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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-08-PBC-min.pdfTOWN OF LEXINGTON Permanent Building Committee Permanent Members Jon Himmel, Co-Chairman, Charles Favazzo, Co-Chairman, Peter Johnson, Celis Brisbin, Elizabeth Giersbach, Frederick Merrill, Ian Adamson Police Station Members: Semoon Oh, Wendy Krum Associate Members: Curt Barrentine, Henrietta Mei PBC Minutes for the meeting held on: 1-8-26 Meeting was held hybrid via Zoom Members Present: Jon Himmel, Chuck Favazzo, Celis Brisbin, Elizabeth Giersbach, Ian Adamson, Henrietta Mei, Wendy Krum, Fred Merrill Others Present: SMMA: Lorraine Finnegan, Anoush Krafian, Brian Black, Tom Faust, Mike D D&W: Mike Burton, Christina Dell Angello Turner: Jamie Meiser Mike Cronin, Mark Sandeen The PBC meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. High School Project: The LHS project timeline was presented, and it was noted that they were still in design development (DD). On April 12, the DD package would be submitted to the MSBA, and the construction documents would be ongoing for approximately a year. The first phase of construction administration would start in July 2026, and phase two was scheduled to start in July 2029. Everyone was reminded of the key PBC dates, with the goal of confirming the project budget on April 9. Mark Sandeen asked when the solar and storage presentation could be scheduled, and it was reported that January 29 would work. The misalignment with the design drawing and the start of construction in the summer of 2026 was asked about. It was explained that early release packages (ERPs) could be issued. Jon Himmel asked when feedback on the solar design would be available. It was asked whether all the breakouts for specific items in the cost estimate had been resolved. It was clarified that this was the intent of the February 12 meeting. On January 22, the PBC would receive a list of the breakouts and all the ideas. Celis Brisbin asked how information was being presented and if the value was being shared when more expensive items were chosen. Lorraine Finnegan explained that they were categorizing items in TVD or VD. He asked that operational cost savings be added in parentheses to items. The accepted and recommended TVD items were presented. Options for using the grandstands for storage were reviewed, but none were viable. The energy model was rerun, reducing the eight-inch exterior wall insulation to seven inches, resulting in approximately $400,000 in savings. A scenario to replace the piping with scuppers so that internal work was not needed was being explored, resulting in $500,000 to $600,000 in savings. There were geothermal meetings, and work was ongoing on the most efficient positioning for the vault. Three access control scenarios were reviewed. Inside the building, overhead coiling grilles and swinging double doors were used in the design. The overhead coiling grilles had a more open feel than the swinging double doors. It was asked if overhead coiling doors were available. Lorraine Finnegan explained that they changed the HVAC approach and would change the dynamics. The holes in the grilles were one by four inches. Lisa Giersbach asked if the overhead coiling grille would have a header or completely disappear. It was reported that it would completely disappear. The scenarios included typical after-school hours, one in which only the B wing was accessible, and another in which only the C wing was accessible. The drawings of the scenarios were presented, and the access control doors that could be locked down were noted. There was no scenario in which the dining commons was inaccessible. Approximately 51 science labs and classrooms in the B wing would remain available during the summer. If only the C wing were accessible, 37 classrooms would be available, but no science labs. It was asked if the central stair was open to the space below. It was explained that it was a mix of both. The bridges themselves would allow someone on the second floor to have open access to the dining commons, which was a two - story space. Jon Himmel discussed allowing evening education, clubs, committees, or other activities in the innovation labs that are currently inaccessible due to the current after-school hours scenario. Lorriane Finnegan stated that they would place yellow stars in the innovation labs for the upcoming meeting on January 12 so they would be easily identified. Jon Himmel recommended a meeting in two weeks to accelerate thinking about future offerings. Design Update Updates on the SD site plan were provided. The key changes were to reduce overall construction and long-term maintenance costs, replace hardscape areas with landscape, and refine plaza programming to support efficient circulation and flexible gathering. Spaces were identified, and they were looking at ranges for how many individuals could fit into the spaces. It was noted that the bleachers' location had shifted from the original plan. The percentage of landscape and hardscape was discussed. The plazas were reviewed, and it was noted that the goal was to have as much flexibility in the spaces as possible. There would be more circulation routes into the building entrance at the East Plaza. The programming and design for each plaza were reviewed. It was asked if the movable furniture was standard. It was reported that they were still researching it. Lisa Giersbach commented that she believed movable furniture would be a great idea. She asked whether the swoops in the plant beds had topography and whether there would be edging around the plant beds. It was reported that the plant beds would be at least slightly mounded, and edge conditions were not generally used because they added a maintenance element to the project. It was clarified that only the great lawn was the lawn itself, but the green areas would be filled with plants. Jon Himmel asked if maintenance had been part of the discussion. Lorraine Finnegan reported that they had a meeting with DPF and DPW to define the line, and part of the reason there was not more lawn was due to the request not to mow. It was added that many schools did not have landscaping budgets at all, so they relied heavily on ornamental grasses that needed to be cut back only once per year. An operations and maintenance plan would be developed with Mike and his team as part of the scope of work. The West Plaza had flexibility in space, a large outdoor gathering area for a small group, the building entrance, and the bus loading. Some inspirational images were presented. It was asked how many flagpoles there were. It was reported that there were three, with one at each entrance. Options for a visual anchor from the center of the town were being developed. The Student School Building Committee was also developing an option. Renderings of the main entrance were presented. The East Plaza included large outdoor gathering spaces, the great lawn, a stage area for the great lawn, a small area for a sensory garden, and a leisure grove area that could include hammocks, ping pong tables, or other activities. Lisa Giersbach asked whether the outdoor items would fall under the town's funds that Jon Himmel mentioned. It was stated that they would need to look into it further. The development of the landscape area between the elements and the building would continue. Renderings of the amphitheater and East Plaza were presented. An overview of the plant material strategy was provided, noting that the plants were native and adaptive species with the four seasons in mind, required only low maintenance, and minimized lawn areas. It was asked if any stormwater drainage was built into the entrances. It was reported that much of the ground material proposed was porous pavement. Lisa Giersbach commented that it would be beneficial to understand the long -term maintenance of the porous pavement. It was asked how the tree grove along Worthen Road would be maintained. It was reported that much of it would be removed for the building wing, and the opposite side was protected due to the wetland. The plan was to reforest the area, which would provide a good noise buffer between the building and the road. The tree and plant species discussed were all native or adaptive. Public Comment There was no public comment. Lisa Giersbach asked if the Conversation Committee issued an order of conditions. Lorraine Finnegan reported that they would once the Notice of Intent was filed, but they have had conversations with them. Jon Himmel asked for an update on FEMA. Lorraine Finnegan reported that they were supposed to hear by December 31 on the letter of map change after minor comments were clarified, but they were still waiting. The NOI filing would not occur until after the letter of map change was received. Jon Himmel asked for an update on the Article 97 timeline. Lorraine Finnegan reported that they received an informal response from the EEA, and they saw no issues, but the certificate was not received. State legislation was expected to take up the bill the next week. Urgent Business There was no further business. Motion to adjourn PBC, all approved. Next meeting: 7:41 p.m.