HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-17-TFMP-ltr (Service Improvements)
: January 17, 2013
Date
: Kenneth Buckland, AICP, LEED AP
To
The Cecil Group
: Chief John Wilson
From
Lexington Fire Department
: Townwide Facilities Master Plan
RE
Service Improvements
The Cecil Group is assisting the Ad Hoc Townwide Facility Master Planning Committee in
planning for the optimal configuration of municipal and school facilities.
We are requesting that you, as a liaison representing a municipal or school
department/committee, list 5 to 10 points that summarize the service improvements expected
to result from your potential project. Please complete this list by Friday, Jan. 25 and email it to
Eunice Kim at ekim@cecilgroup.com
Please contact me at 617-426-5050 or buckland@cecilgroup.com if you have any questions.
You may also speak to Eunice Kim at the same phone number.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Service Improvements
1) Customer Service, having all services in one accessible location;
2) Building efficiency, current building is not energy efficient;
3) Improved Department training, current multi purpose room is not adequate;
4) Indoor equipment storage, currently 6pcs. of equipment are stored outside;
5) Improved employee living conditions.
6) Increased office space, currently we are utilizing a trailer for increased space.
7) Adequate exercise facility.
: January 17, 2013
Date
: Kenneth Buckland, AICP, LEED AP
To
The Cecil Group
Chief Mark J. Corr
From:
: Townwide Facilities Master Plan
RE
Police Station
Service Improvements
1) Space Needs. In the broadest sense, police stations for communities similar to
Lexington are being remodeled or rebuilt to 25,000-30,000 square feet. The Lexington Police
Station is approximately 12,500 to 13,000 square feet. Lexington currently needs more
program space for: cell block and prisoner handling; dispatch / computer / radio command
center; locker room/officer equipment storage; evidence processing and handling; training &
community room; firearms and weapons storage and training; storage of trailers and large
property; and program office space.
2) Life Safety – Prisoner Handling. Detainees for minor and felonious matters must be
safely brought into the police station, processed, held and/or released with minimal risk to the
detainee(s), officers and the public. The new facility will add a sally port entry with immediate
access to a booking area. Separate detention areas for male, female and youthful offenders
will be provided.
3) Structural Safety and Improvement. The current facility does not meet current
seismic codes; there are no sprinkler systems; most bathrooms and work areas were built
before ADA requirements; there is no elevator; much of the HVAC systems are from 1970 or
before (or poorly installed in 1994); and the electrical system (absent the addition of a new
generator in 1999) is aged. The roof is made of material that is compromised when exposed
to water and there have been numerous roof leaks over the years. A new or rebuilt police
station can be designed to withstand threats to the physical structure to follow the concept
that the police station should still be standing to protect public safety when other buildings fall
down.
4) Emergency Dispatch. The 9-1-1 / Fire / Police and emergency DPW dispatch center
has been squeezed into the current police station. The dispatch operations including the
police (Town) computer systems, 9-1-1 computer system, and police/fire/DPW radio base
stations should be in a physically secured area, insulated from fire threats, and easily cleaned
and kept dust free. The Dispatch Center must accommodate a supervisor 24/7, up to 3
dispatch stations, and an adjoining conference room for managing emergency operations (not
requiring the activation of the Emergency Operations Center).
5) Evidence Processing, Storage and Property Holding. A new facility will significantly
improve the Police Department’s ability to store securely evidence with isolation of drugs,
firearms, cash, precious stones and refrigerated evidence. An improved lab area will make
the processing for fingerprints and trace evidence more effective. Additional space is needed
to store bulk or longer term retention of evidence.
6) Range. The indoor range at the current facility is grossly inadequate for current
needs. A rebuild of the police station should include (although this project could be
separated) enlarging and improving the outdoor firing range located on Hartwell Avenue. The
current outdoor range is primitive in its design. Lengthening the range, adding a physical
structure, and adding heat/AC/plumbing would significantly improve this facility for local or
regional use.
SIS
ERVICE MPROVEMENTS UMMARY
HS–CA
UMANERVICES OUNCIL ON GING
Prepared for the Ad Hoc Town wide Facility Master Planning Committee
January 25, 2013
Council on Aging (COA) Board
Paul Lapointe, Liaison to the Facility Master Planning Committee
Nancy Adler, COA Board Chairperson
1.
Relocating the Human Services Department and Senior Center to a new or
expanded days and hours of operation and the ability
renovated facility will result in
to provide programs and services to residents of all ages, interests, and capabilities.
The Muzzey Condo Master Deed that governs the current Human Services/Senior Center
facility restricts operating hours, the ages of residents that can be served, and use of the
parking lot.
