Public Safety Building Committee
Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2007
6:30 PM Holden Municipal Light Department
Present: Christopher Lucchesi, Karl Makela, David White, John Chandler, George Sherrill, Mary Ryan, Peter Liddy, Hal Lane
Absent: Bob Beck, Richard Bates, Brian Forts
Others Present: Michael McKeon (Kaestle Boos), Sheila Bachant, Dave Ellis
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM.
Approval of previous meeting minutes:
Chairman Lucchesi handed out minutes from the 9/5/07 and 7/18/07 meetings to be reviewed at a future date.
Public Comment:
There were no public comments/speakers at this time.
Comments from the Chair:
1. Researching at the library and discussion of the PSBC with a resident who was not aware of the need for the PSBC.
2. After the Board of Selectmen presentation of October 1st, positive comments were received. Although, once comment was the previous building plans had planned for an ambulance - questioned if that is why there is less space?
3. Chairman Lucchesi has an invitation to attend a meeting of the Holden Center Neighborhood Association to provide an update on the project.
4. Conversation with a person: 28,000 square feet is all it needs to be (10 x the size of a house).
New Business:
The next Public Safety Building Committee meeting will take place October 17, 2007.
Cost Estimates - were emailed. Kaestle Boos are reviewing the numbers and there are no evident errors based on 2/3 brick and 1/3 ground block.
Discussion on cost estimate details.
*Project manager cost discussion
*Question on "Project Exclusions" that are listed.
*Discussion on Project Manager - role & hiring.
*E.M.S. - Can we do an add-alternate for EMS to this project? Chief Chandler will work with Michael McKeon to develop a plan.
Mr. Lane - Caution on using a 12 million dollar number, as that is not the total cost, it's only partial and the financed amount will be considerably more. Public perceives that the cost went up when it really didn't.
Mr. McKeon - the last plan (3 years ago) had more space for EMS, but not specific - maybe 1000-1500 sq. ft.
Mr. White - Regarding Chairman Lucchesi's discussion with the gentleman at the library, the PS Building has a lack of appeal - unlike the Senior Center, pool, etc. Residents do not use it so they can't get excited about it.
Mr. Lane - Need to create an emotional issue and civic pride. How do we do this?
Mr. McKeon - Issues of unsafe buildings - need to resolve. Need to set-up for the future. Maybe current staff is too understanding and should complain some more!
Ms. Ryan - Mold problems could cause a health problem.
Mr. White - Caution on using scare tactics - people do not like it. Many issues should have been resolved.
Chairmain Lucchesi - Did anyone see anything on the costs that they have any questions on?
Mr. Liddy - Question on septic system. Wouldn't we hook up to the sewer and eliminate the costs in the estimate?
Chief Chandler - We aren't hooked to the sewer now, but need to be and need to have an oil/water separator that feeds into the sewer. We may need a sewer uplift system.
Mr. McKeon - We will save some of the costs, but not all of the cost, maybe half.
Chairman Lucchesi - Questions on radiant heated floors for the apparatus bay. It should be about the same cost. Many people prefer this type of heat.
Mr. Makela - Can we use cement slab sections for the walls? It is a consideration.
Chairman Lucchesi - Can we use regular cement block to save money?
Mr. McKeon - Yes, but it would be minimal. Don't mix block and brick. They have different expansion rates and mixing will create problems.
Mr. White - Front of the building, to the police, needs to be architecturally attractive. You can use something less expensive around back. Do this first and then look at reducing costs and materials.
Chief Chandler - Make a list and work with Michael with how we would use the existing building to fit EMS in the facility. Work with Michael McKeon to develop an add-alternate scenario.
Mr. Liddy - Question of $215,000 for intrusion system.
Mr. McKeon - It covers much more than that and will send a list of what it entails.
Discussion on when to have a town meeting and election: 6 weeks for a campaign. Hopefully at the next meeting we will make a recommendation! January timing is good.
Public Comment:
Karen Green:
1. Concerns if the Fire Fighters will be in favor of the plan as the last one threatend them.
2. Sorry she made comment about the building appearance. Needs to be reasonable price, but must be appealing.
Dave Ellis:
1. Fire Fighter entry from the rear of the building is still a problem. Need a ramp, wider stairs or add more spaces in front of the building.
2. Needs more parking in front. Need to see plot plan to see where parking is in relation to the new bays.
3. Last plan had a second egress for police - does this one have it and do we still need it?
4. Width of the lower driveway with Fire, Police, Public and snow plows in the winter: needs to be a wider driveway.
5. Traffic lights need to be considered. (Chief Chandler to work with Town Manager to get State input).
6. Apparatus floor - will tire chains be okay on the floors? What happens on epoxy floors?
7. Glass entry way - Makes it look rich and expensive, but it can let the heat and light in.
8. Senior Center was for people to come to, but these facilities are just for employees - need people to be aware.
Karl Makela - A spaghetti supper at the Senior Center would be good for publicity.
Ken O'Brien - Surprised that more people weren't present. Probably because of the Red Sox game. The presentation to the Board of Selectmen and to the community at home was very effective. He was better informed after the presentation.
Adjournment:
Mr. Lane made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. White seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Approved: February 6, 2008
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