Marc J. D'Amico

The document pertains to the 2012 Community Service Awards Ceremony for High School Recipients. The event commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a musical performance. Several dignitaries, including the Superintendent, Board of Education President, First Selectman, and a former Superintendent, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of community service, dedication, and civic responsibility, drawing on quotes from former Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. Specific student award recipients were highlighted for their extensive community service hours and impactful projects, such as remodeling rooms for children with cancer, assisting students with disabilities, fundraising for earthquake relief in Japan, and volunteering at museums and teen centers. The ceremony recognized the students' role in fulfilling community promises and inspiring future leaders.

The meeting focused on approving various change orders (COs) related to the GHS Music Instructional Space and Auditorium Project. Numerous change orders were approved for contractors including Melick Tully, ACME, CGM, Villa, Ferguson Plumbing, Norwalk Glass, and USI. These approvals covered items such as additional services, temporary generators, premium time, heat trace for existing sprinkler, theatrical lighting, temporary enclosures, winter conditions for concrete pour, roof drain additions, projection room windows, steel modifications, revised anchors, steel bracing relocation, masonry ties, curtain wall modifications, truss connection issues, additional seismic clips, shoring rental, and plenum support modifications. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding expediting the change order process to allow for consideration of change orders as soon as they are ready, rather than waiting for the subsequent scheduled meeting.

The meeting focused on the Central Middle School project. Key discussions included the schedule outlook, confirming the team is on track to deliver the final Design Development package on December 13th. Significant attention was given to addressing final comments from the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) department regarding the Preliminary Site Plan Application approval, particularly concerning the proposed sewer relocation, which still seems to require relocation of the sewer main to the roadway. The interiors presentation involved a detailed review of the color palette, floor materials (primarily LVT), wood accents, and bathroom tile. Several committee members expressed reservations regarding the proposed color scheme, describing it as 'hideous,' '70's looking,' and too 'elementary school level,' prompting discussions about using richer colors or maintaining consistency. Discussions also covered acoustical treatments, window shades, and the possibility of implementing a white noise system. Additionally, the committee reviewed the auditorium design, media center layout, and discussed plans for recognizing past CMS tiles. The site plan presentation covered outdoor learning areas, courtyard design, hard surface play areas, outdoor dining screening, and photometrics for site lighting, with a request to review renderings of screening from specific streets.

The meeting included a call to order and housekeeping items related to upcoming BET and RTM meetings. Key project discussions included a building permit update where conceptual design schematics were forwarded to the Fire Marshal and Building Department for initial review, with plans for structural design development ensuring the project remains above the flood plain. Discussions around interim appropriation and owner contingency emphasized the need for a 10% contingency level, higher than typical new construction, due to strict phasing requirements. A motion was passed to increase the owner contingency from 7% to 10% of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and prioritize this increase over accepting cornice and roof alternates. The committee also reviewed the path forward on GMP documents, aiming for resolution by mid-February, and approved an invoice from Morganti and the RTM Quarterly Update.

The committee meeting included an overview of the budget process and annual budget committee meetings by the Chair. The primary discussion centered on the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Key discussion points included proposed cuts to Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staff at Central Middle School (CMS) and exploring initiatives to boost CMS enrollment, such as creating an open enrollment program for the following school year. The committee also discussed the associated costs of busing. No official votes were taken during this session.