2018-06-27-CEC-ATM-rpt (Combined Report with Updates & Errata)

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2018 ATM(incorporating Updates&Errata) Project Description Amount Funding Committee Recommends Requested Source (e) Center Streetscape Improvements N/A N/A Indefinite Postponement Design (6-0) "This project aims to improve the center sidewalk, streetscape and circulation with a focus on pedestrian safety and accessibility. Past funding has allowed the design to progress to 25%. An FY2015 request of $600,000 provided funding to complete the design and develop plans and specifications necessary for bidding the project. The plans are being revised based on recommendations from the Center Streetscape Ad-Hoc Committee and Board of Selectmen. This will result in redevelopment of the 25%plans and will include the assistance of additional professionals including historians, irrigation consultants, lighting consultants and tree consultants. The project will then be furthered to 100%plans and specifications ready for bidding. This FY2019 request encompasses the additional design funding necessary to meet these goals. Construction funding is expected to be phased and will be adjusted as plans are finalized and phases are clarified." (Brown Book XI-24) The previously proposed funding ($450,000, GF (Free Cash) was to take the project to 100% design from the current 25% design that has been revised to address the adopted, revised, design decisions. However, as that 25% design has not been thoroughly vetted and the approach to be taken on the improvement to the Massachusetts Avenue/Woburn Street intersection (a major component of the project) has not been determined, this request will be Indefinitely Postponed. Further, it has been decided to remove the improvement of that intersection from this project and deal with it as a standalone project—which is likely to be deferred for several years. Project Description Amount Funding Committee Recommends Requested Source (f)Automatic Meter Reading System N/A N/A Indefinite Postponement (6-0) "An FY2018 appropriation provided funding to contract with a firm to evaluate the existing meter equipment for compatibility with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. The goal of the program is to install a Town-wide radio read system that will provide the ability to read meters remotely. The AMR system is comprised of an endpoint of meter transmitters, optional repeaters and the base station receiver. The implementation of the program is proposed in three phases. The FY2019 appropriation will fund transmitters in water section one and the installation of base stations. This will provide the Town with more frequent meter readings to improve the billing process. Future year requests will provide the same in sections two and three." (Brown Book XI-12 & 13) The 2017 ATM, Article 12(b), appropriated $40,000 of study money; however, this Committee has not seen the results of the study and therefore a justification for the project. A draft of the report on that study has been received, but Town staff is still reviewing it and the final report will not have been received and vetted, including with the Board of Selectmen and this Committee, in time for presentation to this Town Meeting. Therefore, this request will be Indefinitely Postponed. Project Description Amount Funding Committee Recommends Requested Source (g) Sidewalk Improvements $800,000 GF (Debt) Approval (6-0) "This request seeks funds to rebuild and/or repair existing sidewalks that are in poor condition. DPW (in conjunction with various committees and town departments) generates a list each year of sidewalks most in need of repair/replacement, based on four detei Twining factors: 1) Is the sidewalk unsafe for travel due to trip hazards, defects, etc. 2) Is the sidewalk within the Safe Routes to School Program 47