September 22, 2010
Chairperson Langlois called the work session meeting to order at 12:00 noon.~ In attendance were Commissioners Paul Poulin, Terry Block and Steven Tardiff.~ Ex-officio member Mayor Grenier was not present.~ Also present for this meeting were Superintendent Viens, and employees Craig Carrigan and Lynne C. Lessard.~ Jay Poulin and Ed were representing HEB Construction.
Introductions were made the Superintendent Viens said that the Purpose of this meeting is to start the planning of the Berlin Water Works, 55 Willow Street Office Improvement/Upgrade Project and to establish goals and opportunities for this project and added also to meet with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements/compliance.
The Agenda included some issues to be addressed:
- UPGRADE OFFICE/BUILDING LAYOUT
- Office Staff Area
- Operations & Maintenance Staff Area
- Superintendent Area
- Conference/Board meeting Area~
The group discussed and identified some what we have presently and how we can improve on such items as interfacing with the public, larger space for the various office areas, moving out the filing system to allow for more room and address long term storage and utilizing the “Snowshoe Room” for additional space.~ The garage was also suggested as an additional meeting place.
B:~ COMPLIANCE ISSUES:~ Superintendent Viens asked HEB to advise the Superintendent of any compliance issues such as ADA requirement/compliance or any other concerns that need to be addressed.
C:~ BUILDING ENERGY:~ The group discussed solar/hydro & wind options also geo thermal and radiant heat/cooling systems. Our office windows are not efficient and should be replaced and noted that this is the Berlin Water Works only remaining building that is not using propane gas.
D:~ CONSTRUCTABILITY – Phased - Maintain Operation throughout Project:~ Possibly break down into terms of one office at a time and/or to fit our funding.~ We would have to modularize the project.~ At this time no budget has been set.
E:~ OTHER COST:~ Commissioner Tardiff suggested future technology needs/wireless capability.~ Chairperson Langlois suggested the possibility of a drive-up window.~ Other costs would involve parking and paving issues and enhancing the appearance of the building and surrounding area.
F:~ MISCELLANEOUS:~ Chairperson Langlois stated that current office layout is not efficient.~ The foreman’s office location should be swapped with the office staff location as the office staff has the door to the garage.~ This interferes with the flow of the customer area for bill paying and extra traffic for the office area.~ Commissioner Poulin mentioned a new building.~ Commissioner Block suggested using the garage for office space.~ Again, no budget has been established yet as we are still looking for ideas.
HEB will work on a scope and then contact the Superintendent within the next few weeks to set up a follow up meeting.
The work session ended at 1pm.
A True Record, Attest:~Paul W. Poulin - Clerk of the Board
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