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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE MARCH 2013 ATM
<br /> Article 8(c) Cary Memorial Building Upgrades $550,000 This request is to fund complete design de-
<br /> velopment and construction documents for an estimated $8,000,000 renovation to the Cary Memorial
<br /> Building. A comprehensive review of building systems funded by 2010 ATM appropriation found the
<br /> building, though well maintained, needed accessibility, support spaces, structural, electrical, mechanical,
<br /> plumbing, stage, and acoustical and audiovisual improvements. However, at the 2012 Annual meeting, an
<br /> appropriation request for $550,000 to fund design, development and construction documents for an esti-
<br /> mated $7,700,000 project was reduced to $75,000 at the request of the Board of Selectmen due to con-
<br /> cerns about the project's scope and cost. The $75,000 was appropriated to support development of a par-
<br /> tial schematic design, to evaluate the recommendations of the original evaluation study, to gather public
<br /> input and make recommendations on the appropriate scope and timing of work. An ad hoc committee was
<br /> created and issued a final report to the Board of Selectmen on January 18, 2013. The report recommends a
<br /> design and construction document budget of$550,000, with a subsequent authorization for implementa-
<br /> tion of almost all recommendations in the original review, currently estimated to cost $8,537,000. The
<br /> project would implement comprehensive life safety improvements, building system improvements and
<br /> improve usability. The increase in project cost from $7,700,000 to $8,000,000 estimated in 2012 is due to
<br /> inflation of construction costs.
<br /> Article 8(d) Muzzey Senior Center Upgrade (Phase 3) $526,818—The Town has concluded the purchase
<br /> of 33 Marrett Road, and the programs currently offered at the Muzzey Senior Center are expected to tran-
<br /> sition to that location. Previously planned upgrades to the Muzzey Senior Center will not go forward and
<br /> the Committee recommends that this item be indefinitely postponed.
<br /> Article 8(e) Visitor Center (Design Phase) $68,950—The Community Preservation Committee indefinite-
<br /> ly postponed action on this project because the Board of Selectmen did not include the municipal share of
<br /> funding in its final financing plan for FY2014. The Committee recommends that this item be indefinitely
<br /> postponed.
<br /> Article 8(f) Park and Playground Improvements $147,500 This is a multi-year capital improvement
<br /> program for the Town's parks and playgrounds. This Recreation Committee request would fund the reha-
<br /> bilitation of the rubber playground safety surface at the Lincoln Park Playground located on Lincoln
<br /> Street ($70,000), and the purchase and installation of equipment for the skate park located at the Center
<br /> playfields on Worthen Road($77,500).
<br /> Article 8(g)Park Improvements -Athletic Fields $65,000 This is an ongoing multi-year capital program
<br /> to address safety and playability concerns and to provide adequate and safe field conditions for neighbor-
<br /> hood families and recreation and school programs. In FY2014 the funds will be used to renovate the
<br /> baseball field at Sutherland Park. Sutherland Park will receive a new backstop, player benches, and trash
<br /> receptacles. The infield of the baseball field will be reconstructed adding proper drainage and creating a
<br /> safer play surface.
<br /> Article 8(h) Lincoln Field Improvements $150,000 This project represents partial funding of the first
<br /> phase of a three-phase capital improvement program to replace the synthetic turf at Lincoln Park. An
<br /> amendment to the CPA statute in 2012 allows CPA money to be appropriated for some of this work, but
<br /> specifically excludes the acquisition of the synthetic turf itself. Therefore, this project request is only for
<br /> the design, drainage and site preparation work associated with the turf replacement. The Recreation De-
<br /> partment is applying for $150,000 in CPA funds for this preparatory work, and the remaining $415,000
<br /> will be sought through a combination of tax levy funds and Recreation Enterprise monies. Work conduct-
<br /> ed in this first phase will be on Field 91.
<br /> Article 8(i) Lexington Center Pocket Park Design and Ancillary Costs $21,500 The Lexington Center
<br /> Pocket Park Design Project is a two-phased proposal to convert an underutilized pedestrian alley between
<br /> 1761 and 1775 Massachusetts Avenue (the "Bank of America" alley) into a small linear public park. The
<br /> first phase of funding will be to develop a cohesive design intended to transform the current space into an
<br /> attractive tiny park that enhances the historic charm of Lexington Center and offers a new, welcoming
<br /> place for people to socialize. The design phase will also cover the necessary legal work to formalize
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