Subcommittee backs lower-cost uniform cabinets and a refurbished Yamaha piano for Wakefield arts program

The PBC subcommittee reviewed performing-arts purchases for the Wakefield school project and recommended lower-cost storage cabinets and a refurbished grand piano, saying both items fit within the project contingency.

Lauren, presenting the items to the group, said the committee solicited two quotes for band uniform storage: Wanger at $24,322.13 and Marco (through Herz) at $18,583.40. She recommended proceeding with the Marco cabinets, noting the finish differs from other built-in cabinetry but that the storage is behind doors and not public-facing. “We solicited two quotes… Marco comes in at $18,583.40,” Lauren said, recommending the lower-cost option.

Committee members asked whether they were required to accept the lowest bid. Lauren replied they were not because both vendors are MHC dealers, and the committee could prioritize cohesion if it wished. Several members indicated they were comfortable selecting the lower-cost option given the storage location and functional parity.

On the piano, Lauren said Falsetti Pianos provided three new and two pre-owned options. The committee eliminated two pre-owned choices for tonal reasons and a nine-foot new piano because it was too large for the space. The subcommittee recommended a refurbished Yamaha C6X priced at $57,392, a figure Lauren said includes the bench, delivery, setup, tuning and a 10-year warranty. “Our recommendation would be to go with the $57,392 new Yamaha C6X,” she said.

Lauren summarized contingency impacts, saying other draws (PE map modifications, a custodial-item swap and added fitness platforms) and the pending items would total roughly $65,543 in draws, leaving a significant remaining contingency from the allocation approved in February.

The subcommittee agreed to forward its favorable recommendation on both the storage cabinets and the piano to the full PBC. The chair and members said the FFN items are within budget and can be reported as recommended actions at the next PBC meeting.

Next steps: the subcommittee will transmit the recommendation and supporting quotes to the full PBC for formal approval; the items will be noted at the PBC meeting the following evening.