OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

JSCB Meeting July 23, 2026: Phase Two Closeout and Schematic Design Update

Public Meetings — Thursday, July 23, 2026
BodySyracuse, New York
SessionPublic Meetings
DateThursday, July 23, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 16:12
Transcript — Verbatim
5:08

We'll call the meeting to order.

5:12

Uh first agenda item uh for the meeting of the JSCB is acceptance of the June 25th meeting minutes.

5:23

Second.

5:24

Have a motion and a second.

5:26

Any any opposed all in favor?

5:29

All right.

5:30

Moving on to the report of the secretary.

5:34

Good morning, Mayor and Board members.

5:37

Um I have a few items to report.

5:41

Starting with um we have CNS officially on board as the construction manager, and they're working with Turner and the uh JSCB staff.

5:52

So that's keeping things moving forward on the PLA front.

5:57

Our PLA attorney has reached out to the trades attorney to schedule meeting.

6:03

It hasn't happened yet.

6:04

I think you know July is a tough month with vacations, and so hopefully um by the August board meeting I'll have something more substantial to report.

6:13

Okay.

6:16

Um for number 16 on our payments.

6:18

I want to point out that the amount is higher than usual, and that's principally because of the Huber Brewer payment that we talked about at the June meeting.

6:30

And also we're purchasing through Landon and Ryan um all the data that they had been storing for phase two for the the minority and uh prevailing wage documentation so that we can have that permanently uh under our control, which is important um in case it's needed for any purpose.

6:51

Why didn't we own it already?

6:54

We were paying we didn't have access to that software.

6:58

We were paying Thwandon and Ryan to host the software.

7:02

Okay.

7:03

So um we didn't have that direct relationship with the software company.

7:08

Okay.

7:09

And they were basically paying a monthly fee to continue to store it after phase two ended, but we've to transfer it um to the city.

7:19

We we had to actually purchase that.

7:21

Is that an adjustment we should make going forward with the ICL?

7:25

Uh yes, definitely.

7:26

We already did.

7:28

Okay.

7:30

Okay, awesome.

7:31

Yep, Sherell's very much on top of that.

7:33

So kind of lessons learned from phase two.

7:38

Okay.

7:39

And then um finally, you'll note on the um part of the program manager report they've added two new pieces uh relative to the the budget.

7:50

Uh have a general overpiece and then uh the individual schools.

7:55

Um they're they're in your packet after the program manager's regular monthly report.

8:02

And that's as we gear up that's similar to what we did in phase two, this additional data.

8:08

And and I'll hold a question for the program manager, but I was curious about there was an increase, so there had to be a leveling off decrease for I believe it was Henniger.

8:20

And it said for construction.

8:23

What did I read?

8:25

Well, is that for uh resolution number 17?

8:28

Uh believe so.

8:31

That so resolution number 17, that's a a good thing to note, is really um kind of a a budget amendment for our phase two comprehensive plan.

8:43

Phase two, okay.

8:44

Yeah, that's looking back to phase two, yeah, as part of the final Cuba Brewer close out.

8:51

And um, you know, and we anticipate this will be kind of the final adjustment and close out for phase two then now that the Elms project is of will be officially done.

9:01

Thank you.

9:02

You're welcome.

9:03

And finally, one more item.

9:05

Um talking to Sherelle, we at this point with the diversity reporting and then the number of contractors we have at this point.

9:14

We believe a quarterly report would make the most sense.

9:17

Okay.

9:18

So I believe the next report will be in September.

9:22

Thank you.

9:22

You're welcome.

9:23

That completes my report.

9:26

Uh report of the program manager.

9:32

Good morning.

9:33

Morning.

9:34

Um happy to report that we're nearing the end of SD phase schematic design.

9:40

Uh the architects have completed the design schematic design level documents.

9:46

The construction manager's estimating team is working on the estimates.

9:51

Um we've received a couple estimates, and we do go through a reconciliation period where we review the estimate against the scope to make sure that the estimators took it off the way that we intended the scope to be, and then that we also maintain within budget.

10:07

So that process is ongoing.

10:09

Uh we hope to wrap that up next week and then submit to state ed either at the end of next week or into the following week for SD submission, which is going to give us a look at um a second check on our MCAs for each building, which is good, so we can verify that the eight ability is gonna be there for the project, and then uh also per the legislation we have to check in with them.

10:37

Um beyond that, we're moving into design development phase following that.

10:41

Uh anticipate submission of that to state ed in November of this year, and then working towards the goal of final plans and approvals, uh second quarter of 27, which will then allow us to go out to bid and start construction in the third quarter of 27.

10:59

So good news there.

11:01

Uh continue to meet with SED.

11:03

Our next meeting is in August with them.

11:06

And then as Joe mentioned, uh the PLA negotiations anticipate kicking off here.

11:13

Um a lot of construction going on.

11:16

27 is going to be a big year.

11:19

Um the order of the construction for the schools.

