In addition to talks regarding a Nov. 4 groundbreaking ceremony for the Charleswood School project, the Elementary School Building Committee on Tuesday heard about a couple of neighbor complaints and issues going before the Conservation Commission the same night.

Vertex project manager Chris Eberly reported that following heavy rains last weekend, the Conservation Commission agent noticed a breach of erosion control to the south side of the site.

Contractor Brait Builders responded quickly, according to Eberly. But, he said, at a subsequent inspection, the agent observed that a pipe (through what was determined to be a stream in an abutter’s yard) had broken and was emptying into a trench.

As a result, representatives from Brait Builders were asked to appear before the Conservation Commission on Tuesday night. Eberly said representatives from Vertex also were to attend.

Eberly said he was satisfied with how responsive the contractor has been so far.

Vertex project manager Chris Kenney noted earlier in the meeting that roadwork this fall was mainly tree removal and erosion control, with more anticipated next year when school is out.

ESBC chair Jon Graziano said he had received a few complaints from abutters. One was that trucks were going into the site outside of work hours.

In response, “Vertex put up cameras so they can see if trucks are arriving earlier than is allowed,” Graziano said.

Another issue reported by a couple of abutters was that when trucks were removing boulders, some fell off into their driveways and broke.

Graziano said Vertex took steps to increase inspections of trucks, and there have been no further reports of problems beyond that.

The ESBC chair said Vertex is taking the lead when issues arise to interact with neighbors.

“We know it is a disruptive process, but Vertex is taking steps to minimize [problems] as much as possible,” Graziano said.

He added that overall, there have been few incidences, and response time is “ideal.”

Groundbreaking ceremony anticipated

A groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 4 from 3-4 p.m. was another topic of discussion.

Kenney said the ceremony would take place by the gate at the egress from the site to the Marathon School. He said the location would have safe access without going too deep inside the construction site.

For a backdrop, Kenney said, there would be heavy equipment and piles of dirt. Shovels with dirt “to toss ceremonially” will be present.

Superintendent Evan Bishop said it would be nice to include renderings of construction on easels by the podiums where speakers would address the crowd.

Kenney noted speakers from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) would talk about the town’s values of “innovation and sustainability” and desire to provide a learning environment that is “warm, personal and connected to nature.”

Additionally, Kenney said, the Charleswood School as a “net zero ready, electric and passive house certified” building would be highlighted.

Eberly said the school district personnel, including former superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and the ESBC, put in a “ton of work,” on the project for years. The groundbreaking milestone, he said, would be an opportunity for that effort to be acknowledged.

The superintendent noted that he is coming into the process now and feels a bit “funny” stepping in at the ceremony when he “didn’t have a ton to do with it” in the past.

Nevertheless, “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate,” Bishop said. “I’m excited for it.”

Invoices approved

In other business, the ESBC approved invoices totaling approximately $4 million, with the bulk of that ($3.8 million) going to Brait Builders and the remaining to Vertex ($103,508) and architect Perkins Eastman ($115,974).

Members also looked at images of ongoing construction work such as the installation of a modular block retaining wall along the south side of the site, the mockup’s framing and sheathing, installation of the utility line, and trenching for the sewer and stormwater placement.

Plans in November include draining and drilling geothermal walls, Kenney said.

He noted two drill rigs would be on working five days per week for 10 hours each day. Kenney anticipates it will take two months to get that work done.