Norwood building committee approves invoices, several change orders and rejects gym‑floor claim

BRIDAL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE — NORWOOD — Feb. 9, 2026 — The Bridal School Building Committee heard a broad project update and approved a series of invoices and change orders while rejecting a contractor claim related to gym‑floor repairs.

Speaker 6, presenting the project update, told the committee the rebuild is tracking favorably against the 2022 town meeting objectives: estimated project costs were originally put at $150 million and the team now projects a final cost just over $140 million. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) facility grant was discussed — originally cited at roughly $46 million and later raised in a 2024 amendment to about $52 million — and the project team said final MSBA reimbursement will depend on the MSBA's final audit. Speaker 6 said the team is targeting the 10‑month commissioning walkthrough in June and a gym‑floor rescreen and recoating in August to complete punch‑list work prior to the next school year.

While the budget outlook was described as “overall positive,” staff reviewed a long list of warranty and punch‑list items that remain open. Speaker 6 reported three minor roof leaks detected in December and January (locations: fourth‑floor outside a classroom near room 453, the gym entry, and a stairwell). The team intends to reinspect and recertify the roof after spring thaw; Speaker 9 committed to provide a written report that explains causes and follow‑up steps. "A roof leak is a roof leak," Speaker 2 said during the discussion, emphasizing the need for clear cause analysis.

Staff also recounted three plumbing backups in December and early January, cleared by the contractor; project staff and the plumbing subcontractor said the incidents appear related to low‑flow fixtures and inappropriate materials flushed into the system. The committee was told that several cleanouts and access panels were missing or inaccessible; Speaker 9 and the project team said access panels and cleanouts are being ordered and installations were expected to be completed the week following the meeting.

Aesthetic fixtures that fell from ceilings — including Sintra panels in the media center and cafeteria — were reviewed. Speaker 6 said the subcontractor agreed to a full line‑item credit of $15,779 for the Sintra panels and that the panel credit is included in the change‑order packet before the committee.

Other warranty responses included: replacement of a failed operable shade and metal housing under warranty after it detached and damaged millwork; a malfunctioning suspended projection screen that was returned to the manufacturer and replaced under warranty; and multiple Eaton uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units that failed, with diagnostics underway and potential replacement or extended warranty to be sought pending Eaton’s report.

Infrastructure items set for spring remediation include asphalt curbing repairs and an epoxy parking‑lot restripe (water‑based striping was used last fall because the epoxy cure time was not available). The committee was reminded that retainage is being held on many line items — the project team reported more than $2 million held across WT Rich and subcontractors to ensure punch‑list completion.

Committee business and votes

- December invoice package: The committee approved the December invoice package by roll call (motion carried unanimously).

- January invoice package: The committee approved the January invoice package totaling $1,712,043.48 (unanimous roll call).

- FF&E/technology purchases: A motion to approve additional FF&E purchases not to exceed $14,530 passed unanimously.

- Change orders: The committee approved change order 29 (which bundles items including timber guardrail/curbing, additional synthetic turf drainage work after groundwater was encountered, and a set of retrofitted accessible door operators) with the caveat that three specific door operator/button locations would be revisited before final payment. The committee also approved change order 30, which included a set of smaller PCOs and a credit for the Sintra panels, for $104,785 (unanimous).

Gym floor PCO denied

PCO 31 — the contractor claim for gym‑floor repair work performed under protest — was presented with an asserted total in the file and a contractor request for compensation. Speaker 3 moved to deny PCO 31, arguing the damage resulted from the flooring subcontractor’s coring operation that introduced water and buckled finished boards and that taxpayers should not be charged to accept a floor that is not new. "The town of Norwood ... deserves a new floor," Speaker 3 said in urging denial. The committee voted unanimously to reject PCO 31 (motion carried by roll call); the project team will follow contract procedures for any subsequent claims or dispute resolution.

Field work and schedule extension

The committee authorized CCD 11, a $317,902 authorization to reestablish the N Dean walking path and related landscaping, and approved a contract extension to February 2026 to allow planting and lawn establishment to occur in the appropriate season.

What’s next

Project staff expect to complete remaining punch‑list and warranty items this spring as weather allows, proceed with the June commissioning walkthrough required for MSBA closeout processing, and continue to hold retainage where work remains outstanding. The MSBA final audit process is expected to hold the final ~5% reimbursement for approximately 12–18 months after closeout submission.

The committee adjourned after brief closing remarks.