001Good evening. This is the special meeting of the Graten Board of Education being held on Monday, March 30th at 6:00 at Fitch High School Media Center. in attendance in in person tonight. We have uh Michael Whitney, Dr. Mike Whitney, we have Jen White, Adrien Johnson, Ian Thomas, and myself. Be that Washington. We have um Sam Kilpatrick and Susan Austin, superintendent. We have Dr. Amarie Mancini in the back and Shannon Wel. Okay. and the strange lady, >> the assistant principal of the high school. >> Okay. And online, did I get any back? And Dr. Clint Kennedy over there in the corner. Um, and online, we have Dr. Andrea Acriman and we have Mitch Shiml. So the first item on the agenda is discussion and possible action regarding approval of the final plans project manuals and professional
002cost estimate for Charles Bond roof replacement project. It's attachment 1A 1B was online and 1 C. Um Jen, can you make that motion for me? It's no. It's um make motion to approve the final plans and projected manuals as prepared for bidding and dated March 2nd, 2026 and the professional cost estimate completed in accordance with level three of ASM International Standard E1557 standard classification of building elements and related site word and uniformat Q for Charles Barnum roof replacement project dated March 2nd, 2026. >> Do you have a second >> or 9th? Okay, I'll tell you the superintendent. >> We have a special guest online, Tanya, who is from the Silver Petrachelli architectural firm, and they were the ones who first did these plans. So, she's revised and updated it. And um Tanya, could you fill
003in the board on um I was thrilled that the price came in as it did. Um so if you could just explain to us what um what the process is and what we do next. >> Sure. So um the we had developed these um construction documents to re- roof the the Charles Barnum school and um this is the process of the grant from the state. So you have been given a grant you've been granted the monies to do the project um you have a grant number. So, we had to update the drawings to include state um grant number and kind of review it again just to make sure everything was good along with the the project manual which are the specifications for the project and the estimates. So, those are the three things that you
004just voted on and that were circulated to all of you for your review. Um I and the next step is to have a PCR which is a pre plan review with the state to go over the particulars of the project and any questions that the state might have um in regards to the specifications and the scope of work before you can go out to bid and once they grant um they give us their blessing then we will be able to put the project out to bid and hopefully get this work done this summer. Um, we currently have a a meeting with the state scheduled for April 22nd, I want to say. We worked on that today. So, that is moving forward. And I have the drawings and specifications and the estimate. Um, I can pull
005them up if anyone wants a visual or has any questions about the project. >> Any questions? Jen, >> hi. Thank you, Tanya, for um attending our meeting. um after the meeting with the state if it is approved like how um what are the next steps after that? >> We would be putting the project out to bid. >> So the the town would have to advertise um and then select a date that we would have a walkthrough of the project. we will attend that and explain the project if and if any of the the um contractors who show up for the walkthrough or see the advertisement and have any questions. They have time period where we can answer questions and then the bid will be due on a certain date that will be um a public
006opening and then we will review the qualified contractors with you and you will select someone for the project and you will go through the process of um the contract award with them and set up a schedule for work. >> And how long would that normally take? Like would you say that would be like a 3-w weekek process, four-w week? I know it's hard to tell. I'm not committing you to anything, but on average what you've seen. >> Well, I know your goal is is to try to have this work done this summer. >> Correct. >> So, it's getting a little tight because you know, like you like a lot of schools in the state of Connecticut, everyone wants to do their roof projects during the summer. So, putting this I mean best case scenario if
007we have a review on the 22nd, we usually there's some questions that need answering and um maybe we can get approvals by the end of the month and we can put it out to bid um say May, get them back early June. So hopefully you could have, you know, a time period where they would be able to start construction when school is out the end of June. Sam, I don't know if you want to add anything to that with your experience. No, >> no, thanks. >> It seems very tight. And then like usually like a project this size um approximately how long would that take? Like the like the removal. So let's say everything isn't go by July. Would it be able to be completed like within a two-month period so that everything's in place
008before school starts or is there >> That would be the goal. Um, but you could have a situation where they're working into, you know, the occupied time frame of school being back in session in September. It all kind of hinges on the state and their decision to allow you to go out to bed. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Sorry, I can't specifically >> No, no. I'm just, you know, having um my first go around with a roof replacement, you know, on the board of ed. I was just trying to get a timeline in my head. So, thank you for that. >> Mitch, I have a question. Mitch, I have a question. What is plan B if you can't do it in the summer because you can't find a contractor? What would plan B look
009like? >> Plan B would be, I suppose, that you could put it out to bid again if you don't have a lot of interest. That's one option. Um or if the timing isn't right, you can push the work till the fall. >> I'm sorry, Mitch. Go ahead. >> Can Can you hear me? >> Yes. Okay. Um, my question is, um, are you removing material from the roof before you put the new roofing material on? >> Yes, there's a demolition process and then the new roofing and insulation. Well, the insulation and then the roofing and any repairs that would need to be made would happen. >> Okay. Is the new material going to be heavier than the old material? And has anyone looked at that from a structural standpoint? >> We had. That was part of
010our our design process when we we initiated this project back in 24. I was a little bit less. >> Okay. And my other question is um the grant that we got is going to cover the cost of this whole job. Is that right? >> The grant Well, it's it's it's a percentage. Um I'm not quite sure what your reimbursement rate was. I believe that was in the grant letter. Susan, I don't know if you have that in front of you. >> I I thought it was around right under 60%. >> Yeah, I want to say 58 point something percent. >> Yeah. >> How much is that in Dallas? >> It's it's roughly um roughly >> Well, the estimate was just under a million. So, >> was just over 500,000. >> The CIP was for about
011a million, right? So, just under a million. I think it's 54 or 56%. >> It changes with each project. The state determines uh based on what what project you're doing. So, it's we don't always get the same reimbursement rate. In this particular instance, we were in the 54 or 56% reimbursement rate. >> So, they reimburse us approximately $500,000 and then we pay the rest. >> That's correct. Can I ask one more question? >> Uhuh. >> Okay. Um, do we have this in the budget to pay for the rest or is this going to be something coming that we're going to ask the town for? >> Sounds like a lot of money. >> It's in a CIP, Mitch, for the full and then with the reimbursement, the town won't have to pay the full amount. They'll
012pay nearly half of it or a little over a half. Okay. Thank you, >> AJ. >> Yeah. So, um if we do run um tight on getting the project done in this in this coming summer, um is there a date that the state puts on this that we have to either commence or complete the work by >> Two years >> from the time of award, I believe. Yes. I if if we can't get the project during the summer, I would not recommend it if we don't have the time to do the full project this summer, I would not recommend doing it during the summer because this particular school, the ceilings are very low. Uh and it would be very loud and distracting for elementary kids. I've done roofs during school sessions. However, it's a different
013type of structure. Um those buildings were a different type of structure where um there was enough space uh above the ceiling that uh the noise that they were making up above wouldn't transfer into the classroom. But this is pretty close and tight. So I wouldn't recommend it. >> All right. So but the funding will still be available for the summer of 27 if if in an un ideal situation or pushed out. >> I just ask a question. Would we need to? So, it's approved for two years. So, we don't need to reapply. So, there's no potential for a delay again. >> Right. >> Once the bid comes in, we accept the bid. >> Yep. >> Only if there were a problem with the contractor later down the road. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> And
