2008-12-11-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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historic district, and therefore the needs study would be CPC eligible. Ms. Manz added that the CPC had not yet voted on the project, and that there would be more communication among Committee members before a final vote was taken on this project. Mr. Sandy suggested that the CPC look at projects with a “liberal scope” but that individual projects should get a “hard look”. He noted that there were really two issues, (1) to make sure projects were legal or eligible, and (2) to decide whether a project met Committee guidelines. Connie Rawson Stone Building Renovation 8.– Connie Rawson opened the discussion of renovations to the Stone Building, a request of $271,660. She informed the hearing of the lengthy history of the building and explained the issues that were highlighted in the preservation analysis report funded by the CPC in 2006. The report included a historic structures report, and outlined structural and building code issues. The report recommended restoring the “ell” that was destroyed in 1946, and within the new structure, installing an elevator, public bathrooms, and handicapped access. She said the Board of Trustees had recently voted to upgrade the Stone Building to a “Heritage Center”, and wanted to move ahead with these renovations. Mr. Frank Sandy expressed his reservations about this project. He said it clearly was an eligible project, but that there was no justification for the 2.7 million in funding that would eventually be needed to complete the project. He said he felt selling the building would be most appropriate, with the proceeds going to support the library budget. He also questioned whether the Trustees could convert the Stone building to a Heritage Center under the terms of the present deed. Ms. Rawson replied that the deed for the property did not have any restrictions regarding the building’s use for community purposes. Mr. Robert Washburn expressed his opinion that he fully supported the timely renovations to the Stone Building and the Trustees interest in expanding its use. Mr. Glen Parker also expressed his opinion that the Stone Building renovations were the most “sensible” of all the projects under review. Mr. Alan Levine of the Appropriations Committee agreed with Mr. Parker, but felt that the specific use of the building should be determined prior to applying for CPC funding. He also felt a building plan should be presented to the Committee as part of the funding request. Mr. Mehr suggested that in the present economy the Town might be able to take advantage of state or federal grants for such projects. Mr. Cohen responded that the Town is continually seeking grant monies, most of which are available for infrastructure projects. Fire Station Headquarters Renovation and Redesign – 9.Chief Middlemiss was present to discuss this request for $168,154 for the design and engineering stage 5