APPROVED
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
June 29th, 2009
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A first 2009 meeting of the CIP advisory committee took place on Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 6:30 PM in the New Durham Town Hall located off Main Street.
Present Excused
Scott Drummey Chris Lapierre
Tom Goss
Padraic McHale (arrived at 7 PM)
Theresa Jarvis (arrived at 7:30 PM)
Also Present: April Whittaker, CIP Coordinator and Recorder
The meeting opened at 6:40 PM. Due to a lack of quorum at the beginning of the meeting it was agreed to not take up election of officers until a full membership was available for vote.
Police Department:
Mr. Goss and Mr. Drummey met with Chief Bernier and Corporal Meattey. Review took place regarding the cruiser replacement schedules ~ it was noted that generally there had been an effort in the last 2-year cycle to reduce the number of years of use from nine to seven, and to begin turnover of one cruiser per year so as to avoid acquisition of two in one year as had been occurring in the past. The Chief advised that the reduction in the number of years was being sought to (i) provide a better sale factor on the replaced cruiser, and (ii) minimize expensive repairs. Further noted that the type of driving that occurs by the officers’ places greater stresses on the vehicles than normal and that the cruiser is essentially the officer’s office. The Chief advised of past problems with laptops
being affected by winter weather, and that now the officers bring the laptops in with them.
Mrs. Whittaker asked the Chief to expand upon the idea of replacing the Ford Explorer with a pick up truck with cab. The Chief advised that he might ask the Board to move up the proposed replacement to 2010 for the next budget cycle and spin out the cruiser replacement for one more year. He further advised that the truck would be capable of performing double duty too for the animal control officer thereby not impacting the interiors of the cruisers. He noted to the committee that the Explorer was impossible to comfortably sit an individual in the rear seats, who needed to be taken into custody, due to a lack of space between the cage and the edge of the seat. The truck would provide more legroom.
The Chief addressed his building needs ~ he provided a sketch for a proposed addition to the side of the garage to provide for a booking room, holding cell, interview room and bathroom total square footage just under 500 sf. Mrs. Whittaker advised of the employee facilities committee who noted that they felt (i) the current booking room is unsafe not only to the officers, but to those also being retained in custody, (ii) is not ADA accessible, (iii) exposes expensive town equipment and personnel to potential breakages and (iv) presents a liability situation. She highly urged the CIP committee to schedule a physical review to fully understand the layout and resultant problems adding that this is not the only area with problems for the officers and their operations. The Chief advised that the
general feeling from the facilities committee was to question the wisdom of sinking dollars into an addition when given the other problems, should there be consideration to constructing a new building conducive to the needs of police work? Mr. Drummey asked the Chief how long a timeline the addition would or could provide in lieu of a new building impetus. The Chief advised that he felt the department could survive possibly another 10 years with an addition in the current locale. Mr. Drummey opined that given the new addition to the Fire Station, which he understood was to provide another 10 years of life to the old station, he felt that a good case could be made for constructing the new PD addition in 2010, which would provide the community with a 10-year planning cycle to determine what the community needs are with respect to a safety building, capital planning, building planning and community buy-in.
Mr. Goss questioned the Chief’s dollar amount for the proposed addition feeling it was a little low. The Chief advised that he would pursue best guesstimate quotes for the committee from local builders.
There being no further discussion, Mrs. Whittaker thanked the Chief for his presentation.
Fire Department:
Fire Chief Varney met with the committee (McHale now present) and advised that the truck schedule represented no changes at this present time. Mrs. Whittaker requested the Chief to eulogize how the skid tank grant might affect the department and the truck schedules.
Chief Varney advised that the department had applied for a number of grants last year and had been successful in an $18,000 grant for the acquisition of a new skid tank for forest fire fighting. The dilemma the department faces is how to best service the tank ~ the current forestry truck is over 30 years old and would require major expenditures to make the truck safe. It was generally agreed by the department that this probably would not be the best plan.
The next option would be to seek out and buy either a used or new large pick-up truck. The Committee was advised that the board, even though they are named as agents to expend from the Fire Truck Capital Reserve, traditionally took the acquisition of a new or used truck to town meeting for community vote. Chief Varney advised that the department had looked into converting the Utility truck but the utility truck is frequently used as a passenger carrier. Mr. McHale opined that he felt very strongly that the CIP committee should make a recommendation in their final report to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen to support a truck acquisition sooner rather than later, given the safety issues involved with the old truck, and the need for equipment readiness in an emergency situation. Chief
Varney advised that since the acquisition of the pumper/rescue, the usage of Engine 1 has declined, so he felt very comfortable in suggesting that in the event that a pick up truck is acquired for the skid tank, that the replacement year scheduled for Engine 1 could be moved out another couple of years thereby “paying back” the Capital Reserve Truck Fund by allowing for more time to acquire funds for the replacement.
Terry Jarvis arrived and general discussion ensued regarding the need for a sub station up in the Kings Highway area. Chief Varney advised that the Town of Wolfeboro has been very good at responding to calls in the area, but in the event that they are actively engaged in another fire in Wolfeboro, they would be unable to attend, hence the desire for a sub station. Basic needs would be the equivalent of a heated garage, water, and sanitary facilities. Chief Varney opined that he would prefer two-bays for the potential of housing of an ambulance. Noted that the town has land in the area and Chief Varney also advised that a property owner had approached him about giving land to the town for a sub station. It was noted for the planners that should a commercial district be endorsed in the
Kings Highway area, this might have the effect of straining the infrastructure and hasten the need for sub station. Mr. Drummey advised that he would bring this to the planners. General consensus from the CIP Committee was to endorse continued funding when possible to the Capital Reserve Fund, previously established for this building
Fire Chief Varney advised of the status of the new addition, noting that the following is required:~
- Fire Alarm installation
- Baseboard Installation
- Handicap Hardware installation
- Doors installation
General discussion ensued as to what may be suggested for the 2010 budget cycle with respect to the remainder of the building. Mrs. Whittaker advised that an exhaust system would be high priority although she understood that the department would be attempting another grant scenario for this funding approximately $32,000, and there would need to be renovation of the old kitchen area to offices.
The Committee thanked the Chief for his time and presentation.
It was noted by Goss, Jarvis and Whittaker that they would not be available for the July 27th, 2009 scheduled meeting ~ noted to bring up next meeting as to cancellation and rescheduling.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted
April Whittaker
Next Scheduled Meeting: Monday, July 13th, 2009
7:00 PM ~ Town Hall
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