014I can't Have you finished your Okay. I can't remember. Did the town council approve this CIP already? >> Yes. >> Oh, that good. a few years ago. >> All right. Good. Any other questions? >> Good. >> So, all those in favor of approving the motion at Jan say I oppose. It passes. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven two 0 to zero. All right, the next item is followup of the robotics manufacturing. Um, excuse myself if you don't need me any further. >> Thank you very much, Tanya. >> Oh, yeah. Thank you, Tanya. I'm sorry. I apologize. >> No worries. >> Byebye. >> I think before we discuss it, we should just go over take a look at the area and then come back to them. Is that is that a good plan? >>
015We have Lori online. I don't know if she wanted to share what she has and then and then we can do that. Lori Ferguson. >> Hi everybody. >> She can show you the kind of plan and >> questions and then we can go walk. Would that be all right? >> That's fine with me. >> Okay. >> All right. So >> Lori has been our project manager for the machine shop, auto shop turn machine shop and always in the vision was to have um EB's partnership in getting more machines in so that that center could really help with workforce development. Um the dream of course is department of robotics, engineering, architecture, manufacturing and machining. So looking at classes by day in both robotics and machining and engineering. We already have some of these courses and we'll
016add to that so that our students by day will be able to take these courses and continue with our outstanding robotics team in the evening afternoon. So um she has a blueprint and Lorie Ferguson did this work in Coventry Rhode Island working side by side with electric boat. So, she has a lot of experience as a CTE director and um department chair and now in her retirement, she's choosing to work on these projects with others. So, um and there's a lot of machine shops going up. >> Yes. >> As electric boat expands its um its workforce. I I don't know why you can't see me. I don't I hate not having my camera on. Um, but I just want you to know it's not me. >> You know why, Clint? >> I couldn't click on
017anything. I could click on the mute, but do you have the updated blueprint? >> Yes, we've got it in front of us. >> Okay. >> Put it up. So, so, um, I really did a a big redesign, I think, on this blueprint compared to our space previously because we don't have we're not purchasing two machines until um at least 2 years out. And so, uh, I wanted to make sure that the space had enough room for the robotics equipment, which is around the, um, it's kind of like an L shape there. And it the robotics equipment is labeled robotics. So, you'll see robotics CNC. >> Lori, can can you put the blueprint up on Can you share it? >> I I can't seem to do much over here. Um, >> can you share it? Oh,
018sure. >> Okay, we're gonna try to share it. So, >> I can try. Yeah. Oh, let me try my video here. There it is. Okay. Let me see if I can share. Do you have it or do you want me to share it? >> I do. Stop sharing. >> Go for it. >> And now we can see you, Lori. Hi. Hi, everybody. Does he want me to share it or is he going ahead? >> Okay, great. Okay. Can you see that? >> Yeah. Can you make it any bigger? Maybe. >> I'm gonna try. Let's see. Oh, it went away. Hold on. Um, I'm not sure if I can make it bigger. >> Computer screen is fine. Just tough guys. >> Yeah. What is he saying? >> It's as good as it's gonna get. Okay, if
019you can follow my cursor, um these the light blue is equipment. So, if you start from um the hallway that's right underneath the updated blueprint sign, you'll see along this wall and on the corner and then down up to um the second to the last machine there. Those are the current robotics machines that are there. Those are the ones that came in I think in November and they've always been included in our design. In the middle is the new equipment that we are purchasing. The very large uh machine is the CNC lathe. The um one in front of it is the CNC mill. Those are the Herkos. And remember, all of the machinery that we're purchasing aligns with electric boats, machines that they use uh in their shops, I mean in their um facility and
020then in some local supply shops. So the the skills that our students are going to earn and learn are relevant and align to what electric boat um employees are using. And we have uh two big CNC's here. And then we have three manual machines. Actually, two manual machines, right? Three manuals right here. I can't even see it myself. I think these Yeah, these are the Ganesha manual mills. And these are um very big machines compared to like if you are familiar with a a manual drill press. They're like two or three times larger than that in width and in depth. Um, the black items are our tool boxes that flow around the space so that students and teacher can work nicely when they're on machines. The um the machines are labeled so that you can
021see that this is the front of the machine so students can safely work. They're they're um specifically designed to be on an angle so that students aren't next to one another and aren't bumping into any kind of um steel or any kind of um you know um machinery that they're working on um material that they're working on. And so these three Ganeshases are all on the angle as is the robotics equipment. As you notice, we have it safely um distance from the middle machine. So all of the machines have been designed with at least 3 ft from either side of um safety distance. The blue table there is just a workt that students or teacher, anyone can work on right there. And then this green line is the site that the fire department um wanted
022to make sure that we had egress from door to door. And so that arrow is there, that line, dotted line is there for you to see that we have that space. And on the other side which currently the robotics um the robotics team has a lot of their storage and workts in this space. This will again have workts here. Just be a little bit more organized so that the flow is easier for students um to move around and to work on different. Remember, you're not going to have all students working on one particular uh machine or even working on one skill at the same time. If you have you can have up to 18 students in this shop with one teacher safely and all of them will be working at different levels in different areas
023and on different machines. So um just to get a picture of that you might you know you might have students working mostly at the workts and along here at the work um bench here. This is a long cabinet that has a workbench on top. They can put tabletop machinery there, tabletop sores, and this will be some work station here. And so students can move safely around. Here we have the surface grinder. And oh my god, I cannot actually I gotta try and pull this up myself. I cannot see it >> what I've labeled it. >> It has to be Oh, it's the two 40 uh 40 um inch lathes. These first two machines are the manual lathes. Ganesha manual lathes. And this bigger square is the surface grinder. Then you have the air compressor in
024this dotted area here. That's the air compressor area. And then um here is the metrology station. So that's where students will go and measure their equipment and make sure it's um flat. And then in these two are the band saws. Um horizontal band saw I believe and um maybe a vertical I because I can't see it. And then again another workt. These are larger 60 in. The others are 48 in. And um tool uh tool boxes, those metal tool chests that are mobile that can go around the shop. So up in front you'll see this oval. This is the sink that's currently there and we know that at least it has um water. It's nothing that we need. We not we're not going to need a sink for anything, but it always comes in handy
025because you might have, you know, just students who want to wash their hands. To the left of that is the tool cage that we would like to um create. And that's also highlighted in this um broken line. And that will house some shelves in there. and it will um hold all of like the hand tools and smaller tools and equipment that you might not have on the floor. So, this space is designed to easily have students at these workbenches doing um you know theory work. The teacher would be teaching probably up in this area. And this is the way we've done it in uh Coventry and this is the way I know they do it at the machine shop at Davies uh state school in um Lincoln, Rhode Island. And you want a flexible space
026because this kind of learning, of course, as you know, is done on the spot. It's done, you know, through demonstrations. It's done through hands-on learning. And so you want to be able to move your tables. You want to be able to move your monitor or move your toolbox to places that you need to be. And so I think this space and these dotted lines are just to give you a peripheral um a vision of the safety area around each of the machines. So, um, because they, you know, they all have their specifications for safety. And so, I've included all of that in this design. Um, the teacher is going to want to come in and will naturally, you know, fix this space the way he or she teaches and the way he or she is
