Needham PBBC approves contractor payments for library, DPW, theater and HVAC projects

The Permanent Public Building Committee (PBBC) on March 9 approved a set of contractor payments tied to ongoing town projects and heard short construction updates.

Chair Richard Cream opened the meeting and moved approval of a $191,105.68 requisition for Tower Construction covering February services for the library young‑adult project; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Ken, the project representative, told the committee that “mostly, actual construction work is complete,” while noting remaining millwork and shelving staging would not affect the scheduled completion.

The committee also voted to approve a $311,886.75 invoice to G & R Construction for the DPW fleet maintenance facility, again by roll call. Ken reported crews have backfilled roughly half the building and have started north‑side foundations, with forming scheduled to begin the following Monday.

For the Newman Theatre sound and light upgrade, the committee approved two change orders for Anise Electrical Services totaling $11,464.76. Brandon, the project reviewer, described the first change order as resolving an ad‑alternate bid clarification and the second as equipment substitutions driven by newer IT standards.

The PBBC approved a materials requisition and retainage adjustment related to RTU replacement work at Elliot and Broadmeadow: a February requisition for CAM HVAC totaling $214,834.99 (including a 2.5% retainage reduction) was approved by roll call.

Finally, the committee approved a $3,500 invoice to BH + a Architects for February services tied to the Center At The Heights project and heard that contractor bids and general contractor solicitations are scheduled in the coming weeks, with construction expected to start after June 1 and complete by mid‑December if the schedule holds.

All motions requiring votes were recorded by roll call and approved; committee members raised routine scheduling and contingency questions but no motions were amended. The PBBC adjourned after completing the agenda and reconvening briefly following the concurrent School Building Committee session.