PBC authorizes $3,000 grading survey to diagnose Fairbank Community Center drainage failure

SUDBURY — November 8, 2023 — Sudbury PBC authorizes $3,000 drainage survey at Fairbank Community Center as ponding raises design questions. The Permanent Building Committee voted 4-0 Wednesday to hire Samiotes Consultants for an as-built grading survey after October storms produced ponding in front of the nearly complete building. Co-Chair Craig Blake, serving as soils liaison, said BH+A reported the grading visually matched the plans but recommended third-party confirmation. Facilities Director Sandra Duran called it "a design issue for sure," noting roof downspouts discharge to grade rather than into a piped system, and architect Tom Scarlata acknowledged drainage structures originally proposed for the front of the building had been removed during value engineering. The committee separately authorized recommending award of the Fairbank A/V package contract up to $504,824.28 — the Valley Communications bid — while BH+A reviews three substitution items in Aquras's $494,000 apparent low bid.