027going to set up their shop. What is what doesn't move, of course, are the machines. The smaller machines are mobile. They can be moved, but they are heavy. This middle ground, we're going to have to, you know, finalize this before the machines come in because once these big machines come in, that they're going to be there. These smaller ones can be moved. We've moved them actually in Coventry because we had to paint the floor after the machines came in. And so they were the Ganeshases were easily moved, but of course the big CNC's that's it. They're in these smaller machines would be able to be moved um easily. So down in front you'll see the three bay uh garage doors. That is this uh side that faces the parking lot. And then we have a
028double um a double door there to get into the space. So, I think it looks clean. It looks um it's safe. There's a lot of room right now for for people to work and move around. And I think right now it's a really good space. Now, if you wanted to get, you know, an an additional CNC here, these three ganeshes could actually be moved down or up to put that um to put that machine in. I would I would recommend that these three machines get moved up and then we house that second CNC um easy easy um entrance in from the bay door and then have it plop right here. So >> now can I ask a question Lori? All these machines that we're purchasing with the grant or the funding >> are they all
029for using on metal machines or wood? This is a metal shop. Everything is for metal. You can't really have wood in here because then you have sawdust and that mixes in with the metal. It's it's not conducive to that. In any shop that I've been in for teaching and learning, it has not been a mixed area. >> And I remember learning that earlier on. Now, the robotics team equipment is mostly metal, but there are a couple things that are for wood. Is that right? >> I think some of the saws are for wood. Um, she's got a a band saw here, a drop saw. Um, not sure about the routers, the CNC router. I'm not sure if it's for wood or for metal. >> Okay, we'll have to ask them. But I know that they've
030been using the wood shop. A lot of their things have been moved down to the wood shop. And I know Chris Jenkins, who's one of the coaches, has said he's had to go and it's quite quite a stretch when you're trying to go from one end of the building to the other. I know that they've said they'd really rather be in one space, >> right? Um but there is a dilemma between the wood and the metal. So, we can't really space. So, >> I I al also just want to make note this very large um CNC lathe. It is that large because that is the working space of this machine. So, it isn't it's probably like a foot or so less in um around in width and and length, but I wanted to put in
031the full size of what the working space is. So we realize that that space is um restricted to that machine. So even though the machine might be a little bit smaller, that space has to be a certain size for working, >> right? And safety probably. >> Yes, exactly. >> Mitch, I have a question. >> Uh yeah. Can you hear me? >> Hi Mitch. >> Hi. I have a couple of questions. >> Okay. I hope I can answer them, Mitch. >> Well, we'll do the best you can. And I will, and I know I know you will. >> Um, one of them is, uh, is this is EB paying for for this equipment or some of it? >> Good question, Mitch. All of the equipment in this um new space is grantf funded or um partner
032funded. So yes, electric boat is contributing towards the equipment and the largest um they are contributing the largest funding source towards the equipment. So all of this equipment you see in the middle all of these new big CNC's and these Ganesha manuals um those are all through electric boat as well >> maritime the naval maritime group also is part of it. Yes. >> Yeah. >> And two other machines here. So, so they have a large chunk of this. And then of course you have your Department of Defense funds that are also um contributing to that. So because of the nature of the program and the nature of the workforce, we're fortunate to have some federal funding. >> Okay. out of a career pathway grant from DODIA and the grant closes in May and we were
033fortunate to have some excess funding that works for career pathways because this is directly related. >> Okay. I think I think that's all good. I'm I'm I'm very impressed. Um you mentioned toolboxes. I assume they're going to contain tools. And is are the tool boxes and the tools also covered under the >> Yes. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> That was also part of the um DODIA funding. >> Okay. Um and you mentioned hand tools and I I saw where what your plan is to put them in a certain area. Are those going to be locked up? >> Yes. Everything locks. All of the tool chest lock, the tool crib locks, everything locks. Believe me, when you have kids, you have to lock everything up. >> That's That's why I would ask. >> Also, what about
034PPE? >> Yep. That that will all be in a locked area. That's all been purchased and will all be in a in a cabinet. >> Okay. So, for the PPE, I'm talking about safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection. >> Yep. Not hard hats. You don't need hard hats in this area. You need um you need safety glasses and you need earplugs. >> Okay. What about >> You can have aprons. >> We've purchased aprons and we've purchased gloves. >> Okay. What about um footwear? Because I can anticipate metal shavings on the floor and things like that. >> That's part of what students have to wear. That's part of um you know they have to wear a work boot. >> Okay. >> No sneakers are allowed. >> Okay. Good. You've you've kind of covered everything I was
035thinking of with regard to that. And >> um the trash that you're going to have out of this metal metal filings and shavings. I've seen all kinds of things because I worked at EB for a heck of a long time. Okay. And um are those going to require any kind of special handling? No, they don't. >> You have your work gloves and they don't they all get put in one big trash. Um if you're lucky to have someone that you can like in uh Coventry, we worked with our scrap um metal scrap company and every you know few months they came and picked up um some scrap from us if we had it. Uh, and you know, we we traded that in for some some cash. >> Okay. And as far you mentioned an air
036compressor. >> Yes. >> Um, what what pressure is that putting out because that can be dangerous at certain pressures. >> Well, there is it's there currently is an ear compressor in the shop. We are replacing that. These don't take a lot of air pressure. We're not using a lot of um air pressure for this. It's a relatively small compressor. 7 and a half horsepower. Um I think Oh, I don't want to I don't want to say the output. I don't want I I don't want to um say the wrong >> You answer you answered my basic question. Um and then I just got uh one one more question and I I didn't mean to take over the whole thing here. Um but uh >> great questions, Mitch. You you mentioned that um and I know
037how big these machines are. Once they're in, they're in. And you also mentioned that some work has to be done on the floor. >> No, not on this floor. This floor has already been done. >> Okay. >> Yes, Sam took care of that uh back when we had an empty space. He had the flooring done. The only thing that we'll do once the machines are in is we um we do a perimeter, a safety perimeter in yellow paint, but that's once the machines are in. >> Okay. And you have three, it looks like CNC machines arranged in kind of a semicircle near the >> Those are manual. Those are manual u mills. >> Okay. Why are they arranged in a semicircle? uh because when students are working um side by side, there's more there's an
038increase of uh risk of safety when they're side by side. So the recommendation is to have the machines on an angle and we did that in Coventry. They they did that in Davies. They've done it in North Kingtown. That is the recommendation so that kids are not working side by side and god forbid something flies off. It doesn't hit them, right? Because you have some um you you have some blockage the way the machines are. >> Okay, that all makes perfect sense to me. I think you have a good plan here and I'll shut up now. Thank you. >> Thank you. Those were great questions and I'm sure other people were were thinking of those so I appreciate it. >> Thanks. Okay. Thanks, Mitch, for all those questions. >> You're welcome, >> Ian. >> Uh,
039yeah, thank you. Um, so this a general question maybe for the consultant, maybe for Susan or Sam. Um, the uh machines around the outside, the perimeter, the ones you identify as robotics, those are our robotics. Uh, the team robotics or the >> Yes. >> class. Okay. >> Yes. Um, so how is this going to relate to um the uh the field the practice field? >> So we robotics team we were able to put a practice field in for this year but we knew that we needed the entire space for the machine shop. So that was something to get them in. Um, one of the things we've suggested because we've asked them, it could continue to be a shared space, but they would have less space and then they wouldn't have the field in that space.
