[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6565035,"mediaKeyId","3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529","parentId",3232097,"title","Votes at a glance: Millis School Building Committee actions, May 7, 2025","audioSeconds",1306,"startMs",12000,"endMs",1318000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529&start=12&end=1318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529/thumbnail_12000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565035/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Millis-School-Building-Committee-actions-May-7-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565035-7bc1b7b931a7d4c5413b46218b480503/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796575&Signature=Wo67SmND8OhnriBdFklHmZatEP3aWSrHFPQkW7yohqEnSsUqf-vBNJ5puWaYre9bGkkzZJCAtpiEddEhbm5QQpwbMdFVbm9kX6TXxtpGWaJDUK9p~IkvBFlSnn8R2Vi4UIgv1xp9TZ3o~3Y8yELvPaYbJf6vIAYLRRODWfnl8CSt1JTaqMDAZqV3tZ52P7eSJG3MMWCFrV9Tl3zddfamWgn869oi-RbutdZAPep~zJ8iOPdEl~5zslQdulkQM6pm~tBX6HEF2m8kVzq7VSk1GiH1ssA0kbZ5aA5U57Sx~aGPW5bxQDlPzoUQLrHInvPMA~sG61p~h5--WNVlj6rApQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Millis, MA","date","2025-05-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Millis School Building Committee recorded the following formal actions on May 7, 2025:

1) Payment to Vertex Companies — motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Motion text: “Pay Vertex companies $14,912.50 for work done in the period of April.”

2) Payment to Tapay Architects — motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Motion text: “Pay Tapay Architects $52,500 for A&E feasibility study work for the period April 1 through April 30.”

3) Procurement delivery method — motion passed unanimously by roll‑call: “Proceed with the construction manager at risk for the middle high school project and authorize the OPM to submit an application to the Inspector General.” (See separate article for context.)

4) Approval of minutes — motion to approve meeting minutes of April 16 passed (recorded as passed unanimously except one abstention noted for a member not present at the earlier meeting).

5) Motion to adjourn — passed by voice vote.

The meeting transcript provides the motion wording and the vote outcomes recorded by the facilitator. Where votes were conducted by voice roll call, names of members recorded in support are captured in the meeting minutes; no votes in opposition were recorded on these items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Millis, MA - School Building Committee 5/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved two invoices, authorized the construction‑manager‑at‑risk delivery method and approved prior meeting minutes on May 7; motions passed by voice or roll‑call as recorded in the meeting.","taxTitle","Town of Millis, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54409,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6565038,"MSBA asks questions on eligibility; Millis team targets LEED Silver and will prepare tax‑impact estimate",363,1383000,1746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529&start=1383&end=1746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529/thumbnail_1383000.jpg","/articles/6565038/Massachusetts/MSBA-asks-questions-on-eligibility-Millis-team-targets-LEED-Silver-and-will-prepare-taximpact-estimate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565038-054e693b49c531ae81249b38aa60865e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796575&Signature=LXjyDsy32IGi4VQVb~uQ225CW3P7Rsx47z-DS-j3DHFKQ7WeXvTUAOYkTnTBLXtbX04xo7ArXxQ-h4qbNRWSHaGJQclocicnFT9O5v4Qrcs9JQP7X6bAYByFWheeiy2ikfm5UCaoSjelj5GklGI0CY7ziwVAkaqQJSBjAuG-gGR8du1xrT5bl71uFzotZY7JDTiWOMEcFNmxB7mPO4iYMGJfEVunm9UmbZYByb1OXNxV-mW9lZ6NwioyJFryzHIj-nWIkTT4g2qZDi5dwQUqbs2VvgTq1RixM~50speifhbyHedxLnl3ujEPe-s5v42eyNLaJlZpr5Pn8x3LMXflSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Project consultants told the Millis School Building Committee on May 7 that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) returned comments on the PSR noting several program areas that differ from MSBA space guidelines and potential ineligible square footage. The design team said they will respond and continue work to minimize ineligible space to maximize reimbursement.

Consultants described items MSBA flagged — for example, certain science prep rooms and a TV studio or control room that may be ineligible under MSBA rules; the team estimated roughly a thousand square feet of ineligible or questioned space and said some of that could be reduced by redistributing program or adjusting room sizes in schematic design. The MSBA also requested life‑cycle cost information, additional site planning detail and a tax‑impact estimate for the project.

The design team said Vertex (owner’s project manager) would draft a request to extend the feasibility‑study agreement end date to accommodate the timing of the delivery‑method decision; Vertex will also lead preparation of the tax‑impact estimate and asked to be given contact information for the town’s new finance director. The meeting transcript records the town’s new finance director as Jody Kurczy and participants agreed to pass contact details to the project team.

