Date: September 10, 2007
Date Minutes Approved: September 24, 2007
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
Present: Andre Martecchini, Chair; Jon Witten, Vice-Chair, and Elizabeth Sullivan, Clerk.
Absent: No members were absent.
Staff: Richard MacDonald, Town Manager; John Madden, Finance Director; and C. Anne Murray, Department Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Martecchini entertained a motion for the Board to go into Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, and to reconvene in Open Session after the conclusion of the Executive Session. So moved by Ms. Sullivan Second by Mr. Witten. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Sullivan “aye”; Mr. Witten “aye”; Mr. Martecchini “aye”.
VOTE: 3:0:0.
Entered Executive Session at 7:00 PM.
RE-CONVENED IN OPEN SESSION
Having completed the business of the Executive Session the Board of Selectmen voted to reconvene in Open Session at approximately 7:37 PM, and after allowing several minutes for the Public to enter the room the Open Session began.
OPEN FORUM
Nothing was discussed.
To allow time for the consultant to set up for the Pool Presentation the Board moved to other business.
BUSINESS
TOWN MANAGER’S BRIEF
Mr. MacDonald mentioned the following items:
1. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) UPDATE:
There have been no changes and therefore the curfew on outdoor recreational activities will remain in effect from 6 PM – 8 AM until further notice.
2. Construction Costs: Were up to approx. $3 million in August, which includes 2 single-family dwellings and 18 residential alterations. He noted that the figure is still down compared to last year.
3. Personnel Classification Study:
Mr. MacDonald said that a RFP was put out for a Classification Study as one has not been done for about 15 years. He has been working with the Personnel Board and a group of Department Managers and so far they have interviewed two firms.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Martecchini explained that from time to time there are community events that the Board announces and therefore we are grouping them under this new heading of “Announcements.”
Mr. Martecchini then made the following announcements:
Wednesday, September 12, 2007: Joint meeting of the Fiscal Advisory Committee, Finance Committee and the Transfer Station Advisory Committee regarding a Pay-As-You-Throw-Proposal for the Transfer Station. Open to the Public (7:30 PM, Senior Center, Ellison Room)
Thursday, September 13, 2007: The Local Housing Partnership is hosting a meeting about the proposed expansion at Island Creek. Keith Properties will be there. All land use boards and the public are invited. (7:30 PM, Senior Center)
Saturday, September 22, 2007: Noon. Farm Day at O'Neil Farm. Open to the Public.
Saturday, September 22, 2007: Opening Ceremony for the Wright Building. 1:00 PM on the grounds of the Wright Building. Building open for viewing until 3:00 PM.
MINUTES
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the Minutes of August 27, 2007as presented. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 2:0:1 (Mr. Witten abstained as he was not present at that meeting.)
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Witten moved to appoint Mr. Thomas K. Garrity to the North Hill Advisory Committee to fill an unexpired term due to expire on 6/30/09. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 3:0:0.
Mr. Witten noted that the appointment of Mr. Garrity is to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Mr. Robert McCarthy from the North Hill Advisory Committee.
It was also mentioned that the North Hill Advisory Committee will be coming before the Board of Selectmen in October to provide an update on the North Hill Golf Course. The current North Hill Golf Course Management Agreement expires December 31, 2008. One option under consideration is for the Town to take over management of the North Hill Golf Course, but that needs to be explored and would require an ATM article for approximately a half year (Jan –July) for funding.
PRESENTATION BY PERCY WALKER POOL LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Present were members of the Percy Walker Pool Long-Range Planning Committee, including Ms. Kathy Coghlan (Chair), Ms. Nancy Johnson, and Mr. Steve Shea. Also present was Mr. Dan Meus of Graham/Meus Architects, the firm awarded the bid to provide a feasibility study of the Percy Walker Pool.
Before beginning his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Meus gave a brief introduction to Graham/Meus Architects to explain the firm’s expertise in assessing and designing pool facilities. He mentioned that the presentation would provide an overview of the existing conditions, and although not part of the scope of study, he has also included some suggestions for possible improvements. (A copy of the Feasibility Study is available for review in the Board of Selectmen/Town Manager’s Office.)
The following chart (next page) gives an overview of Mr. Meus’s presentation.
