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9/1/2016 AC Minutes rather than the $2.5 million used in previous budget estimates), and a FY2017 allocation for FY2016 snow and ice removal that is not needed ($300,000). It is anticipated that some of these funds would be allocated to increases to the FY2017 budget to help cover the costs associated with handling absentee ballots ($6,500), the Hartwell Avenue shuttle to Alewife (about $20,000), and a demographic study for the 2020 Committee ($30,000). • Article 2: Land Purchase —171 -173 Bedford St: Mr. Levine reported that he is gathering information for use in this Committee's report to STM 2016 -5 related to this article. He is asking about the zoning of the site, to be sure this isn't an issue. He is looking for previous studies that identify the need for a new fire station. He wants to see the signed Letter of Intent, which should be available early next week, and the results of the appraisal that is in progress. He also wants a cost estimate for the modifications. It was noted that the motion for the article would include funds for a schematic design of the anticipated swing space; part of that task would be to produce remodeling cost estimates. The current building is 2.5 stories of office space. A temporary fire station would require office space, dorms, and locations for vehicles. • Article 3: Supplemental Appropriation for Middle Schools — Additions and Remodeling: This article is a placeholder, dependent on the bid that is to be submitted in early September for renovations at Diamond and Clarke Middle Schools. The bid is currently expected to be $2.7 million less than the budgeted amount, down from the $3.0 million in savings mentioned at this Committee's August 23 meeting. However, because the Middle School project is still solidly under budget, it is anticipated that this article will be indefinitely postponed. • Article 4: Supplemental Appropriation for School Facilities Capital Projects: This article is included to supplement previously appropriated funds for renovations and installing modular units for the elementary schools. There was no response to the Town's first solicitation of bids for the project. The second such effort, including a May 2017 installation date rather than December 2016, resulted in a bid that is approximately $1.4 million more than the amount previously appropriated for the project if six modular units are to be installed. Without the six units, the schools will not be able to meet their average class -size goals. Installing five units would reduce the additional amount required to $860,000. Mr. Addelson added that the funding source would be debt, but it hasn't been determined whether it would be added to a debt exclusion. Mr. Addelson further explained that the article that provided funding towards the rebuilding of Hastings Elementary School included $520,000 in contingency funds that could be used alternatively for modular units at the elementary level. The $520,000 is now available for helping offset the total cost of the modular units. • Article 7: Establish and Appropriate To and From Specified Stabilization Funds: Mr. Addelson reported that this is a "housekeeping" item. He expects there will be a request to move some of the Chapter 70 local aid receipts discussed above into the Capital Stabilization Fund. He also anticipates a small appropriation request for the Transportation Demand Management Stabilization Fund as part of this article. 2. Minutes Minutes of the Open Session held on August 23, 2016 were reviewed and approved. 3