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12/08/2016 AC Minutes <br />Mr. Michelson noted that the Town had placed a legal bid notice in the paper for these services, <br />thus complying with notification laws. DPW also individually contacted a few large entities, telling <br />them of this opportunity but did not contact all the individuals who had previously worked for the <br />Town in this capacity. Mr. Michelson questioned whether more competitive quotes would have <br />been forthcoming with more outreach, adding that the contract for the roadways is only for one <br />year, so this can be addressed next year. He also reportedthat the Town will no longer be repairing <br />contractors’ equipment, which had been the practice in the past.It was noted that there were <br />available mechanisms for funding cost overruns for snow and ice removal. <br />4.School Department Capital Planning; Potential Uses of 20 Pelham Road <br />Mr. Parker reported that there would be a joint meeting of theBoard of Selectmen (BoS), School <br />Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC)and this Committee at 8 p.m. on December 12 <br />to discuss potential uses of20Pelham Road. <br />A majority oftheBoS supportsan eminent domain taking for municipal orschool use; this wording <br />allows for flexibilityin future uses of the property by the Town.The valuehas beenestimatedby <br />an appraiser hired by the Townas $7.4 million, but the owner will havetwo years tolegally <br />challenge the value. The School Committee has indicated interest in using the site for the <br />Lexington Children’s Place (LCP)program. <br />Ms. Hai reported that the CEC is meeting at 7:30 a.m. on December 12 to review the issues. She <br />identified several of her concerns, including: <br />This appears to be an expensive way to accommodate the LCP needs, especially ifthe land <br />purchase is included inthe cost. <br />It is premature to make a commitmentto a particular use; another use may have a higher <br />priority as we move forward. <br />Earlier discussions identified advantages for the LCP being located on a site with another <br />school in order to share some resources. <br />The following points were made by committee membersduring the ensuing discussion: <br />The Harrington site, which currently accommodates Harrington Elementary School, the <br />LCP, and the school administration offices, has traffic and parking issues. Enrollment <br />projections indicate the need for relief from an increasingly untenable situation. <br />The current LCP facility needs additional space to avoid paying outside tuition if the number <br />of LCP students continues to increase, as projected. <br />The LCP facility only needs one totwo acres of land, and 20 Pelham includes eight acres, <br />leaving room for alternative uses. <br />Bringing the Pelham Road building for the LCP up to code would costapproximately $18.0 <br />million. The building would then be “adequate” but not “as new”. <br />The Pelham Road facility could be used for the school administration offices. <br />Buying the property and holding it ties up capital and results in some maintenance and <br />security costs. <br />The following opinions were expressedbut do not necessarily reflect a consensus of the Committee: <br />The estimates for building the LCP at Pelham Road should not be burdened with the entire <br />purchase cost of Pelham Road. <br />2 <br /> <br />