040But we asked if um they were thinking about getting a field. We've actually put in a grant. I've gotten two or three grants ready to go. the one's going off tomorrow um to get a fieldhouse that will be a full-size field for the robotics team and it could be stationed right outside of the wood shop which they are using partially and I've heard that it's hard to get back and forth. When I asked the coaches they said they'd rather have the kids all together in one space instead of all throughout the high school. Um they did they were accustomed to being at Pleasant Valley and they had ample space because they had a whole school but now they're in the high school and they have to have shared spaces because we have other programs in
041there. So we were talking on Friday about using the cleaning out the wood shop and really there's a couple pieces of equipment like a welding machine in a wood shop that needs to go and there's a sander in there. So looking to move those things out and clear out that space. It's about 2/3 the size of the current space that they have now. But then in addition, they would have a full field that's just steps outside the door. So they it seemed that they were um kind of interested, very interested in that perspective because they said the most important thing to both of them was to keep the kids consolidated. They have the aluminum falcon closet right across from the wood shop. There's also a computer lab that's right down in that area as well
042that they can do CAD design and other things down there. So, it would keep them kind of centralized in a certain space. >> So, they're propos if I'm understanding that correct, but you're you're proposing that the robotics team move locations again to >> they've already started to >> to the wood shop. Yep. >> And be 100% in the wood shop. >> Well, they said it's not really conducive for them to share the space. >> Right. So, um, but it was always meant to be the machine shop and it, you know, has the machining equipment and you really can't, um, you know, you, that was always the intent. And the field was to get them started, you know, and to have a space to do the field. I've checked around and there's no other full-size field
043except for WPI where they'll be this weekend. And to have something at South Eastern Connecticut is really um, awesome. I talked to the one of the chairs, one of the um people who runs First Robotics today and she's writing a letter on behalf of our grants to you know for the concept of having a full field um and very excited about the idea. I think there's one that she's trying to get in Waterberry but nothing in this area and they don't have it yet. So, um, so you know, we we've been, you know, in communication and will continue to be in communication because we really are working towards a plan with the coaches and Clint, Dr. Clint Kennedy has been on board and he's actually gotten some specs on this fieldhouse situation and um you
044know Sam has been involved and the coaches and we're just working through the details. But I think the concern was that they the team and the coaches would have to to move everything and I said that we would absolutely help support that endeavor getting things put where they want. Um, I did say their equipment can stay there in the machine shop should they want it, but they kind of think they want to take the machines with them to the auto shop and have everything in that one space and then the field right outside the door of the wood shop. >> Um, why not? I mean, since the robotics team's already moved in to the auto shop area or machine shop, right? Am I getting the terms right? This is the old auto shop. Now, >>
045it was always intended to be the machine shop. Okay. And there's not enough room in that other space. My question is shop. >> There's not enough space in the wood shop area to accommodate this minus robotics machines. >> These robotics machines would not go. >> Right. Right. They say just as a hypothetical, the manufacturing program went into the wood shop and re revamped that place to make it suit their purpose. >> My understanding, Lori, you can correct me if I'm wrong, but this would not fit in there. >> No, it would not fit. We didn't design this space. We didn't design the equipment based on the space in the wood shop. We designed it based on the space here because this is what we were always starting with >> and they wouldn't get a full
046field. They have a partial field. But in this plan where they'd have their closet, they'd have their CAD design area and their wood shop with a fieldhouse. It would all be in the same location. And the principal is concerned about the kids being kind of all over the school. and so are the coaches that it takes requires lots of mentors and help support staff to to monitor everything. They're great kids, but you know it for safety reasons the tools that they're working with, we really have to have enough adults. >> Can you describe what the field like? Is this like a freestanding building? Is it like a >> Clint, do you have a picture? >> Stop sharing. I could give you an example. Actually before we start stop sharing >> we asked still >> still
047ask one more question. Yeah isan are you done Ian? No, not exactly. But I um So you're proposing that as a tradeoff and compensation for the robotics team having to move again within the la one year of time. Um that they're going to get a full field access >> as a result of this. >> Yep. Um, and all their equipment would be able to be centralized into one location, adjacent rooms. >> Yeah. And that's what I asked them. I said, "We could certainly share the space. I mean, it would be tight." >> Um, but I said, you know, what would be your, you know, and they talked about they still do prototypes with wood. So, there is some wood cutting and things that they could do down there and space and they've got the whole
048filtration system for that. and we could separate the machines. It's big enough that we could separate metal and wood in that space. But um they really said they wanted to be in one location and that was our conversation Friday. We'll continue to have conversations. I've asked them for any questions that they have um any concerns that they have so that we can all work through it. >> I can't help but notice we have a couple robotics coaches here in the in the gallery. Is there any way to recognize them? >> I don't want to start doing that. Mike. >> Yeah. So, so I have one another question, but I'll ask this one first now. So, I think um the the aluminum falcons equipment that's kind of arranged around that corner, that L right now, you
049mentioned maybe two to three of those machines are for woodworking and the rest are for metals. >> So, is So, am I hearing that this plan is now obsolete because the intent would be to move all of that L to the wood shop or are we saying something different? Well, I'm going to going to rely on the the coaches to say what works best because they have to, you know, they have to monitor the students and make sure the students are safe. And I know Chris is the one who works with them with these machines. And so, you know, if it's more conducive to have everything in one space, then that's what we do. if he feels like he can handle it in this space and have them down the hall, we'll have I'm really
050going to rely on on their expertise on that because they could fit in here. >> So, it's like like they've very literally been marginalized there >> um in that floor plan if they're picked out. But but my my other question is the Luna Falcons, will they be able to use that big center um donut there and the stuff off to the other side or are they only on on their equipment which which I guess is in some ways the districts anyway? But will they be able to use the new machine for alum falcon purposes? >> I really believe that the kids who are in my aluminum falcons program are going to be some of those kids taking the courses next year. We had 55 students who asked for to take a robotics class. I don't
051know their names, but I would assume I know I've talked to a lot of them that they are very interested in a robotics one two and also a machine course. So I it could be the same kids. I know that the robotics team though, however, has said that they really want their their machines to be able to work on their project during their competition time solely and and so by getting more machines that would allow us to be able to do the machine course by day and then you know for them to be able to work. >> Yeah. And this is a great opportunity for for um many of those kids. I can see that overlapping interest. Uh but I get so so I I heard your answers and I'm just asking this specific question.