11:24

You see any conflict.

11:25

I'm looking at UN Mary Roadway, I-81, anything.

11:33

A lot of stuff going on in 27.

11:36

I think as far as the sequence, we've got two buildings that will be on a Cape Ide, which is great.

11:40

That's okay.

11:41

That's great for um drawing contractors to the table.

11:47

Um we've got the one-phase renovation for the high school.

11:51

That'll be difficult, but we're working with the construction manager to come up with a phasing plan of how we can sweep sequence that work and make it attractive to bidders.

12:00

Okay.

12:01

Any logistical problems like um proximity of any school to any particularly 81 is what I'm thinking about.

12:09

No.

12:10

Yeah.

12:10

Currently we don't see it as an issue, but um, we'll keep an eye on that as well.

12:15

Okay.

12:17

Any other questions or what is the anticipated swing space for uh Shea and Levy?

12:27

A and Levy.

12:27

Shea and Levy, yes.

12:29

Okay.

12:30

Okay.

12:31

I was at uh Strathmore Association meeting, neighborhood association meeting, and they were asking about Shay.

12:37

So it is going to be swing space.

12:38

Shea is swing space and levy is space.

12:41

And Levy is swing space.

12:42

Okay.

12:44

All right.

12:45

Any questions?

12:48

Thank you.

12:49

Thank you.

12:52

We have a couple of resolutions today.

12:54

Um, as I mentioned, resolution number 16 would be our monthly payment resolution with the amounts set forth in the appendix.

13:03

Any questions on resolution 16?

13:09

So move moved and second, Helen.

13:14

Okay.

13:14

Thank you.

13:15

Uh any any um abstentions, opposition?

13:20

All in favor.

13:21

All right.

13:22

Thank you.

13:22

So move.

13:24

Thank you.

13:25

Uh we have resolution number 17, which I previously mentioned is uh the budget adjustment for phase two to reflect the uh close out of expeditionary learning middle school and the Huber Brewer contract associated with that.

13:40

Joe, will we be seeing any more budget adjustments or phase two, or is this I believe this is it?

13:46

Um I'll I'd ask if the school district knows anything I don't um but uh as far as we've discussed that's this was the only item that had been kind of hanging around.

13:58

Okay, so that's good news.

14:00

That is good news.

14:02

And then we'll we'll just move to we have some money monies left over, which uh have to be used for debt service, and I believe next year we're looking at doing another bond refunding uh to take advantage of hopefully lower interest rates.

14:16

Yeah, hopefully.

14:18

Um any questions?

14:20

Any other questions?

14:22

All right, uh entertain a motion.

14:24

So moved.

14:25

Second, thank you.

14:27

Any objections, abstentions?

14:30

All on favor, yeah.

14:31

Superintendent second, I'm sorry.

14:32

Oh, you did.

14:33

I'm sorry.

14:34

All in favor.

14:35

Aye.

14:36

Aye.

14:36

So moved.

14:38

Any other business, Joe?

14:42

Uh no, I believe um, unless a board member has anything else to bring up.

14:46

We that completes our agenda.

14:48

Just a quick question.

14:50

Is there any cost factor in preparing the swing schools uh to be occupied, or they're pretty good shape?

14:58

Uh just by the shape urgent issue.

15:00

They're in pretty good shape.

15:01

Yeah, because we do have other departments.

15:04

We have our OIT department that kind of uses the space at Shay.

15:08

So we make sure to keep the building but go ahead.

15:10

Right.

15:10

So for Shay, we we've used Shea and Levy since JSCB phase one.

15:14

So yep.

15:15

Seymour will be going there, which is not a far move.

15:18

Um and uh it's funny.

15:20

The principal at Webster is visiting Levy Friday.

15:24

She's already a year ahead planning out where she's gonna put everybody in there.

15:28

So we're doing that.

15:29

That's not done at JSCB, that's under under the district.

15:32

We'll do it with our own forces.

15:33

We'll move them in there and uh move them back when it's all done.

15:37

Is the intention that those schools will serve as we move through the yes?

15:42

Okay.

15:43

Okay.

15:43

That's nice because we the plan is to move them in over the summer so they can start the year year, start the year there.

15:50

So they're there until the project is done.

15:52

Awesome.

15:56

Any other questions, comments?

15:59

All right.

15:59

I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

16:03

So moved.

16:04

Second?

16:06

All in favor?

16:07

Aye.

16:08

Right.

16:08

We're adjourned.

16:09

Thank you, everybody.

16:11

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
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Summary of Proceedings

JSCB Meeting Summary – July 23, 2026

The Joint Schools Construction Board (JSCB) met on July 23, 2026, to approve routine items, receive reports from the secretary and program manager, and pass resolutions for monthly payments and a final phase-two budget adjustment. The meeting focused on progress toward schematic design completion, the start of PLA negotiations, and the preparation of swing space for upcoming school renovations.

