2011-11-AC-STM-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO NOVEMBER 2011 STM will be used for activities that require classroom-size spaces but that are currently being performed under non-ideal conditions in smaller rooms. The project will include renovation of the modular classrooms at Bowman and will also provide for improved safety, security, and accessibility at both schools. Finally, the renovation should have a positive impact on current operating costs. The new, more efficient systems are expected to provide long-term savings in energy usage and associated costs estimated at $50,000 per year per building at current energy prices. It is our understanding that there is no plan to in- crease staff when the project is completed on account of the reconfigurations of space. Considering the present needs, the risks associated with postponement, and the current favorable con- struction market and low interest rates, renovating the schools now is prudent. The consequences of post- poning a comprehensive renovation of these two buildings could include higher annual repair costs in ad- dition to unpredictable failures in aging building systems. A major system failure could result in costlier renovations, and the educational program would likely be severely disrupted in the meantime. In addition, unexpected and significant repair costs would generally be paid from funds within the levy, and the op- tion to finance a major repair through excluded debt might not be available. A decision to renovate the existing Bridge and Bowman School buildings rather than replace them is sen- sible, even though new buildings would have many obvious advantages. The cost to replace either build- ing would likely be comparable to the cost of replacing Estabrook School, which is currently estimated at roughly $35,000,000. The prospects of receiving State reimbursement for replacing either Bridge or Bowman are unlikely for a number of reasons, and there is no expectation that those prospects will im- prove in the foreseeable future. Thus, the net cost to the Lexington taxpayer of replacing both the Bridge and Bowman buildings ($70,000,000)would be more than three times the cost of the proposed renovation project (approximately $22,000,000) that will result in extending the useful lives of the two buildings by 20 to 25 years. Both the justification of full replacement of the two buildings and the feasibility of raising $70,000,000 or more are doubtful at best. Recommendation The Appropriation Committee considers the renovation of both Bridge and Bowman School buildings to be the most fiscally prudent way to preserve and leverage our capital assets and meet the needs of our schools. If the project is not carried out, there will be significant risks of building system failures that could disrupt the operation of the schools, require emergency expenditures, and substantially raise the total cost over the long term of maintaining these buildings. Furthermore, the overcrowded conditions of the buildings would not be addressed — this would undoubtedly continue to have some impact, even if hard to quantify, upon the educational programs in these buildings. This also appears to be an opportune time for the Town to get good value for its construction dollars. The Committee recommends approval of this request (9-0). Article 3: Appropriate for Fire Funds Funding Committee Requested Source Recommendation Communications System $180,000 GF Approve(9-0) The current radio system presents a life safety risk to firefighters and the community because it does not meet the needs of the Fire Department. The Fire Department began the transition from VHF to UHF in 2006 in an attempt to comply with upcoming FCC regulations and improve communications with mutual aid departments. The change in frequency and power transmission resulted in a loss in coverage both in the street reception and efforts to communicate from within buildings or structures. Two sites use leased copper lines which often cause interference and render the system out of service,preventing the officer or firefighter from being able to speak to the dispatch center. Page 9