2014-03-STM-AC-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE MARCH 2014 STM nized national standards for public buildings, and will eliminate the reliance on open windows as the only source of fresh air. This will make the building more comfortable and more energy-efficient. Two options for the HVAC upgrade were considered, (1) augmenting the existing system and (2) in- stalling a completely new system. When all the life cycle costs of each option were taken into account, the payback period for a completely new system was still well over 20 years, so the choice was made to aug- ment the existing system with the understanding that some older equipment would need to be replaced in a 6 to 10 year time frame. The AhCCAC also explored two options for a permanent on-site electrical generator to be used in the event of power failures. Estimates from an engineering firm showed that the cost of a permanently in- stalled generator would be prohibitive. A third option would prepare the wiring in the building for use with a portable generator (not included in the cost) that could provide emergency power when/if needed. The cost of this option is not yet known, but it is assumed to be much less than the first two options, and may be incorporated into the project if it is deemed practical by the AhCCAC. The AhCCAC inquired about whether the quality of insulation in the building should be improved. The results of an analysis by their engineering firm indicated that the building already has satisfactory insula- tion and that there would be no practical benefit to improving it. The architects and engineers working with the AhCCAC have since revised the design as requested and delivered a new estimate for the construction that includes the structural changes to the large meeting room, and upgrades to the HVAC system. There were a few other updates to the proposed budget: The cost of relocating Town offices into the building was not included in the original request. The updated request now includes $50,000 for this purpose. The allocation for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) was increased from $75,000 to $125,000 after determining that furniture left by the previous owners was not suitable for use in the Community Center. The addition of new HVAC equipment increased the cost of commissioning the building from $15,000 to $50,000. Repairs to the building envelope for damage that was found after the closing. $100,000 for the construction of a new sidewalk has been added. Due to an issue with the scope of the STM warrant article, this component of the request will be voted under Article 8(a) of the 2014 Annual Town Meeting instead. Conclusion The final design and construction cost for this proposal is $6,320,000, the sum of $6,220,000 requested under this Article and $100,000 requested under Article 8(a) of the Annual Town Meeting. The total amount is approximately $3.2 million more than the $3.1 million appropriation approved at the November 2013 Special Town Meeting. Most of the additional request is eligible for CPA funding, except for office relocation costs and the additional FF&E. The Appropriation Committee considers this to be a good plan for a completed community center with no additional construction phases in the foreseeable future. The study used to evaluate the financial feasibility of the community center construction allowed for a total cost of $9.5 million, and the Committee is satisfied that this project is well within the capacity of the Community Preservation Fund. The Committee would like to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment shown by the members of the AhCCAC, committee liaisons, and the many members of Town staff who have worked together over the last few months to arrive at this goal. The Committee recommends approval of this request (8-0). 4