2011-12-05-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.Visitor Center – Ms. McKenna was also invited to the CPC meeting for further discussion of the Visitor Center Project. The CPC had requested that Ms. McKenna provide details on the square footage of the existing structure and the associated breakdown of the design and construction costs. Ms. McKenna explained that 42% of the square footage of the final building was attributable to the existing structure. In terms of the construction costs, however, 51% of the construction costs were tied to its renovation. She explained that this discrepancy was due to the fact that renovation would be more expensive than new construction. Ms. McKenna described the Visitor Center project, noting that the addition was planned to accommodate a larger number of visitors and to provide a greater range of services. She stressed the need for the project, citing a State statistic that indicated that tourism generated $50 million dollars for the Town in 2010. She noted that the hotel and meals taxes, in particular, have contributed increased revenue in the past year. Mr. Wolk questioned whether the Chamber of Commerce, whose offices are in the top floor of the Visitor Center, would be willing to pay some of the construction and renovation costs. Ms. McKenna said they did not have the funding for such a commitment, adding that the building is Town-owned. She noted that even a contribution from the Chamber seemed unlikely. Mr. Kanter asked what costs the Chamber shoulders and if the organization pays rent. Ms. McKenna replied that they only pay utilities. (A subsequent email from Ms. McKenna reported that the Chamber pays internet and phone, while the Town carries the electric and heat.) Ms. McKenna noted that the draft Visitor Center Report detailing the costs of the project would soon be finalized, and would be sent out to the CPC. 7.Tourism Sign Project from ’07 – Ms.Weiss had asked Ms. McKenna to provide an update on the Tourism Sign Project approved by the CPC at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting. Ms. McKenna reported that the Tourism Committee is waiting on the final drawings for a panel sign for the Green. Once received, the artwork can then be taken to the fabricator. The Committee urged Ms. McKenna to push this project to completion, and suggested that the tricentennial provided a good incentive for doing so. 8.Updates – Ms. Manz update the Committee on the upcoming CPC meeting th and Public Hearing. The CPC will meet at 7:00 pm on December 19 for a half an hour before the Public Hearing at 7:30 pm. At the regular meeting the Committee will review proposed project costs and the CPC budget. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 pm. 4