Facilities projects update

Worcester East Middle: bid out, permits going into place, construction will begin once permits are in place; plan is to have it done by the end of the calendar year
Heard Street roof: bid awarded, permits going in place, 6-8 week window (but depends on weather)
Vernon Hill masonry DONE: had to take the Vernon Hill sign down as part of that

MSBA:
New Citizens has all new windows, caulking, new shades, new boiler, just final punch list items; just need to do the doors, that will start next weekend
Lake View windows are in; still doing caulking and trim, happening second shift; then will start doors in
May Street some windows are out for masonry work (lower level); gym windows are in; window work will begin again once Lake View is done, then doors after that
Chandler Magnet gym windows are in, finishing work now; main building is for NEXT year; intending to get windows in on site, try to do some work during non-pupil periods if possible, then finish next summer
Jacob Hiatt: new boiler and such is IN

Next summer's projects are in schematic design phase, and that's due this week to MSBA (that's Columbus Park, WEMS, WAMS, and Tatnuck Magnet)

Nelson Place: Tishman Construction is the OPM, working on the architect, proposals are in
reviewing for architect: meeting is on October 22
Once that happens, then the building committee will be meeting
then review of all options, taking three or four months; narrow down to three choices from which city and schools will choose (looking to submit to MSBA in March)
that will go to MSBA Board vote

Allen notes that we may not submit four projects to MSBA next year, as we have work that cannot be covered by MSBA that is most urgent
Bedard notes removal of oil tanks, for example
Allen: estimate on those projects will be brought back to joint committee

Cold weather consequences

It is cold outside, and, per an email from Mr. Allen this evening, the Worcester Public Schools have seen a few consequences. To wit:

• The Caradonio New Citizens Center was without heat today after the boiler failed and the lines consequently froze. NCC is getting a new boiler this summer--they've already been approved by MSBA--but while we get their building heat, the school, today through Friday, will be at Sullivan.

• And diesel engines, you may have heard, don't like the cold. To quote Mr. Allen directly:

Durham did have a problem with a number of their school buses today. They had started and moved all of them on Monday to clear their yard of snow and there were no problems that day. This morning they had several drivers and mechanics come in early to start the buses, as they do when overnight temperatures are 23 degrees or below. Some of the buses would not start, the air brakes froze on others, and still others would not go into either drive or reverse gear. As a result, and after our discussions with them today, Durham will have additional mechanics and “bus starters” on duty early tomorrow and beyond due to the expected continuance of extremely low overnight temperatures. They will also have extra new batteries available in case that is the cause for a bus not starting. Although we do not pay for routes that do not run, we recognize and have stressed upon Durham the significant inconvenience and hardship that late or no transportation has on our students and their families.

More to come as needed, but please do bundle up your kids!