052Um during say an aluminum falcon's practice or typically at night um would they be able to actively use the new machinery u that >> are they sharing the machinery >> the the new machinery would they during their practice be able to use the new machinery >> if they know how to use it but they would have to get some training on that in order to know how to use it. I'm sure at some point they would be able to use it once they've been trained. >> And I think one of the things that EB is also doing for us is they are educating our new teachers. So, the teacher who comes in to teach machine shop hopefully will find someone maybe retired from the Navy or EB that has some skills, but if they need
053to have a refresher or update, they're willing to pay the teacher during the day in the summer and have them go through the training during the summer. So, that's another real bonus for Fitch. >> Yeah, it is great. And I think it's really helpful for the career pathways. just try to keep the focus just for a moment on the women of Falcons and uh and so so is the intent or the hope for for them to be able to use the the new machinery u during their practices that's outside of the school day. >> I would say yes as long as we had an adult who knew how to run the machines and it was safe enough for >> sure and uh confident that would be provision. Uh so in that case it seems to
054me that if if they would be working on the new machinery that at least keeping their metal oriented machinery, metal working machinery tools um in the same space here >> rather than splitting it up between the because you'll have a split one way or the other. >> Well, and I think that's why we kept that there because that was kind of the intent all along to have that shared space um in that way. >> Yeah. And I'll just my one last question. Um, how big is half a field for the women falcons and how high does the ceiling needed? And are there other places in the school, say the library or other places where you could fit a field? >> Yeah. >> In the pit there. >> I mean, I don't have a sense of
055how big the half field will be. I'm guessing like 20 by 20 feet. >> So Lauri, you have those dimensions, don't you? But >> what you see before they go down to the down to the shop? >> Um, we were talking about the halfsiz field versus the fulls size field. The dimensions, Clint, do you remember? >> I don't know the dimensions >> basketball court. >> I can tell you >> here though. >> Yeah, >> I can tell you that the dimensions of this half where the field is now is 26 by 44. That's That's the size of that half of the room. And they probably have I'm going to I'm going to guess knowing um how much space they have there at least 38 by, you know, 18 anyway. 16. That's my guess of how
056much space they're using right now for that field. That's my guess. And a full field would be double that. >> And then that's probably roughly maybe from I guess only when the build's happening. So it' be like uh so would it be at least December through March or be even longer. So >> yeah, it it's really during their competition time when they're building it and testing it out and then trying it out. It's pretty exciting. >> But they're probably training up students on last year's stuff. The new students on last year's stuff. Yeah, they had some of their old machines. Yeah. And then they, you know, when they got to work on it, they started using the new ones. And >> so it did have to be like dedicated kind of only basically school year,
057year round space for the field. >> You mean the field? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, and we they do some wonderful work too in the summertime with kids like doing the camps. We envisioned you could do camps and you know and do robotics in there too, you know, to um so I mean, yeah, it's pretty exciting kind of piece of space. >> I'll answer my own question. So, it wouldn't fit in the library. >> No, >> it would fit, but the library wouldn't be as >> I mean, could you take kind of >> Could you take a gym space? I mean, that's what they had at Pleasant Valley, but the the problem, we have a um, you know, a full-size gym and a a smaller gym at this school, but, you know, the
058teams don't get a choice of when they play or how they play. I mean, that's all scheduled. So, whenever that gym is available and when the competition times, those get, you know, um, shared. Those are all shared spaces. So, I'm getting a sense that they want the field to be close to where they are >> because from what I could read from the email, it was test rebuild or whatever and retest and so they don't want to like travel down the hallway and half a block to um you know to the field. They want it to be pretty close. >> Well, the field is the field isn't just an open space either. Actually, they build a a perimeter of plywood wall that's probably a couple of feet high. Yeah. >> Uh so that it doesn't
059go haywire or >> for safety again >> Mitch and then Ian and then you Jen. >> Mitch. Mitch. >> Okay. Yes, I did. Thank you. Uh quick question. It may be pointless, but um you have a lot of valuable um equipment in here and it looks as though um there may at some point be a conflict of priorities and who's using what equipment. And I'm wondering if you need some kind of a memorandum of agreement between the robotics club and um uh the people using the um new new equipment as as to what the certifications are for the um for what's needed for the instructors um when people would be using what equipment um things like that. Is is that something necessary to spell it out up front? So we don't have issues down the
060road. >> Lori, how did you do it in Coventry? >> We don't have anybody using the um equipment other than the instructor who's been trained on it. We didn't have anybody asked to use the equipment. The robotics teacher is the machine teacher. So that, you know, that's that was a a point. And no one um no one was allowed to use that equipment simply because they had not been trained. >> The instructor had been trained both by the um equipment um company the representatives and through um electric boat. So I would say unless for sure people can use the equipment if they are trained on it. You may you may have someone in your building who's very um knowledgeable about the the equipment at electric boat and knows how to use it, but certainly they
061can't. Someone who doesn't know how to use it cannot just use it >> mostly for safety reasons too. >> Of course. >> Kids working with you. >> All for safety reasons really. I mean, you just can't use this, you know, use this if you don't know how. >> Right. Well, that makes sense. >> Ian and and Jen, >> right? So, um I'm kind of struggling with the situation here for a number of reasons. one um we only have this one blueprint of one option that that that is sort of like the the merged version of of robotics and manufactured in the same space whereas it sounds like we're talking about a possibility about three different options. uh whereas there could be the separate and equal type option where you know one operation is happening in
062the wood shop exclusively and the other operation is happening in this space. Therefore that would be a different layout of the floor because >> that is this layout. That is this layout. If they're in the wood shop and they're using these machines here, their machines in the metal shop, that's this layout. >> That's not what I'm saying. Nope. What I what I heard was that there was a desire coming from the robotics team to have all their stuff in the same place or at least adjacent rooms on the same wing of the building so that their kids are not having to trace back and forth so they can make on the-fly adjustments when they're working their practices which makes sense to me um having seen their previous locations and seeing some of their work. Um,
063so I don't I I don't see that. And and and two, like we're we're hearing this all through one particular filter. Um, which, you know, all things being what they are. There was a plan in place that the administration was working on to develop this program and Miss Ferguson as a consultant is hired to do that to develop this plan for this space. >> Right. So that's a certain filter. What I would feel more comfortable with is hearing from the robotics team as well. Uh it's sort of like okay so if if if the desire if the administration is adamant about using this auto shop machine space for the manufacturing because of some previously you know established understandings. Um, then I would like to see what the robotics team would do with the wood shop
064space and like how that layout would be >> and if that would be what we're talking about. You're right. >> But we don't we don't see that graphic here. We don't see option B or option C. >> Well, we're going to get to that. We're going to continue to collaborate on that. So I mean I and and and so I feel like this this meeting is is a little you know lopsided because I'm not hearing direct from the robotics team as far as like what their needs are what their you know best case scenario and acceptable compromise type scenarios are or you know if if there is going to be wood shop usage then like how can we make that as least impactful on them you know because they've already suffered a great deal over
065the past year due to the issues that we experienced with getting them transitioned from Pleasant Valley to to >> well they had like I said they had Pleasant Valley for over a decade I think and um the town we always knew it was the town's property and it was going to get sold but it was the idea of this board and administration to bring them back to Fitch High School and I'm very glad we did. It was a lot of hard work from for the team here and Sam's team and also for the robotics team and parents and kids >> and to my understanding like and and just logistically like as we went through that process they that the movein got delayed delayed delayed and it it did push back the beginning of their season
066push back a lot of the preseason work. So like the team has already been impacted by the the challenges of moving and relocating and reestablishing a space and you know that that's a traumatic event for for a team you know in the sense that you know it involves a lot of it's a disruption right um so I'm concerned because again like you know we have this thing coming in that you know has been kind of devastating for quite some time, but now it's coming to fruition and now it's it's coming to a head again, you know, because of the the long-term planning here. Um, >> so you can see all the people who've been on the steering committee for a solid year. >> Can I say something? I think that the real question is, >>
067are we all in for the manufacturing center? And if so, it has to go into the auto shop and that's I don't know h how else it's going to work and then the robotics team's going to have to go to the wood shop. I mean, do we want the manufacturing center? I mean, you have to say to yourself, "Yes, I want it. No, I don't want it." >> And what's best for our students here at Fitch High School, all thousand of them, you know, and the robotic team. >> So, it's a choice without a choice. Yeah. >> So, so basically that's what we're being asked to do here. He's like we man we're man we're managing the outcomes. We're not being given a choice necessarily. We're just managing the outcomes >> because I think what
