Town of Holden
Public Safety Building Committee
May 7, 2008
6PM HMLD Building
Present: Chairman Chris Lucchesi, Robert Beck, Peter Liddy, Brian Forts (6:29PM), Karl Makela, George Sherrill, Jack Chandler, David White
Absent: Mary Ryan, Richard Bates, Hal Lane,
Others Present: Michael McKeon, Kaestle Boos Associates, Paul McAndrew, Kaestle Boos Associates, Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Mark Vincello, PE, WV Engineering Associates, Wayne Whipple, PE, WV Engineering Associates, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:10PM. He announced that Public Comment would now be held at the end of each meeting.
Update from Town Manager Brian Bullock
Town Manager Brian Bullock informed the Committee that the Town reached an agreement with Kaestle Boos to act as the architectural firm for the project.
Project borrowing for 8M of the project has been completed. A 3.865% interest rate was achieved.
The Manager said that the land acquisition portion of the project was finalizing its stages with the appraiser.
The Manager said that 17 submittals were received for the OPM bid. He said that Chairman Lucchesi, both Chiefs, Assistant Town Manager Jacquie Kelly and the Manager are currently reviewing the candidates. The interview committee will meet to narrow down the candidates and interviews will begin shortly.
The Committee held a discussion regarding which would be more appropriate for the building project: A Clerk of the Works or a Project Manager? Dave White commented that a good, full-time clerk is very important for the welfare of the project. It is important to have someone on-site full time. Peter Liddy concurred with Mr. White. Bob Beck said he liked the idea of both a Clerk and a Project Manager serving on the project.
The Manager said that the Administration is still in the process of contacting candidates for the traffic engineering study. He presented the Chair with a bill for services rendered by Mike Pagano for a review of the architectural contract.
Brian Forts arrived at 6:29PM.
Mechanical System Alternatives
Mr. McKeon introduced Mr. Whipple and Mr. Vincello with WV Engineering Associates in Keene, NH. Their firm has been contracted to provide mechanical systems for the project.
Plumbing will provide institutional fixtures, water-conserving controls, correctional facility units in the holding cells, remote control flushing, and wash down facilities. HVAC: VAV HVAC systems (Base), separate/dedicated at EOC E911/dispatch, individual controls, 24/7 – operation, and energy efficient controls. Exhaust Systems will include janitor, cells, sally port, apparatus bay, CO2 Sensing, vehicle exhaust (plymo vent), weapon cleaning/evidence lab hood.
The Committee discussed heating options. Geo-Thermal – Electric Geothermal = $15.65/Million BTU vs. fuel oil = $31.60/Million BTU, Natural Gas = $14.20/Million BTU, Wood Pellets = $18.10/Million BTU and Electric Resistance = $46.90/Million BTU. The possibility of heating the building with Geo-Thermal heating was discussed. It will take approximately 6,000 feet of trench to make a geothermal system to heat the 30,000sq. ft. building. The life span of geothermal compressors is approximately 15-20 years. Geothermal cooling is more efficient. Mr. McKeon said that additional costs for geo-thermal wells at the Watertown public safety facility were approximately 130K. Mr. White suggested drilling the wells prior to awarding the contractor’s contract in order to save money. This type of
project would be considered a Ch. 30B project. The entire site is approximately 3 acres. Horizontal trenches might be more appropriate on site due to the high amount of paved area. A decision regarding geo-thermal heating for the facility will need to be made before the Design/ Development phase concludes in two-three months.
Mr. Beck commented that he did not want to take money away from the design and space of the building to pay for additional extras.
Mr. Vincello commented that it would be cost and energy efficient to build a “good shell” with a good payback period.
Mr. White said that it was important that the Committee set the example to build a green, energy efficient building with the taxpayer money.
The Committee continued to review mechanical components to the project.
Electrical Power: utility coordination with HMLD, Emergency power generator, optional standby power, fire-rated feeders, complying with the 2008 electrical code. Lighting: Energy code compliance, quality lighting – direct/indirect lighting, automatic controls, remote controls for cells, maximum-security fixtures. Fire Alarm: coordinate with Holden Fire Department, Code compliant, HVAC shutdown, elevator capture. Communications: data closets/patch panels, pathways (expandability), cables and fiber optic, separate networks, phone systems. CCTV/Security: Howard Systems as consultant, CCTV (security and interviews), card/proximity door access, mantraps/coordination, and security system.
