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Other DPW Updates David Pinsonneault did talk to John Linvsey and shared that the sidewalk measurements came in all under the tolerance when tested for smoothness. The baseline testing will happen every couple of years. He said there was funding earmarked for annual inspection. He was happy to confirm that the installation of the new sidewalks was correct and should last for a while. The Commission suggested that the DPW come to a meeting to update us on different town projects, and anticipate regular participation in the committee meetings. Dan Brzycki - Variance Request for 7 Hartwell (Russian School of Mathematics) This building sits near the intersection of Hartwell Ave and Bedford Street. The plan is to renovate the 2-story building, create new classroom space, and new toilet fixtures. The first floor has been designed to be accessible, but the basement and the second floor are not. They plan to add a new egress to/from the basement to meet code requirements. The 2nd floor has 4 classrooms and 2 toilets. The variances requested relate to asking for relief to avoid making the building fully compliant. They have suggested that all of the classrooms are the same, so they can move a class scheduled to be offered on the second floor to one of the 9 classrooms on the first floor if someone needs access consideration. They also do not intend to make the bathrooms on the second floor accessible. The remaining variances relate to the basement. They have identified where a future lift could be installed if they decide they want to open up the space later with a lift to the second floor, but not to the basement. Current plans suggest that they will not be opening up that space. They are making the kitchen accessible, and improving access to the side door by regrading that access route. Curb cuts and walkways from the new accessible parking spaces will be installed. The Commission did not support the request for variances. They offered that the entire building needed to be brought up to ADA specification, suggesting it was insufficient to say that they would move classrooms and not use the basement. Additionally, there was a lengthy discussion about the use of gender neutral bathrooms. It was suggested that they find a way to design gender neutral bathrooms and meet the code requirements for staff facilities. It was also suggested that we would need to see plans for an elevator to ensure access to the basement and the 2nd floor. We voted unanimously for a list of alternative suggestions related to the variances. Victoria will write a letter to the MAAB. Update by Koren Stembridge and Alissa Lauzon about library events and happenings Koren shared plans for a feasibility study to renovate the Children’s Room and the Larger Meeting Rooms. Suggestions were made to make the restrooms more accessible with automatic doors and a changing table. We were grateful to hear about these plans so far in advance, and