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Home My WebLink About2026-07-16 Kittredge School Building Committee Minutes Kittredge School Building Committee Meeting Minutes July 16, 2026 Present: Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues (left at 5:17pm), Laurie Burzlaff(left at 5:02pm), Laura Bates,Greg Landry, Pamela Lathrop(left at 5:30pm), Eva Hamori, Kathleen Colwell,Steve Foster, Dave Brown, Diana Beckley, Nancy Sarro, Phil Palumbo and Trey Logie from Colliers Project Leaders,Stephanie Randazzo Dwyer, Damion Bolden,and Jaes Lee from Machado Silvetti, Lynn Giesecke, Lena Ownes and Brian Zach from Studio 2112. Absent: Denevan O'Connell,and Maureen Sakakeeny 1.Call to Order Meeting was called to order by Laura Bates at 4:05PM at 120 Main St, North Andover, MA second floor Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall. 2. Public Comment None. 3.Approval of minutes of June 16,2026 School Building Committee Meeting The committee began by reviewing and approving the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 16, 2026. No questions or objections were raised. Kathleen Colwell made a motion,seconded by Melissa Rodrigues to approve June 161",2026,Meeting Minutes. Motion Approved 10-0. 4.Review and Approval of Invoices Colliers presented invoices for approval for committee review, and the two outstanding invoices are: - Collier's invoice:$9,007.70 - Machado's invoice:$195,160 These were discussed in context of the updated project budget with the committee. Melissa Rodrigues made a motion,seconded by Eva Hamori to approve Collier's invoice in the amount of $9,007.70 and Machado Silvettis invoice in the amount of$195,160.Motion Approved 10-0. 5. Budget Update Trey L. provided an update to the committee on the project budget.The project budget has been revised to reflect invoicing approval input. The budget lines affected are: OPM (Owner's Project Management): $42.7K paid to date; approximately$2 million remaining unpaid. Machado's basic services: Highlighted in the second row of the budget,showing current payment status located in the meeting presentation. Site Survey basic services as well have now been affected with paid going to$1,800.00 with $15,800.00 remain unpaid. This updated budget reflects a comprehensive financial layout and aligns with the project's current phase. S.Schedule Update Trey L.spoke on the project schedule remaining on track with the following key milestones: - Currently in Module 6: Detailed Design. - Design Development(DID)submission to estimators on August 19,2024. - DID cost estimates are due two weeks later. - Reconciliation meeting scheduled immediately after estimate receipt on September 10th 2026. - Kittredge School Building Committee (SBC) budget approval scheduled for September 17, 2026. - Submission to MSBA for review following SBC approval. - Main construction bidding:Summer 2026. - Construction starts: Late summer 2026. - Building occupancy: Before the 2029 school year. A detailed timeline was presented by Damian B.and Stephanine D. Key upcoming deadlines include: - August 19, 2026: Deadline to submit design development package to cost estimators. - August 13, 2026: Final meeting with the committee before submission to cost estimators. - September 17, 2026:Critical meeting for cost estimate approval. 6.Design Update Stephaine R.and Damian B. introduced their landscape architect firm Studio 2112 with Lynn G.as principle, Lena Ownes as Project Architect,and Brian Zach as Project Manager.Studio 2112 presented the current landscape design: Landscape and Playground Design Overview Refer to meeting presentation correlating numbers to minutes below. - Courtyard (2) - Front entry plaza (3)off Main Street - Sensory play area (4) - Main playground (-9,000 sq ft, (5) - Flexible field space(6) - Hardscape play&basketball court(7 and 10) - Outdoor classroom (ovular node, 8) - Parking(9), rain gardens(10),and bus drop-off(13) Design goals were informed by working group feedback, emphasizing: - Accommodating three classes(75 children)simultaneously. - Preference for larger play structures, individual swings,sensory zones with hangout spaces,shade,and co- location of field, courts,and hardscape areas. - Grading plans will be shared to clarify constraints on field size(6)due to hillside slope and retaining wall costs. Playground Equipment and Safety Features Lena O. presented in detail the equipment and safety features of the playground key takeaways are: Playground equipment- - Currently planned: 5 individual swings and 1 group(nest)swing. - No ADA-compliant bucket swing currently shown,though substitution is possible. - Discussion on replacing the nest swing with 2 additional individual swings due to high demand by committee members. - Large climbing structure with double slide,shade,and ADA-compliant stair options. - Wood climbing structures. - Musical instruments(flower ensemble). - Wobble bridge and parkour elements. - Sensory panels and a quiet zone. - Shade structures over key play areas. Lena O.then presented on safety of the playground equipment: Safety featu res- - Entire playground equipped with rubber safety surfacing meeting critical fall height requirements up to 6 feet and fully ADA-compliant. - Safety zones(indicated by dashed lines) must not overlap with other structures. - Slide hoods require children to sit before descending, improving safety. - Tallest slide