068happened was when we didn't plan well not me myself because I don't do the planning. When we knew Pleasant Valley was closing then the robotics team had to find a home. So the PL So we brought him back. We couldn't go to Mary Marson. Um SB Butler was definitely out. So what are we going to do with them? We're going to bring them back. But we always knew that the auto shop was going to be the man the site for the manufacturing center. Now then we thought, okay, maybe the manufacturing center and the robotics team could be in the same site. Now I'm hearing that they can't be in the same site. The robotics team saying no, we we can't share the space now. So the question is, do you want the manufacturing center that
069EB is investing in our community? Kids can get jobs already. Hill House, they have 50 kids that got hired by EB making good money going to bring bring that kids can hopefully live in our community and we can hopefully close that financial gap that we have in this community by these kids working at EB or do we want to say nope, we don't want that. We want the robotics team to stay in our auto shop and screw the manufacturing center because they can't fit in the wood shop. Excuse the language, but that's what it boils down to to me. I mean, if anybody else has anything else, let's hear it. Jen, let's say you say you. That's what I've been saying like for the past like this is like a um Okay, first I'm going
070to make this very clear before I get started. It's pretty much did everything Beverly said, but I've been saying it all along. Um it was poor planning from day one. Just let's let's accept that fact, right? We knew robotics was in Pleasant Valley. We knew they had to get out. We never made a plan for where they should have gone and haphazardly they moved they moved themselves here back to the high school you know and Sam's team helped right but it's like all of those delays happened because it was poor planning paint floor whatever it may be water under the bridge the team is here now and we're asking them to move again. And it looks like we came up with a compromise to that site on the side of the gym. When Jay and
071I first saw that site, we thought it was a great site like even before they moved in to the um auto body shop. However, I still want to see what the field would look like cuz if um if the robotics team is saying that all of their equipment is going to fit in there, um it's segregation. Um, you know, like you don't want being an only child. I don't want people touching my stuff. Um, so >> especially if it's expensive, >> especially Yeah. Especially if it's expensive and then it's broken and you're just like, you know, not even going to swear. But um so as long as they have that consolidated spot this time we as a district need to be if they're going to move, we need to be fully committed to helping them
072move, not them packing, not the parents packing. We need to help them move. It can't be on the backs of the parents doing it during the summertime giving up their time. So if they're moving, we need to support them. And I really do want to see what that field looks like so that they can have whatever it takes to run that program. If they move out all of their equipment, this is ample opportunity for more equipment here. A little concern though because it's like student capacity is 18. If it's 55, are you planning on running three classes? So, um, this manufacturing center, oh, full disclosure, I work for EB. I am not part of the grants committee but it is um this is if you're a student who college is not for you and you're
073a hands-on person college is not for everyone. It's somewhere in the 80s and 90s that we started driving people to go to college whether they wanted to you know more of the um so it's good to see that manufacturing is coming back to this country and if we as a a district can support that it is giving students the opportunity to get jobs um that can be career defining um from high school to like when they retire they're Um, it's public knowledge. You could read it in the paper. EB's planning on hiring like around 2,200 in Connecticut, 8,000 overall, you know, um, for this year. Um, you know, um, the product that they're building is in demand by the consumer. So, um, most companies need to look for their sales. Um, and here we have
074sales coming down our throat. We need the students. It we need to train um whether it's students or adults um changing careers, whatever it may be. Um all I know it's good for um graten. It's good for students who will be able to make um you know a decent living to be able to support their family um you know at a basic high school education. It's that's very hard to come by. So, as far as a manufacturing center, um, totally support it. Um, we need to make this happen, but we can't abandon our team that has been part of this district for 19 years going on 20. >> So, um, that's all I have to say about the thing. And, um, um, we just need to do a better job planning. You guys know I
075like planning. Yeah. And I I I support what you're saying too, Ean, that we have to find them a home, a home where this is their last move, wherever they're going to go to, and we're going to help them. They're not have to do a darn thing. We're going to do all the work. >> I like to see that in writing actually that we will do all the work. >> There there is some organizing that they may want to do like they really some of their equipment is very precious to them and they want to make sure it's It's their choice. The things that they don't want to move >> they handle. >> Ian and Andrea. >> And to that end, I Yeah, I would like to see it in writing and I'd like to
076see the timeline set by the robotics team so that the robotics team's needs are are met so that they do not lose their pre-season time. >> Oh, in September. >> Exactly. >> And but also like they're still competing now. >> So like there's going to be a thin window, right? in which like you know one season ends and they got to got to move >> and get ready for the next season to be established. >> Yeah. We want them to be settled in September, right? >> Exactly. I'm looking to Yes. >> Yeah. Up and running. >> Well, can we see the field? >> Well, wait. Let me get Dr. A, Andrea, and then Quint. Can you show us the field? >> Yeah, I got >> Dr. A and then Quint and then you >> Okay,
077go ahead, Dr. A. >> Thank you, Beverly. I um I I'm in total agreement with that we need to prioritize the EV program. Um the robotics club as wonderful as it is is a club and this is not Fitch Robotics High School. This is Fitch Senior High School for all the students and this is should be our priority. I don't know of any other club that um that gets the attention that this one does. What if the dance club decided, if there were one, what if the dance club decided that they needed special treatment? No other club gets this. And I understand the the importance of it. However, the community program needs to have priority. And if I I have thought about this and put I put some of my thoughts in writing and I'd
078be happy to send it to to board members to read and uh just share my thoughts. But that's it in a nutshell. >> Thank you Dr. A. Who will explain this? You Clint. >> Clint. This is Clint. >> Field of dreams. >> No, it can't be field of dreams. build a reality. >> Yeah. Don't mix dream in with. So this is the this is the initial proposal. We don't have engineering drawings and so forth. We haven't paid for that and so forth. But these are the types. This is actually a specific school. You can see the the athletic facility behind it. And the idea that we shared with the robotics team was a building much similar to this with it speced out to the appropriate, you know, width, height, and length so that we can
079fit a full field in there. Uh, in addition to adequate space around the perimeter for competition needs, movement needs, etc., etc. The idea is that this would be placed outside the rolling garage doors outside of the wood shop. And this would also have a rolling open wide door so that we can move the any robot from wood shop into this. How close we can get to the building that's above my pay grade. You know, is it is it 10 yards? Is it abudded against the building? I I'd love to have an answer for that. I don't. >> We need an architect. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Fire marshal. >> Then a fire marshal. Um, but this would have HVAC and lighting and power and data and so forth for this. This particular one is a athletic
080facility. You can see cardio machines in the corner and so forth. And there's choices as far as, you know, windows and other pieces to this. So again, above my pay grade, but the idea that we can fit a full field dedicated to robotics competitions here that can be the main competitive space for our team, >> but also something that we could potentially offer up obviously with a process so that other teams in South Eastern Connecticut could come as scheduled, as needed. I believe that's something that the robotics team has done in the past. Please correct me if I'm wrong. >> Yeah. >> But it it it puts us at the center. I don't believe anyone else has a full-size field. I think a lot of schools don't have a half-size field. This was an attempt
081to again pull everything into one place, provide adequate competitive space year round. This building is built, these buildings are built for, you know, yearround inhabitants. Um, obviously there are particulars that that you know, hurricane zone, we're in New England with snow, etc. But uh as we've talked to the engineers of this particular one, obviously we can't just pick this. There's got to be a process of of selecting a vendor and so forth. Um but this seemed to be the most doable within a reasonable budget, adequate space that would work for this type of activity. >> And how long would all this take? >> Tomorrow it'll be all set. >> Oh, great. Uh there the the group that I spoke to said they plan on about six weeks of engineering work to do and then they
082hand off to local competitive bid folks that can do this. They've had projects run anywhere from from two to five months after that >> because it looks like you have to prepare the ground. >> Yeah, there would be a a a concrete slab that's underneath it. So, it's a a possibility that this may not happen by September or >> I don't control that. >> Okay. Sam, do you have any idea? >> Well, the goal would to have it in the fall, but I don't know that, you know, it would all depend upon when the plans could get done. We could go out to bid for it. >> They're not usually driving the robot in the fall. They do have um some times when they bring people in to get kids excited. We got a whole
083new eighth grade class coming in that will be ninth graders and we'll definitely want to, you know, get them involved. So, you know, it by the time they're really getting that robot moving is like during that competition time, but we would love to get it done in the fall. >> So, if this didn't happen in the fall, where would the field be in the meantime? >> Well, we've thought about gym space and trying to secure gym space when they needed it, the cafeteria when they needed it. Um, and you know, those are both spots that are close to where they are. Um, but I think it's more of um that time is more when they're showcasing their robots and what they do so other kids get excited about it and want to join the club.