PERCY WALKER POOL ASSESSMENT — FEASIBILITY STUDY of April 2007 by Graham/ Meus Architects |
Item |
Assessment |
Comments |
Building |
Good |
No settling; |
Superstructure |
Good |
Block & Brick |
Roof |
Good |
Tectum, fiber panels, which provides good sound proofing |
Walls |
Good with minor repairs |
Minor cracking |
Exterior Windows |
Fair to poor |
Recommends replacement |
Exterior Doors |
Fair to poor |
Mr. Cushing: It should be noted that Handicap doors were just installed. |
Roof Membrane |
Fair to poor |
16 years old should be replaced. |
Interior |
Good with minor repairs |
|
Partitions |
Poor |
Replace |
Interior doors |
Good to fair |
Minor repairs needed |
Wall Finish |
Good to fair |
Minor repairs needed |
Floor Finish |
Good to fair |
Minor repairs needed; Comments made that the floors are slippery. |
Ceilings |
Good to poor |
Repair |
Plumbing |
Poor |
Replace |
Sanitary/ Water |
Good |
|
HVAC |
Poor |
Replace & upgrade |
Fire prevention |
Poor |
Replace & upgrade; Code does not require it, but some communities do. Recommends sprinkler systems for locker rooms. |
Electrical |
Poor |
Replace & upgrade |
Pool structure |
Good |
Re-grouting last done 4 yrs ago |
Pool equipment |
Good/Fair (motors are old.) |
Water quality, however, is excellent. |
Lightning Protection |
Good |
|
Parking |
Good/Fair (quantity) |
Did not assess handicap parking |
Walkway |
Fair to good |
Some repairs needed |
Site development |
Fair |
Some repairs needed. Pointed out where downspout needs to be reconnected to site drainage |
Landscaping |
Good-fair |
Just spruce it up. |
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Mr. Meus then spent some time discussing items for the Board to consider as “planning alternatives” or improvements in three main areas. He showed the floor plan depicted as A1.1 of the Feasibility Study to illustrate his comments. The following suggestions were made:
1. Locker Rooms: Renovate the Locker Rooms including new walls, finishes and lighting, as well as adding individual shower stalls and new grooming stations. The gang showers and condition of the locker room facilities were mentioned in the surveys as reasons some individuals have chosen to go elsewhere.
2. Family Changing area: Recommends a Family Changing area complete with toilet, shower, and lockers with direct access to the pool, but suggested that the toilet area be separated from the showering area. If separate toilet area are located off the lobby then they could accommodate the public too.
3. New Exterior Windows: Recommends installing windows on the far side of the pool behind stadium seating. Rationale: Southern exposure in winter would add light. In summer might need to block with a shade. While this would have some heat loss in winter it is believed that that would be offset by brightening the pool area and reducing lighting needs.
Additionally, he recommended HVAC be put on top of the building versus next to it.
Overall: The building is in good condition that could be classified as “deferred maintenance.” Replacement of the HVAC and electrical service are definitely needed.
Costs: Mr. Meus provided two preliminary work ups of the costs. The project costs for just the repairs and renovations without the planning alternates or improvements is estimated at $1,060,000. (rounded). Note a 25% contingency was added to the estimated costs.
Cost for Basic Repairs/Renovations:
Construction estimate: $847,400
Other Projected Costs: $211,900.
$ 1,059,300.
The project costs to incorporate the planning alternates or improvements would add an additional estimated amount of $630,000. (rounded).
Costs for Planning Alternates or Improvements:
Construction estimate: $504,200.
Other Projected Costs: $125,100.
$ 629,300.
Ms. Sullivan asked if it was possible to make any prediction what impact the repairs/renovations might have on receipts? Answer: Mr. Cushing said it is impossible to estimate a dollar amount, but he would predict that with improved amenities some customers would return.
Mr. MacDonald also mentioned that new equipment would allow for energy savings. Mr. Martecchini followed up on that comment by mentioning that he and Mr. Cushing have a meeting scheduled tomorrow to discuss co-generation improvements. One supplier does have a potential lease to purchase structured deal.
Mr. MacDonald asked Mr. Meus how long he thought the pool would have to be closed for repairs/renovation? Answer: It might be possible to do the repairs /renovations and to stage the work so that the pool is not closed or closed with a minimal closure time.
There was a brief discussion of next steps. Mr. Martecchini indicated it needed to be prioritized with other projects. It was mentioned that in the interim someone might contact USA Swimming, which offers a free consulting service regarding how to improve pool services. There was some question about the Percy Walker Pool’s eligibility for these services.
Briefly touched on whether funding would be possible using CPC funds. It was noted that there are legislative changes being proposed to CPC rules that might allow it in the future, but under the current CPC rules it is unlikely that CPC funds could be used.
Mr. Witten questioned whether there has been any discussion about expanding the pool to allow for other recreational facilities, such as weight rooms, etc.? Answer: No. Mr. Meus suggested that would only be worth it if you are going to have substantial expansion plans. He did suggest, however, that recreational pools, with waterslides and a function room for parties are popular.
Ms. Sullivan commended the committee and the architect for the overall report. She spoke quite favorably about how the study had kept to the spirit of the expectations by looking at the facility as it is and how it could be reasonably repaired and renovated.
For next steps it was suggested that an article be prepared for Annual Town Meeting for design costs. Articles for construction costs would have to be prepared for future Town Meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:58 PM Mr. Martecchini moved to adjourned. Seconded by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 3:0:0.
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