is 5-6 feet high,with sufficient surfacing thickness below for any falls. Adding two more swings by reconfiguring a near structure(5)wobble bridge; pending safety zone compliance was discussed due to the high demand and age group of the elementary school kid age group and already having multiple climbing structures. Accessibility, Durability,and Aesthetic Integration Studio 2112 team then presented on the accessibility,durability of the selected equipment and aesthetics with key notes being: - ADA-compliant stairs with proper handrails and lower risers designed for children with mobility challenges (not wheelchair access). - Visual porosity in large play structure to prevent hidden areas and support staff monitoring. - Avoidance of enclosed tunnels for accountability during recess Material choices: - Black locust wood used for climbing structures—naturally rot resistant, durable,with manufacturer warranties covering initial install for checking of damage or splitting. - Vibrant surfacing and canopies contrast with natural wood tone,which complements the North Andover context. - Historical improvements in playground materials (e.g., modern ropes with steel core,weather-resistant wrapping)ensure better durability and safety compared to older designs like pressure-treated wood over concrete. Improvements in playground materials(e.g., modern ropes with steel core, weather-resistant wrapping)ensure better durability and safety compared to older designs like pressure-treated wood over concrete surfaces. Outdoor Learning and Community Elements Key outdoor features were discussed by Studio 2112: - Outdoor classroom (Node#8): Located near trees for natural shade and biodiversity; includes benches and flexible space. Discussion on fixed vs. movable whiteboards favored movable boards due to durability and vandalism concerns,though weather-resistant fixed options exist. - Rain gardens(10): Functional stormwater infiltration features planted with native pollinator species for biodiversity and education. Require periodic maintenance and are not no-maintenance landscapes. - Buddy benches: Donated by Rotary; dimensions to be shared for final placement. - Rock:A natural rock feature to be incorporated once excavated; potential integration near lighting or landscape elements. Interior Design and Circulation Updates Damion B. presented interior design updates that included value engineered items and refinement based on user feedback. - Central lobby was redesigned with three main skylights(down from five or six)to maintain brightness while reducing costs. - Focus on a welcoming threshold with admin visibility,seating,and connections to gym and cafetorium. - Black board material continues from exterior to interior for continuity and durability. Circulation improvements: - Main stairs were reconfigured to wrap around with dedicated paths; corridor width reduced to 8 feet. - Thick wall between stair lobby and educational wing includes seating and breakout spaces for student regulation. - Perforated metal and mesh guardrails ensure safety and visibility across levels. - Stair designed as vibrant,engaging space with potential for murals and color. Educational wing corridor: - Balances clear wayfinding with visual interest without overstimulation - Breakout spaces(yellow highlights)serve as activity hubs; hallways remain calmer. - Limited pin-up boards per grade level to reduce maintenance; content concentrated in breakout spaces. Classroom design: - Each classroom has a threshold area near breakout spaces for student work displays. - Teachers emphasized control over their own displays and avoidance of duplication. - Storage wall includes sinks,extended desk space, cubbies,wooden backsplash,and wrap-around seating under window nook. - Two teacher desk locations: primary at front with view into breakout space,secondary for paraprofessionals or small groups Classroom Technology: Ninety-nine percent committed to rear-mounted,short-throw projectors(district standard), projecting onto white boards. Wall-mounted interactive displays(smart boards) are under consideration, but mobile smart boards are discouraged due to tripping hazards, limited size,and lack of modern usage. IT and tech consultants recommend adherence to district standards for consistency,supportability,and equity. A tech consultant will provide visuals to compare projector and smart board options. Exterior Design and Material Selection: Exterior design refinements focus on brick color selection to harmonize with nearby buildings such as North Andover Public School across the district. Design team preferred options include: - Red - Burgundy - Iron spot(with metallic reflection) Current renderings are approximations;actual appearance may vary due to lighting and digital limitations.Study compares proposed bricks to existing local buildings,focusing on dark reds, browns, metallics,and blended tones. Future phases will include durable mockups by manufacturers for better evaluation. Concluded the Design Update agenda item at 5:32. 7.Next Meeting Date Next meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026. 8.Adjourn Motion to adjourn was made by Eva Hamori and seconded by Dave Brown at 5:34,motion to adjourn passed 8- 0. Documents used at the meeting: Machado Silvetti's presentation Studio 2112 presentation July 16, 2026,SBC Meeting Minutes Colliers June Invoice Machado Silvetti's June Invoice