2023-06-08-PBC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Solar Canopy update Since last meeting there has been an abutter meeting on 5-30-23, an HDC hearing 6-1-23 and an SBC meeting scheduled for 6-12-23. At each meeting the group was asked to express a preference for which design they most supported. The Power point presented outlined 4 options. Option 1; Option 1 Alternate; Option2; Option2 Alternate Option 1 is the original “table top” design over the rear parking lot with a leg to Mass ave. Option 1 Alternate is the same as option1 except a row of solar panels is remove down the center of the rear canopy to allow natural light to the parking area. Option 2 has the more “Organic” structure that was preferred by abutters which had the rear canopy in two pieces (one over each strip of parking) and no canopy over the drive aisle. There is a Mass ave leg and a raised section where it meets the rear parking lot canopy. Because Option 2 did not have canopy over the drive aisle its overall height could be reduced to a clearance of 12’-9”. Option 2 Alternate was a duplicate of Option 2 except a raised section of the canopy was added at the south side of the Fletcher Ave entrance to balance the raised section at the opposite end of this same section. Michael Cronin reported that the original design (Option 1) and the new organic-feel design (option 2) were the designs that had the most appeal to the groups. Everyone had agreed to include the Mass Ave leg as the framing for Fletcher Field from the Police Station, which was incorporated into Jeff's proposal. Michael Cronin reported that both options were presented to the HDC last week, and they were leaning toward option one, which included the Mass Ave leg, but they were resistant to vote and wanted more feedback. The two options will be discussed at the upcoming Monday Select Board meeting. In response to a question It was clarified that the Mass Ave leg was now being incorporated into both designs. Michael Cronin discussed that there were conversations about how Fletcher Field did not want to feel part of the police station and about framing the park. Jon Himmel discussed that the liaison for the HDC feels that the façade of the building was worked on a lot and should be visible. It was asked if the options could be shown from the same angle to get the same perspective. Michael Cronin stated that he would contact Jeff to see if he could modify option 1 to view the same angle. It is expected that asphalt work would occur in October. It was stated that this project had two types of asphalt: porous and non-porous. Concerns were raised about the Select Board making a decision without a dollar amount for the work. It was also discussed that there was a discussion with the Select Board that the net zero calculation was for the building, and not building + vehicle charging. There is however support to incorporate the Mass Ave leg even if it exceeds the net zero building requirements. Michael Cronin stated he would try to have the math conversion for kilowatts for the solar canopy options for the Monday meeting. Adding a plan at the bottom of each option was suggested to clarify and add a top-down view. Michael Cronin invited everyone to join the discussion with the Select Board on June 19th. Update on LHS Project Status Michael Cronin provided an update on the LHS status. He reported that the OPM selection of Dore & Whittier was validated and affirmed by the MSBA on Monday, and the designer selection process began. A draft RFS was submitted to the MSBA because they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. An A/E walkthrough of the existing high school will be on July 12th; A/E submissions are due August 16th. A designer should be affirmed in early October and the Feasibility study phase will commence and proceed for up to 24 months. Urgent Business Motion to adjourn 6:41 pm, all approved.