084>> Adrian, then Mike and then Mitch, >> I'll jump in after Mitch. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, so I wanted to say if we go to the machine shop, I think that that this is core instruction. this is very important for for all students. So, I I totally agree with that. And although this looks great, um I'm guessing by the time you put a building big enough for what we're talking about in New England, get it through code, dig down for a foundation so they don't have to worry about freezing underneath it and all that, we're we're probably into seven figures or something, a big number. Um, >> that's not the initial quote. Forgive me, but that's not the initial quote we got. Or something like this spaced to our needs. Again, without the
085concrete pad, I don't know what that would cost. >> Uh, we're talking$130 $140,000 for the building. >> Yeah. But that I mean I I >> again just one put up small like metal buildings and they they cost a lot. So, sure. Um, so yeah, we don't have to talk about numbers now, but to me, I I I see this like site works very expensive, slabs are very expensive, electrical is very expensive, and I'm guessing a lot of that isn't isn't included. But, um, but I I I just I mean, I think if we're talking about and and I believe that space right now is used by um marching band, correct? >> Like out there? It's >> not. There's several different spaces that are right back there that we were looking at, not just and they
086don't use the whole space. >> Yeah. And this would not take up whole space, but you're right. There's quite a few different flat flat area up there. Um, you know, you know, the marching band can maybe there's other solutions to some of that. But I just I see this um if we're looking at this then we should just look at um I mean you know not that I want to bring up Butler but do we know that Butler can't work as a permanent home like talk to the town use part of the building and and do we know that because I I think we were talking about this last year and um you know I also think that you know we can't build an entire school for robotics you know like >> I mean it
087it is you know we have to do as much as we can for them. But um >> I don't want them in that same situation. >> It's unrealistic >> have to you know >> it's unrealistic to have a whole like a whole you know like a a whole building for them and not that not this building but a um you know a larger with the machine shop and all that. So I would like to hear more about this but it just seems unrealistic um that that would happen for next year. Um so seems to me that robotics would be um you know being you know if we approve the machine shop we're basically limiting robotics for at least a year and maybe a lot more. >> Correct. Well, according to the person I talked to
088at First Robotic, she is actually working with Waterberry and will give me the effects to what they have created and says that it's, you know, a project she would like to see and she's got funds to also contribute across the state and she would love for southeastern Connecticut and I'm the first one to call her. So, >> yeah, >> you know, it think this this could be great. It's just there's it it's complicated to put up a a permanent building, I think. >> True. Sure. >> Um and so I would just be so if we're talking about this as a then maybe we should just talk about like are is there warehouse space that we could rent um where we rented a whole bunch of bays and you know that's not I mean there's warehouse
089space like a mile away like do they have warehouse space that we could rent and would that be >> for one year >> or a couple of years um and where that would be you know more realistic option. >> I just feel safer having our kids at a high school with the proper supervision. Um, we know it, you know, at Pleasant Valley and before really my parent booster club kind of took over. Um, I just I had concerns. >> Yeah. But how how would we pay for this? >> So, there is a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile. There's another $50,000 grant through this first robotics. And then I just was sorry I was just given one from Kate Ericson um that she said she would help me with another 53 $50,000 grants. >> Yeah, I'd be
090I'd be curious um to hear from a construction standpoint um maybe you know to talk to a local builder that's put up similar buildings and see what what that costs around here. So, we think you're thinking about plan B because if this was our plan B, >> I can talk to Sam about somebody that I know that put up a commercial building, metal building with heat and stuff that's not very finished out and what that cost and how big it is and you know, and I know the builder. So, there might be a way to get um just some you know, realistic idea of of what things will cost. >> That would be helpful. Thank But um but uh to take a step back then we still need to you know since you know $200,000
091is is a lot of money but I I have a really hard time thinking that that we can get another building for $200,000. We would have to go for a CIP, right? >> So that would be at least >> another year in the process. So um so I just want to be realistic. I mean, if if our decision is realistically like we're putting in a machine shop and we're robotics, we're going to do as best we can, but they're going to lose a field, then I don't like that decision. Um, but let's just put the cards on the table and what is the decision that we're making? >> Well, what would plan B be? That's you're talking about the gym, some other place. >> Well, that's what they did when they were here before. They,
092you know, they drove the robot in the flag hallway and they had it down in the gym sometimes and in the cafeteria. But, you know, I I would like to get them this field. I mean, I think this is the ultimate decision that if we could really do that with the um wood shop location. Um that that would be an ideal for them. >> Okay. M and Mitch, >> thank you. >> And then Ian and you Jen. Okay. Unless they want to do ladies before gentle. >> No, we're good. Did I raise a firm believer in Nicole? >> Thank you. >> So, so, so thank you and thanks for uh like this is finding creative solutions, right? And looking for for ways to make things happen, which I applaud along with the the the grants
093uh winning capabilities of of school district are are absolutely wonderful. Um, and so, uh, the mention of CIP, I'd be worried about that just because the CIP, not just the delay that happens, but it's sort of goes through a gauntlet of at least four different levels like within the school system, whether or not that's something we want to put it um ahead with all the other priorities. Um, regardless of the funding source, like if even if there's grants, you still need a CIP. Then it goes to the town manager who can or cannot decide to uh put it forward to the town council and the town council then the RTM. Uh so that's four levels. I mean it's not not insurmountable but it's not guaranteed either. Um so I'd say that uh we have to
094vote we can't vote we're not voting tonight on this obviously but um when we vote on the manufacturing center that comes very soon. Um, and uh, when I vote on that, I'd like to have a um, uh, a feasible short-term plan for the aluminum falcons that we're we're voting on in concert. Like for me personally, having seeing that footprint of that L uh, there uh, for the aluminum u Falcons machines, if if they don't ultimately want it there, then that's fine. That's up to them, but that kind of be reserved space for them. um you know, the wood shop that we're we're going to look at. I like that that would be part of this at least sketched out to some level and then something um without a new building um that's a feasible at
095least a half field solution um for for next year and maybe the year after. Um so those are elements I'd like to see when voting on the manufacturing center which has to happen soon. Um, and then my my one last question is um uh where exactly would that building go? Like if we looked at a a top down view, Google maps of >> of the uh school. >> I was just doing that with Clint >> because because I'm a little concerned it's where the athletic task force decided would be a good place for a softball field. >> That's right. Same place. >> Yeah. >> So they have to go around it. No. >> I thought they >> It's like you got to be wasn't approved. >> It is in the same spot. >> So, so
