The meeting adjourned at 9.45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, (49_, yd, ✓ Erna S. Greene, Secretary