Chief Chandler commented that the existing building would require temporary water and power hookups when construction begins. The existing fire station building currently runs on a septic system and will need to be tied into the sewer system. Mr. White said that a local contractor could perform some of the work being discussed this fall as another cost savings. It was discussed that a local contractor could do all upgrades to the existing building separately
Mr. McKeon said that part of the current design work has included moving the footprint of the building several feet as to adjust the entrance into the parking lot. Other changes being considered are the addition of a sidewalk to connect the two buildings, and final grades to the property. Continual changes are being made to the design document.
Mr. McAndrew updated the Committee on the floor plan design based on input from the Police and Fire Chiefs. The building will contain 16,200sq. ft. per floor. An exterior front stairwell has been removed and the space has been used for the Fire Chief’s office and E-911. New code changes allowed for an open interior stairway and a more efficient use of the gained space. The Committee reviewed the Main Level, which includes the headquarters for the Fire Department. Graves Engineering has been retained and has been conducting a land survey.
The Committee reviewed comments regarding the architects meetings with the two Chiefs. Mr. McKeon said that increased storage is always a priority and some compromises have been made to make the building more efficient while not sacrificing common area space. The Committee discussed how to make the architects meeting notes more clear when reporting issues and their solutions.
The Committee discussed the option of having operable windows in the building. Mr. White said that operable windows wreak havoc on an HVAC system. The need for fresh air does not make for an energy efficient building. Mr. McKeon said that he always designs a building with operable windows because studies have shown that it improves the efficiency of those working in the building. Mr. White commented that many of the individuals in the building would not even have a window in their workspace. Mr. McKeon said that every effort would be given to ensure that most rooms in the building would offer some type of window.
Mr. White cautioned spending discretionary money. The cost of adding a covered connector from the old building to the new building, the added expense to re-roof the existing fire station, and the paving of lower parking are still undefined. Mr. White reiterated his request for lighting at the flagpoles. Mr. McKeon commented that the flagpoles are an add-on and have not been added permanently to the site plan.
The Chairman said that questions to the architects that require clarification should be forwarded to the Chair who will forward them onto Mr. McKeon and Mr. McAndrew.
The Committee agreed to attach the Architect’s Report to the meeting minutes of each meeting. A copy of the power point presentation made by Mr. Whipple and Mr. Vincello will also be attached.
Mr. Liddy said that radiant heat in the floor of the apparatus bay should be investigated. Mr. White commented that some sort of solution should be made to conserve the loss of heat when the apparatus bays are opened. Mr. Bob Mitchell of Mitchell Associates will be asked to review this concern.
Mr. McKeon updated the Committee on the current construction market conditions. Many facilities going out to bid are coming in underestimate. He added that well thought out add/alternates should be considered if the bid come in below estimate
Approval of Previous Minutes
The Committee will approve the April 16, 2008 meeting minutes at the next meeting.
Updates from the Chairman
Mr. Makela presented a $4000 invoice from Graves Engineering for a land survey.
New Business
Chairman Lucchesi inquired if the Committee was interested in adding additional members to the committee. Mr. Forts said he had a neighbor with engineering experience who has worked on several public safety-building projects.
Chief Chandler said that there is a resident with plumbing/HVAC experience who has expressed interest in serving in the committee.
Mr. White said that adding more members would mean that it would be more difficult to get a quorum and he said that when the committee becomes too big it becomes less workable.
Mr. Beck said he would be in favor of expanding the committee. Residents who have expertise are expressing an interest in becoming part of the process.
Next meeting will be May 21, 2008. The Committee anticipates closing out the Schematic Design process at this meeting.
The Chair requested a copy of the design plan from Mr. McKeon in order for committee members to review them.
Public Comment
Mrs. Zabelle D’Amico, 1355 Main Street said that she appreciated the efforts being made by the committee. She encouraged the committee to increase the buffer zone and soften the noise along Main Street.
Adjournment
Motion by Robert Beck, seconded by Brian Forts, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MAY 7, 2008 MEETING AT 8:07PM.
Approved:
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