On sustainability, the team presented a LEED for Schools scorecard and recommended pursuing the MSBA's required baseline: LEED Silver (minimum 50 points, with at least three points in specific materials/indoor‑air categories). Consultants said the current scorecard shows about 53 points — providing a small buffer above the MSBA minimum — and recommended pursuing only the MSBA‑required threshold rather than seeking additional incentive points that would require significant extra work and cost.

The team noted these items will continue to evolve during schematic design and that cost and MSBA eligibility impacts will be reported to the committee as the project advances.","The MSBA provided PSR comments identifying roughly 1,000 square feet of potentially ineligible spaces; the Millis team plans to pursue LEED for Schools Silver (the MSBA minimum) and will draft a tax‑impact estimate with the new finance director.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6565043,"Design team presents revised floor plans; science classrooms moved to support departmental layout",374,5081000,5455000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529&start=5081&end=5455","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529/thumbnail_5081000.jpg","/articles/6565043/Massachusetts/Design-team-presents-revised-floor-plans-science-classrooms-moved-to-support-departmental-layout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565043-22e4ca43dee0f6ed8f0feaa328ee4b92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796575&Signature=nUYSC05oTyJ~KoYIc5BIYEXymkJQAM0YhTXRgDrSpb8fN~hGoYZcVnMZmQuinsM95piKWtGH8JCvS5ZIAd3gpIc2OFGjGbnWY4qZEe5QDZyKM8Fbbd5q5~VmOxaCbU68ntxxjqZlpS~78Rf0FN0wrqjnVGdZVoJwD2~hMgCZAJTDGnjPB~hJ2LS36DY8smt1HZjdc7nL0BPk3k6Hp-xsjwslq5HO52uUM9LvzngPGdZPXYi2bzyQfn4Ih7YVE1dEtIpGCVxdP-VtKB6-jBAJODP7svtSq~jczcYTXImsyeDssFPQyYTX8I~ulMMBV5uKJKgDiWsbgC3gxZyYBTPk7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tapay Architects presented updated schematic floor plans for the combined Millis middle–high school on May 7 that move the high‑school science classrooms into a grouped departmental layout, distribute guidance offices to each school, and reassign several existing spaces to back‑of‑house functions such as custodial workshops and receiving.

Project staff said the science rooms had previously been split across floors and were consolidated to simplify curriculum delivery and department operations. The updated plan places four high‑school science rooms together with shared prep spaces and locates middle‑school classroom team clusters (four general classrooms plus a science room) on the second floor.

Architects said the changes recover and reuse existing space in several locations (for example, converting underused areas near the kitchen into custodial and storage workrooms), add some auditorium storage, and refine locker‑room and accessibility arrangements. The team warned that moving and adding interior partitions for the new program layout will increase interior renovation scope and may raise project costs compared with earlier layouts.

Committee members and consultants said the design remains near the MSBA target of roughly 50,000 square feet and that further refinements will continue during schematic design. The committee asked staff to continue balancing program needs with MSBA eligibility and cost control as the team prepares materials for future meetings and public forums.","Tapay Architects presented updated schematic floor plans May 7 that regroup science classrooms into a departmental cluster, redistribute guidance spaces between middle and high schools, and add storage/back‑of‑house efficiency; the committee was cautioned that some reconfiguration could raise costs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6565048,"Millis team favors natural‑gas boilers, leaves electrical capacity for future electrification",879,2037000,2916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529&start=2037&end=2916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529/thumbnail_2037000.jpg","/articles/6565048/Massachusetts/Millis-team-favors-naturalgas-boilers-leaves-electrical-capacity-for-future-electrification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565048-0ba2534536782c6af5df92fa4fc33b83/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796575&Signature=IbmKdrJO9TGuUm6DMdIPrMzTy03UczPq6j4kNfHfnFEUQFgy6bLoOa0RhxKXXRpVqc3ne2eMdNrq4K63AOq~Ro3aP8yNU1BplH5i-Jsebo1D7N-u1f12pfhuwn2E-NqhnmQsIo3j0iAR2BnVcXQe8t7BAtYoESRlXstVN5lsoNcOUu5gjD4Iwq-h-dbceJUz2DF29ngIGyHXGIgz1LwFaikZ5vtJJNMjhA~lAwxGezsWWAlyrJ4m3joNhGuR1BJJnsQPOHcEGnlLLZb5zV6ebqQmzRzX~fcKAa2Ywg60rdKfnQmjYphAKlIm2ZcLop3QHF26GETKuVqXBG5O4TZgyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The design and engineering team told the Millis School Building Committee on May 7 that the mechanical and electrical approach for the middle–high school will rely on high-efficiency natural‑gas boilers, chilled beams for classrooms, dedicated rooftop energy‑recovery units and an open‑protocol building controls system. The committee agreed to a single electric service sized with spare capacity and to provisions to support future solar and electrification work.

