City Council - Ways and Means Committee Hearing on Docket #1926

Meeting Minutes: City Council - Ways and Means Committee Hearing on Docket #1926

Meeting Date: November 06, 2025, at 10:00 AM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Ways and Means Committee Type of Meeting: Committee Hearing Attendees:

• Councilor Brian Worrell (Chair)
• Councilor Edward Flynn
• Carlton Jones, Executive Director, Public Facilities Department
• Brian McLaughlin, Senior Project Manager, Public Facilities Department

Executive Summary: The Ways and Means Committee convened to discuss and authorize an appropriation of $11,100,000 for window and door replacement projects at the Gardner Pilot Academy School and the Lyndon Elementary School. These projects are part of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program, which provides partial reimbursement for such renovations. The Public Facilities Department presented an overview of the MSBA program and the status of various school projects, highlighting the significant increase in construction costs since pre-COVID levels. The committee expressed support for the appropriation, which will enable the projects to proceed to design completion and bidding for summer 2027 construction.

I. Call to Order and Meeting Logistics

• Presiding Officer: Councilor Brian Worrell, Chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means.
• Meeting Time: 10:01 a.m.
• Virtual Meeting: Conducted virtually via Zoom in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, modifying Open Meeting Law requirements.
• Recording and Streaming: The hearing was recorded and live-streamed on boston.gov/city-council-tv and broadcast on Xfinity channel 8, RCN channel 82, and Fios channel 964.
• Public Comments: Written comments could be sent to ccc.wm@boston.gov. Public testimony was scheduled for the end of the hearing, with individuals allotted two minutes to speak. Sign-up for testimony was managed by Karishma Chauhan at KARISHMA.CHAUHAN@Boston.gov.
• Attendees Noted: Councilor Edward Flynn was present. Council President Ruthzee Louijeune submitted a letter of absence.

II. Docket #1926: Message and Order for Approval

• Subject: "Message in order for your approval in order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of $11,100,000 for the purpose of paying costs for the window and door replacement projects at the following schools: The Gardner Pilot Academy School, the Linden Elementary School, and this includes the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto and for which the City of Boston may be eligible for a grant for the Massachusetts School Building Authority, also known as MSBA. said amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facilities Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools."
• Sponsor: Mayor Michelle Wu.
• Referral Date: Referred to the committee on October 29, 2025.

III. Presentation by Public Facilities Department (PFD)

• Presenters:
  • Carlton Jones, Executive Director, Public Facilities Department
  • Brian McLaughlin, Senior Project Manager, Public Facilities Department
• Purpose: To secure funding for the 2024 Accelerated Repair Program (ARP) through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Gardner Pilot Academy and the Lyndon K-8 School.
• MSBA Overview:
  • The MSBA is a state authority funding public school projects in Massachusetts.
  • It is a reimbursement agency that partners with local districts to create affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools.
  • Funded by one penny of the state sales tax.
  • Two main programs:
    • Core Program: For large renovations or new school construction (e.g., Dearborn, BAA).
    • Accelerated Repair Program (ARP): Focuses on repair or replacement of roofs, windows, and boiler systems in structurally sound buildings.
• City of Boston's MSBA Participation:
  • The City of Boston has increased its participation in the MSBA program, with 56 projects currently in various stages.
  • Core Projects (6 total):
    • Dearborn, BAA, JQS, and Cotter: Completed construction and occupied.
    • Shaw-Taylor: In pre-design stage; OPM hired, architect selection starting December.
    • Ruth Batson Academy: Completing MSBA eligibility, design to start late 2026.
  • Accelerated Repair Program Projects:
    • 32 projects completed construction.
    • 3 projects currently in construction.
    • 7 projects in design, slated for 2027 construction.
    • 8 projects invited to start design at the MSBA board meeting last week.
  • Financial Impact: These projects represent $655 million in construction costs, with over $240 million in reimbursement expected for the City of Boston.
• 2024 Accelerated Repair Program Specifics:
  • Eight schools were submitted to MSBA in early 2024 (six window projects, two roof projects).
  • The City Council supported these applications on February 14, 2024.
  • All eight applications were approved by the MSBA Board on October 28, 2024.
  • The City Council appropriated $1.2 million in a loan order on November 20, 2024, for OPM and architect services.
  • Design for these projects began in early 2025.
  • Gardner and Linden Projects: Approved at the MSBA board meeting on October 29, 2025.
  • Upcoming Projects:
    • Murphy, Everett, Kenney, and O'Donnell schools: Anticipated MSBA Board approval in December, requiring a subsequent appropriation request to the City Council in January.
    • Adams School: Design taking longer, likely MSBA approval in February 2026, leading to a council request in March 2026.
  • Chittick Elementary School: Removed from consideration due to high costs triggering significant code-required work beyond the program's scope.
• Next Steps for Gardner and Linden:
  • PFD and the City of Boston request $11,100,000 from the Council.
  • This loan order requires two votes, at least two weeks apart.
  • Approval will allow architects to complete design through winter-spring 2026.
  • Project bidding will occur in time for summer 2027 construction.

IV. Councilor Questions and Discussion

• Councilor Edward Flynn:
  • Commended Carlton Jones and Brian McLaughlin for their professionalism, hard work, and attention to detail over the past eight years.
  • Expressed support for the appropriation and looked forward to voting on it.
• Councilor Brian Worrell (Chair):
  • Summer Programming: Inquired if renovations would hinder summer programming.
    • Response (Carlton Jones): The planning team for summer schedules coordinates with the facilities department to ensure construction projects do not create difficulties for space or program availability. Buildings undergoing renovation are taken offline, and programming is adjusted accordingly.
  • Construction Cost Escalation: Asked about the increase in construction costs since 2024.
    • Response (Carlton Jones): While specific analysis from 2024 was not immediately available, an anecdotal comparison from pre-COVID to present was provided:
      • Pre-COVID construction costs were approximately $300 per square foot.
      • Current costs are $1,100-$1,200 per square foot, representing a four-fold increase.
      • This increase is observed across all sectors, not just government projects.
      • Positive Trends: Costs appear to be plateauing, with bids now aligning more closely with estimates. Escalation rates, previously up to 8% to account for inflation and tariffs, are decreasing. The industry forecasts a more stable future, though costs are unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels.

V. Public Testimony

• No public testimony was received.

VI. Adjournment

• The hearing on Docket #1926 was adjourned by Chair Worrell.