Below is a summarized version of the Killam School Building Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Meeting Overview
Meeting Summary: Killam School Building Committee – March 10, 2025
Start Time: 7:00PM
Format: Hybrid (in-person at Town Hall Berger Room and Zoom)
Opening and Roll Call
- Key Attendees: Carla Nazzaro (Chair) Pat Tompkins (Vice-Chair), Nancy Twomey, John Coote, Chris Haley, Shawn Brandt, Ed Ross, Greg Stepler, Kirk McCormick, Mike Carroll (Project Director), Leigh Sherwood (Principal in-charge), Jayne Wellman (Assistant Town Manager), Matt (Town Manager) and others as noted.
Agenda Overview
- 2:47 – 2:53
- Speaker: Carla
- Details: Carla calls the meeting to order and outlines the agenda: public comment, liaison reports, items 6 and 7 (out of order due to Pat’s schedule), major board updates, communications, meeting minutes approval, next meeting dates, and adjournment.
- Outcome: Motion to take agenda items 6 and 7 out of order proposed.
- 4:37 – 4:56
- Speaker: Nancy, seconded by Sean; vote led by Carla
- Details: Motion to reorder agenda items 6 and 7 is voted on and unanimously approved (Pat, Nancy, John, Chris, Sean, Ed, Greg, Kirk, Carla all vote “yes”).
- Outcome: Items 6 and 7 prioritized for discussion.
Proposal for Additional Services
Agenda Item 6 (Amendment 13)
- 5:04 – 9:00
- Speaker: Mike
- Details: Mike introduces a proposal from LBA (design team) for $500,000 to continue design services through May 13, reducing the post-vote design phase by one month. This leverages current funds and staff availability, potentially saving $300,000-$400,000/month in escalation costs (at 3% escalation on a $100M project). The MSBA supports this as long as it aligns with the local vote, though funds spent now are at risk if the vote fails.
- Key Points: Benefits include an earlier bid (spring vs. mid-summer) and reduced winter construction costs.
- 9:00 – 13:25
- Speaker: Leigh
- Details: Lee explains the focus on architectural design (exterior and interior) over the next two months, using a full team to frontload work. This avoids heavy consultant involvement now (due to vote uncertainty) and prepares plans for consultants post-vote, saving time. Tasks include material selections, elevations, and interior design development.
- Outcome: Clarifies the scope as a continuation of existing work, not new services.
- 13:31 – 16:33
- Speakers: Mike, Sean, Carla
- Details: Sean confirms the proposal shortens the timeline and leverages existing budget. Carla confirms MSBA and Town Counsel approval, noting the $500,000 is non-reimbursable by MSBA but aligns with the $2.2M vote from 2022. Savings could exceed risks if the vote passes.
- 16:41 – 27:43
- Speakers: Sean, John, Pat, Ed
- Details: John raises concerns about the risk if the vote fails (spending $500,000 with no immediate return) and questions who bears it (committee vs. select board or school committee). Pat and Ed argue it’s a strategic move to speed up the project, vetted with town officials, and consistent with prior decisions. John acknowledges economic benefits of spending now vs. later due to inflation.
- Outcome: Consensus emerges that the risk is acceptable given potential savings and alignment with prior approvals.
- 29:06 – 32:45
- Speakers: Lindsay Fulton Killam Principal (via chat comment), John, Matt
- Details: Lindsay notes educational benefits (earlier school entry). John reiterates the risk and suggests school committee input, but Matt clarifies the committee has authority, delegated by the school committee.
- Outcome: Committee accepts responsibility for the decision.
- 35:23 – 38:49
- Speaker: Carla, John, Mike, Leigh
- Details: Motion proposed to approve Amendment 13 for $500,000. John suggests “continuation of services” over “additional services” for clarity. Final motion: “Grant Amendment 13 for continuation of services for LBA to advance design for $500,000,” seconded by Ed. Vote: unanimous (Pat, Nancy, John, Chris, Sean, Ed, Greg, Kirk, Carla).
- Key Outcome: Amendment 13 approved, allocating $500,000 to accelerate design, reducing post-vote timeline by one month.
- 39:01 – 43:27
- Speakers: Carla, Leigh, John
- Details: Carla requests volunteers for interior and exterior design working groups (5 people each, meeting twice over two months). Lee clarifies limited consultant involvement now, focusing on architectural prep. John questions coordination, but Lee assures it’s manageable.
- Outcome: Volunteers to email Carla; design prep confirmed as internal focus.
Latest MSBA Requests
Agenda Item 7:
- 43:41 – 46:36
- Speaker: Mike
- Details: MSBA emailed three requests: (1) square footage clarification in DESE submission, (2) timeline for MHC notification, (3) certified vote for SD submission. Jenny addressed 1 and 2; 3 awaits tonight’s minutes approval. MSBA will request funding details later.
- Outcome: All requests addressed or pending minutes approval; no immediate concerns.
Major Board Updates
Agenda Item 4: and Communications
- 46:46 – 52:05
- Speakers: Carla, Jayne
- Details: Carla updates on a FinCom presentation (March 4), well-received. Joint meeting with RECAL project set for April 2 (in-person) and April 16 (Zoom). Communications committee resumed, planning a fact sheet, website updates (Chris), and a tax calculator (Jayne). Dave Caronan re-engaged for videos.
- Outcome: Communication efforts ramped up for public awareness pre-vote.
Colliers Team Update
Agenda Item 5:
- 52:13 – 54:25
- Speaker: Mike
- Details: Shirley left the Collier team unexpectedly; a replacement resume is forthcoming. Harani steps up temporarily. Transition timing is manageable.
- Outcome: Committee to review replacement soon; no immediate disruption.
Meeting Minutes
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
- 55:05 – 56:34
- Speaker: Carla
- Details: February 3 minutes approved (unanimous: Nancy, John, Chris, Shawn, Ed, Greg, Kirk, Carla). February 12 minutes approved (Nancy, Chris, Shawn, Ed, Greg, Kirk, Carla; John abstains).
- Outcome: Minutes approved for MSBA submission.
Future Agendas
Items and Adjournment
- 56:41 – 58:27
- Speakers: Carla, Mike, John
- Details: No next meeting date set; Mike suggests invoice review soon. John requests test well update (none yet). Motion to adjourn by Carla, seconded, unanimous (Nancy, John, Chris, Shawn, Greg, Kirk, Carla).
- Outcome: Meeting adjourned at 58:55.
Key Outcomes
- Amendment 13 Approved: $500,000 allocated for LBA to accelerate design (March-May), cutting post-vote design by one month, with potential savings of $300,000-$400,000/month in escalation costs. Risk acknowledged if vote fails.
- Design Working Groups: Volunteers requested for interior/exterior design teams.
- MSBA Requests: Addressed or pending minutes approval.
- Communications: Enhanced efforts planned (meetings, website, calculator, videos).
- Team Update: Shirley’s departure managed; replacement in progress.
