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SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – With a target project completion date of August 14, the David Prouty High School Building Committee in July discussed a range of issues including the timing of sod for the baseball field, a neighbor’s concerns, and a historic bell, to name a few.
Nick Pimentel, representing Colliers (owner’s project manager), told the committee there would likely be “aesthetic things,” to finish following the completion date.
Superintendent Paul Haughey said the OPM and fire department had been meeting weekly to ensure the district has everything it needs to move in a timely manner. The outstanding matters do not concern security or safe egress.
“The good news today is that there is no bad news,” Pimentel said.
Building Committee member Jason Monette disagreed with reported plans recommended by the contractor and landscape architect to put sod down on the baseball field in October rather than September.
“I don’t know if I agree with that,” Monette said, noting that September is “historically the best time for root growth.”
He said waiting until October would cut down on the time warmer soil is possible.
Tom Wolfenden of Fontaine Brothers said the issue is that irrigation is not there and instead there is a line for water cannons that would be used.
Chair Mike Ethier suggested Monette meet with the landscaper and contractor to express his concerns.
Pimentel said at minimum, a quick phone call could be made or they would get something in writing explaining the rationale on the timing.
Wolfenden said the landscape architect would do the watering “with what’s available,” if there is an issue with the district’s custodial staff handling that task.
Overall, Wolfenden said the baseball field is in “good shape assuming we don’t re-locate the scoreboard.”
A discussion regarding the scoreboard took place because an abutter on Greenville Street sent a letter expressing concern about the baseball field, which is located behind their home. The neighbor has an issue with the final height of the field, drainage and the location of the scoreboard.
Following receipt of the letter, site plans, drainage design documents and the Planning Board approval letter were drawn up and sent through consultant Stephen Hemman of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS).
The neighbor was also sent the Zoom link and an invitation to the meeting but did not attend.
The abutter expressed the opinion the school project was “moving way too fast.”
When asked what moving the scoreboard would cost, Pimentel said he hated giving out “hunch numbers” without getting estimates from the multiple contractors involved. But $50,000 “is as accurate as I can get.”
He said he would come back and share an estimate.
Member Mark Carpentier said the problem is not how many baseball games occur, but more about “having this blocking structure facing the backyard of the abutter.”
He said, “It doesn’t matter if it is lit or not.”
Member Mary Braney agreed the issue is not about games being played in that location but “concern regarding drainage related to the height of the field.”
Braney said the neighbor is accustomed to games there but not the scoreboard blocking the view now that the field is higher.
Given the possible cost of re-location, Ethier asked if they could offer enhanced landscaping to make “the backyard view more attractive.”
Ethier emphasized the alternative should not “disrupt the well-planned drainage system.”
Hemman suggested an in-person talk with the neighbor is appropriate by Pimentel to “show we care and see what we can do to ease concerns.”
Ethier added that Haughey should go and take part in that discussion.
Finally, Wolfenden said he is having a difficult time reaching someone at the Spencer Inn so that an historic bell there can be moved to the school’s “monumental casework,” in the student commons area.
Ethier volunteered to reach out and help with communication on that matter.
The next meeting is August 20. Members of town boards from both communities will be invited to tour the facility at 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m., the meeting will begin.