Reports

  • Secretary’s Report – Joe reported that CNS is now officially on board as construction manager and is working with Turner and JSCB staff. The PLA attorney has contacted the trades attorney to schedule a meeting, which has not yet occurred due to summer vacations; an update is expected by the August board meeting. He noted that payment resolution #16 is higher than usual because it includes the Huber Brewer payment discussed in June and a one-time purchase (from Landon and Ryan) of all phase-two data related to minority and prevailing wage documentation, so the city now owns that data permanently. Going forward, the ICL software relationship has been adjusted to avoid similar data ownership issues. Also starting in September, quarterly diversity reporting will replace the current frequency.
  • Program Manager’s Report – The program manager stated that the schematic design (SD) phase is nearly complete. Architects have finished SD-level documents, and the construction manager’s estimating team is reviewing estimates against scope to ensure budget alignment. This reconciliation should wrap up next week, followed by submission to the State Education Department (SED) by the end of next week or the following week. The SED submission will provide a second check on maximum capital authorization (MCA) for each building. The team will then move into design development (DD), with a DD submission to SED targeted for November 2026. Final plans and approvals are expected in the second quarter of 2027, allowing construction to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The program manager also noted that 2027 will be a heavy construction year (including work on I-81 and other projects), but the two cape-coded school buildings are expected to attract bidders, and the high school’s one-phase renovation is being sequenced to remain attractive. No conflicts with nearby construction were identified.

Discussion Items

  • Swing Space for Shea and Levy – In response to a board member’s question, the program manager confirmed that both Shea and Levy will serve as swing space. A neighborhood association (Strathmore) had inquired about Shea. The superintendent added that the school district (not JSCB) will prepare the swing schools using its own forces; students will move in over the summer and remain until their home school project is completed. There is no significant cost factor for preparing the buildings, as they are already in good shape (OIT currently uses space at Shea).
  • Phase Two Closeout – The secretary clarified that resolution #17 is a budget amendment for phase two, covering the final closeout of the Expeditionary Learning Middle School (ELMS) and the Huber Brewer contract. No further phase-two adjustments are anticipated. Remaining phase-two funds will be used for debt service, and the board is considering another bond refunding next year to take advantage of lower interest rates.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar – The minutes of the June 25, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote (motion and second).
  • Resolution #16 (Monthly Payments) – Approved unanimously. The payment amounts are set forth in the appendix, which includes the Huber Brewer payment and the data purchase described in the secretary’s report.
  • Resolution #17 (Phase Two Budget Adjustment) – Approved unanimously (motion and second). The adjustment reflects the final closeout of the ELMS and Huber Brewer contract.
  • Adjournment – The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Meeting Transcript

We'll call the meeting to order. Uh first agenda item uh for the meeting of the JSCB is acceptance of the June 25th meeting minutes. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any any opposed all in favor? All right. Moving on to the report of the secretary. Good morning, Mayor and Board members. Um I have a few items to report. Starting with um we have CNS officially on board as the construction manager, and they're working with Turner and the uh JSCB staff. So that's keeping things moving forward on the PLA front. Our PLA attorney has reached out to the trades attorney to schedule meeting. It hasn't happened yet. I think you know July is a tough month with vacations, and so hopefully um by the August board meeting I'll have something more substantial to report. Okay. Um for number 16 on our payments. I want to point out that the amount is higher than usual, and that's principally because of the Huber Brewer payment that we talked about at the June meeting. And also we're purchasing through Landon and Ryan um all the data that they had been storing for phase two for the the minority and uh prevailing wage documentation so that we can have that permanently uh under our control, which is important um in case it's needed for any purpose. Why didn't we own it already? We were paying we didn't have access to that software. We were paying Thwandon and Ryan to host the software. Okay. So um we didn't have that direct relationship with the software company. Okay. And they were basically paying a monthly fee to continue to store it after phase two ended, but we've to transfer it um to the city. We we had to actually purchase that. Is that an adjustment we should make going forward with the ICL? Uh yes, definitely. We already did. Okay. Okay, awesome. Yep, Sherell's very much on top of that. So kind of lessons learned from phase two. Okay. And then um finally, you'll note on the um part of the program manager report they've added two new pieces uh relative to the the budget. Uh have a general overpiece and then uh the individual schools. Um they're they're in your packet after the program manager's regular monthly report. And that's as we gear up that's similar to what we did in phase two, this additional data. And and I'll hold a question for the program manager, but I was curious about there was an increase, so there had to be a leveling off decrease for I believe it was Henniger. And it said for construction. What did I read? Well, is that for uh resolution number 17? Uh believe so. That so resolution number 17, that's a a good thing to note, is really um kind of a a budget amendment for our phase two comprehensive plan. Phase two, okay. Yeah, that's looking back to phase two, yeah, as part of the final Cuba Brewer close out. And um, you know, and we anticipate this will be kind of the final adjustment and close out for phase two then now that the Elms project is of will be officially done. Thank you. You're welcome. And finally, one more item.

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