Representatives from LeftField and Raymond Design Associates (RDA) presented updates on the Marblehead High School roof and HVAC project at the latest School Committee meeting.
LeftField Senior Project Manager Leena Long said they are still in the design phase for the roof project, as several options are being weighed.
Molly Parris, project manager at Raymond Design Associates, is working on two design options for the high school roof. Both bids – the full roof re-cover and the roof restoration – have their benefits.
The original plan was the full roof re-cover, which would “arguably last longer” despite higher initial cost, Parris said, evaluating the lifespan of the full system.
The recourse to a restoration would require a multilayer coating on the existing membrane – an option that could avoid the issue of seeps, where leaks occur.
“I think they’re both viable options,” said President of RDA Gene Raymond.
Asst. Supt. Michael Pfifferling said bid documents and design are expected to be completed before Oct. 1.
School Committee member Sarah Fox questioned the solar readiness of the school roof, asking if options for photovoltaic panels had been evaluated.
Fox said the Light Department has conducted comprehensive studies showing that the largest area to put solar panels in town was on the high school roof. She claimed they would cover any additional costs and asked to bring them on board.
Pfifferling said he would rather not delay the project at all.
From the top of the upright part of the high school sticks a large flagpole, jolting the American flag largely above the building.
Changing the flag currently requires going up the cage and doing it manually.
With the roof renovation project, questions are raised about whether to maintain the flag at its current position or to install it at ground level.
“Apparently that flag is a real beacon from everywhere in town,” said Raymond. “People feel strongly to leave it where it is.
“It’s not easy and it’s not obvious how that’s going to happen,” he added. “But it’s on my radar.”