Mechanical engineer Wayne Masson (Griffin/Varian) described the HVAC approach for a phased renovation: high‑efficiency natural gas boilers (approximately 96% thermal efficiency) to serve hot‑water heating, induction-style chilled beams for classroom heating/cooling, and dedicated packaged rooftop units with energy‑recovery for each wing, gym, auditorium and dining area. The systems are planned for zoned, flexible operation so a single wing can be conditioned for after‑hours use.

On electrical strategy, the electrical engineer described two options: remain a gas‑served building with one service (a ~3,500‑amp switchboard and a ~900 kW generator) or design now for an all‑electric building (which would likely need two services and larger generators). The engineer recommended designing for the gas option with an increased service buffer (up to 4,000 amps) and leaving conduit and space (PV‑ready pathways and spare raceways) so the building can be converted later without major demolition.

Committee members discussed lifecycle, reliability, maintenance and cost. Engineers noted that air‑to‑water heat pumps and large-scale all‑electric heat‑pump plants are currently more expensive, less established in local service markets and have less long‑term operational data in New England climates; they also said heat pumps can lose efficiency at very low outdoor temperatures. The team recommended gas now for budget and reliability reasons while keeping the design flexible for an eventual switch to electric heat pumps.

The committee did not take a formal roll‑call vote on the mechanical/electrical approach but directed the design team to proceed with the recommended gas‑primary, PV‑ready approach and to size electrical infrastructure with some additional capacity for future electrification.","Design team recommended high-efficiency natural‑gas boilers, chilled-beam classrooms and dedicated rooftop energy‑recovery units; the committee directed the team to design a single main electrical service sized with spare capacity for future all‑electric conversion and to make the roof PV-ready.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6565053,"Millis committee votes to use Construction Manager at Risk for middle–high school project",76,1290000,1366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529&start=1290&end=1366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3232097-9c6382b12ac91fa11ba5a6f10b698529/thumbnail_1290000.jpg","/articles/6565053/Massachusetts/Millis-committee-votes-to-use-Construction-Manager-at-Risk-for-middlehigh-school-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565053-3906cfebde12a6dcc63ef47f4e0e246b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796575&Signature=cXcqbkYIAAyWww~oLJSsEsdDC7MolpKPJ1R86uh-sZZxJa6OMNwJ4TXHX~J57ozY5grsJqaVZ5VocFIVhaKVt3OrCxMM-szfzTeW0VEYGhORjwJCo~cNM22Cnn13efFzONTYgpfIoIvnnD728FLKgCzIcpfySWL35Jb34ZG4EGz5Z3fhRv2n5VI-6NvhUUkpUKLIsDBZq4d~dm5Kt0~v-~pTfso4Bi8NY1yOlc2rYfSb6o4WwZqmkhw1hGVeV9pqkO3T7O7SwR7lS41VwQ0qVP2mMCVgxPRDN8sg-H8hc~OnXxV2S1Ll6E-yz~47c1l2NoLzccCy3puOxdXHzWFTBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis School Building Committee voted unanimously May 7 to proceed with a construction manager at risk (CMR) delivery method for the town's middle–high school renovation and addition and authorized staff to start the application to the state Inspector General.

Committee members debated the two procurement options — traditional design–bid–build (DBB) and CMR — during a project presentation. The CMR approach brings a construction team into the project during design to advise on constructability, phasing and cost estimating; design–bid–build awards a lump-sum contract to the lowest bidder after design is complete.

Project consultants said CMR is typically used for complex, phased renovations on occupied sites and can reduce change orders by coordinating contractor input earlier in design. A consultant summarizing prior projects said, “In our opinion, given the ... complications of an occupied building on an occupied site, complex phasing and logistics, it's our recommendation that the town proceed with a CMR approach.” Committee members who had worked on recent local projects supported that view, citing the Clyde Brown project as an example that came in on or under budget under CMR.

A motion was made to proceed with CMR and to authorize the owner’s project manager (OPM) to submit the required application to the Massachusetts Inspector General. The motion passed by a recorded voice roll call; all present voted in favor.

The committee noted that Inspector General approval is required to use CMR; the design team said the request would be started this summer so hiring could proceed after town meeting in the fall if voters approve the project. Consultants said they already priced conservatively using a CMR assumption so that project pricing can be finalized faster.

Next steps: the project team will prepare and submit the Inspector General application and reflect the chosen delivery method in upcoming cost updates that will be presented to the committee and at town meeting.","The Millis School Building Committee voted unanimously May 7 to pursue a construction-manager-at-risk procurement for the combined middle–high school, authorizing staff to begin the state Inspector General application process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Millis School Building Committee actions, May 7, 2025

MSBA asks questions on eligibility; Millis team targets LEED Silver and will prepare tax‑impact estimate

Design team presents revised floor plans; science classrooms moved to support departmental layout

Millis team favors natural‑gas boilers, leaves electrical capacity for future electrification

Millis committee votes to use Construction Manager at Risk for middle–high school project