096it is in it. So, it would be good to bring that up, I guess, while we're here to kind of for people watching to see where you're thinking of. >> Yeah. It was not part of the referendum. >> It's not part of the referendum. So, it's not part of it. Do you >> Oh, it wasn't part of the recent referendum. I know that there are several >> there's several phases, but but that's fine. So now now I know where it is, but I was wondering if you could bring up just Google Maps. >> We can take a tour. The garage doors that lead out the back of the wood shop are right >> I've driven around the school system circlling, but uh I I have never noticed the rolling doors. I was wondering while we're
097still online. It's just don't show a top down. >> Can you show a top down view, Clint? >> Okay. Can I Are you all set, Mike? >> Yeah. Okay, we go to Mitch. Mitch, I think so. I just going to put it on. >> Okay, thank you. Um, first off, I just wanted to say I thought um mo most of what I wanted to say was very eloquently put by Dr. Acriman and also by Adrian and I think um what's been put in front of us is a really good plan and I think um yeah it it's certain things are maybe unfortunate right now relative to the robotics club but we've got kind of a compromise on the table. It sounds like it's a work in progress and I think we need to stay focused
098on what we're voting on here which is is is this what I'm going to call machine shop and um we'll tell the robotics people we're we're working on something else. Um and uh we'll get back to them. That that's all I have to say. Thank you. This is a chop right here. There's a garage door right here. You'll see a big large rolling metal door right here. And these are containers that we moved. And the idea was to put it here so that they're they're wheeling robot from construction to facility right there. >> Would it take up much of that field? Seems like >> it would be it would take up a portion of again final dimensions. I would want to be working with our robotics team. But all we were the first look at
099this when we're looking at a a full-size gymnasium floor with adequate space around >> and that's where gym class uses it a lot at field. >> I don't know if they use it. >> I think they go out there throw bases down to play softball or something or something that space certain time >> but it wouldn't be probably wouldn't be used by band anymore for a practice. They'd have to go down to the practice field at football field or something like that. I think we're on >> the new football field if possible. >> Or on the artificial field next door somewhere. >> Yeah. >> Uh yeah. So, uh, from what I understand, uh, Clint's saying is six weeks to get an engineering plan for that outside facility and the turnaround time from construction say like
100somehow that >> got all approved and >> way above my pay grade because we didn't talk about concrete slab and >> we were getting estimates. >> Well, we could find out. Those are good questions to ask, >> but like Adrian said, realistically it may not happen. >> Yeah. Plus, might have to find a plan B for them to to practice >> and for that like I'd want them at the table. You know, I'm not comfortable talking as much as we have without them at the table and part of this. I understand the concerns about curriculum. I understand the concerns about overall programming, but you know, back to planning like, you know, we we have to get better about that. So I I will be the stick in the mud on that and and you know
101we owe it to that team 20 years they've done highc caliber stuff and it has translated not officially through a pipeline but I you know I know a number of students have gone through that and have you know gotten traction in in fields related to that. So and it's the closest thing we had to any sort of high-end manufacturing or or high-end tech work. That's the closest thing we had in the school for many for 20 years. So, uh, we should honor that. You know, it sends a terrible message for us to just go chasing the money in one side and abandon the core, you know, project. I know I'm >> abandon >> a little bit of hyper hyperbolic language. >> Forgive that. >> But, it comes from a sense of frustration. As we've emphasized
102tonight, >> the choice is there is no choice. Yeah, >> you know, so like, you know, I feel, you know, a little bit, you know, hoodwinkedked in that regard that like I thought, you know, we had more malleability in in what was going to be the outcome. But >> well, this is a shared space and really it's the principal and the athletic director who work on making sure that people get what they need in the shared space. But they don't all come to the table. They often are given, you know, you can practice in this gym on this day, you can practice on this day. So, it's really up to administration to be able to, you know, help orchestrate all of this in this shared space so that all kids get what they need. >>
103Let's do this, Jen, Dr. A, and then let's go and look at the space. Um maybe Susan, you can tell us um what the small gym is used for and maybe we could cut the small gym in half and that's a commitment for a year until that's either built or whatever the solution is. >> I would have to talk to Mark Romano because he does all the scheduling for even the auditorium. So he does all the scheduling for this space. So I can certainly ask that question. Like if we could just cut it in half and know that half the small gym for next year will be out of commission. >> Other people might have to sacrifice too. The robotic team has to sacrifice. >> Y >> then maybe some other people have to sacrifice.
104>> That's the winter season. That gym is heavily used. >> Oh, it is. >> Oh my goodness. >> Then even middle school is used. >> Wrestling basketballing. >> They're for the small gym. Basketball. Or is that this? >> Oh my goodness. It's like wrestling, cheerleading, but and I don't know what happens after because I leave the building. >> So, I'll get it. >> It is a very busy school. >> Okay, Dr. A. And then we'll go down and take a look. Dr. A. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, and I'm thinking about this. I'm thinking about help me understand what the robotics club has to do with graduation requirements. what it has to do with courses for credit. We're talking about building a building for a club. Talk about setting a precedence. Talk about taxpayer burdens.
105When we get courses for robotics, that's another discussion that will address these things. Right now we're talking about taxpayer dollars for a club. Okay, that's it. Good point. >> Blank. >> Well, we're spending a lot on a a multi-use field that used to be just for a football team. >> Okay. >> The amount of money spent per uh student athlete is, I think, well spent, but not a small amount. >> All right. >> Three sports. >> Ready? >> Slide for three. >> I know. >> You know what? Um, since we have them online, because I don't know if they'll be here when we come back, I just want to have a consensus on moving the vote for the machine shop um, at the next regular board meeting, which would be April 27th, I think, if
106I'm not mistaken. So, are you in favor of putting it on the agenda for April 27th to vote? Okay, Jen. Thank you, >> Adrian. >> Um, I will qualify the Yes, I'm I don't have enough information to vote. >> Okay. Well, Mike want >> I think we should definitely put it on because we can always postpone the vote >> and with that and with your questions we can also get some answers. Um in >> no Dr. A. >> Yes. Are you asking for when we when we vote? Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Uh are you in favor of putting it on the April 27th regular board meeting agenda to vote on approving the manufacturing center? >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh Mitch, >> I'm in favor. >> Okay. All right. We are going to look at the
107um auto shop and the wood shop now. So I don't know if you guys are going to stay online, >> but if not, we'll see you later. >> Bye. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you for your hard work. >> You want us to keep this live out? We'll be ging up. >> You're coming back, right? >> Yeah, we're going to come back and dabble out. >> What do you think? 20 minutes. >> That's all it takes, sister. >> I think so. 811. >> Okay, it's 8:11 and we're back from our tour of the wood shop and the auto shop. And do I have a motion for adjournment? Um, Dr. A, it's 8:11. You want to adjourn us? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Thank you. >> 811. Do I have a second, >> Jen? All those
108in favor of adjournment say I. >> I. I >> oppose. Okay. 1 2 3 4 5 6 to zero. We are now adjourned.