2.space that is ADA-compliant and
A new Community/Senior Center will offer
fully accessible to all users.
improved comfort and safety:
3.A new Community/Senior Center will offer
Mechanical systems that heat, cool, and ventilate appropriately
Lighting that meets current standards
Windows that provide natural light to indoor spaces
Outdoor recreation and social spaces
more than double programming space –
4.A new Community/Senior Center will
this, combined with expanded hours, will increase available square footage for recreation
and fitness programs; allow staff to program for young adults with disabilities and
underserved populations; and provide a multitude of opportunities for intergenerational
programming with youth and seniors.
offer appropriate, confidential
5.A new Community/Senior Center will
counseling and consultation space
for Senior Services, Veterans Services, and Youth
and Family Services staff.
provide centralized community services
6.A new Community/Senior Center will
that would include the Human Services Department, Transportation Services, and the
Recreation Department. Residents can make one stop to sign up for classes, drop in for
coffee or a snack, and find information about volunteer opportunities at the center and in
the community.
January 23, 2013
Memo to: Kenneth Buckland, Eunice Kim, The Cecil Group
Cc: Pat Goddard, Don Mills
From: Fred Johnson, Chair, AdHoc Cary Memorial Building Program Committee
Re; Lexington Townwide Facilities Master Plan
Per your request of January 17, following is a summary of servic
associated with the Cary Hall project. Please see the two links in the Timeline Chart
for access to the original building evaluation of June 2011, as well as the subsequent
review completed earlier this month.
Cary Memorial Building Service Improvements
1) Make it possible for participants at Town meeting, graduations, lectures and other
meetings to be able to hear and understand people when they speak in Battin Hall. Reduce
HVAC noise levels, improve hall acoustics, and replace dysfunctional public address and AV
technology systems.
2) Make all the other meeting rooms in the building function better so they will satisfy high
demand for such spaces in Town. Reduce HVAC noise levels, provide 21 century AV
st
technology for presentation and telecast… in Battin, Estabrook, Ellen Stone, Legion and Bird
Rooms.,
3) Make more spaces accessible to the handicapped by bringing existing facilities up to code
and improving others. Replace the exterior entrance ramp, for the first time make the
auditorium stage (and Green Room below stage) fully accessible from the floor, make the
Bird Room accessible, provide wheelchair seating in the auditorium balcony. This will allow
for more of the spaces in the building to be scheduled for public meetings.
4) Make the building safer for users by bringing all its life safety systems up to current fire and
other building codes.
5) Improve the functioning of the heating and air conditioning systems (which also serve the
Town Office building) by replacing the 85-year old heating system with current higher
efficiency units, and replacing and moving the current higher-than-needed capacity chiller
before its predicted life’s end in 6 years. Benefits include reduced operating costs, and
reduced noise in the building.
6) Replacement of the 1928 public restrooms with new and adequate fixtures which meet the
gender unit count (and accessibility) standards for public buildings.
7) Improve the functionality of the original Battin Hall stage area for all projected purposes by
providing sufficient lighting of it, and by restoring the below-stage area to its original purpose
as a “Green Room” for practice, warm-up, dressing and holding of participants when not “on
stage”.
8) Improve the functionality of the current temporary thrust stage in Battin Hall by making it
larger. permanent and integrated with the original stage area. Assure continued use by
current committees, schools and organizations and attract new ones for meetings, exhibits
and performances, many of which provide rental income partially offsetting the cost of
ongoing required maintenance of the building.
9) Preserve, improve and restore a unique historic and iconic building in the heart of
Lexington Center with respect for its architectural and aesthetic integrity. Fulfill the Town’s
commitment to the Cary family for the maintenance of this gift of theirs to us for the “storing
and display of historic treasures and the improvement of the moral, intellectual and
educational advancement of the community/”
10) Make best use ever of Community Preservation Act funds – faithful to the Act’s intent – in
improving a facility which already provides a wide range of services to the community, and
whose improvement will assure more frequent and extensive use in benefit to the Town.
Timeline
When Cary Hall was given to the Town in the late ‘20’s, it was with the
understanding it would be used for public meetings and performances. For nearly
90 years, it has served this purpose – but less well as it has aged. It is long overdue
for improvement and restoration. Two Town Meetings have acknowledged this and
taken steps to prepare to make a major investment in it. For over two years, a
terrific team of architects, building engineers and citizen volunteers have been
working to evaluate the building’s needs and to make a plan for meeting them.
In 2010 Town Meeting voted to fund a major evaluation of Cary Hall.
A committee was formed to interview prospective contractors, and the firm Mills
Whitaker (based in Arlington) was chosen and began work in the fall of 2010. Their
team included experts in structural engineering, mechanical and electrical systems,
theatrical staging and lighting, and acoustics. The team interviewed users of the
Hall and held hearings for the interested public. They completed their work in June
2011.
The final evaluation report is available for download and viewing at
http://ci.lexington.ma.us/dpf/caryhall.cfm.
Total costs were estimated at over $8 million. The project would be fully eligible
for Community Preservation Funds and could be financed with debt to be amortized
over a relatively short term (5 years). The Hall would need to be closed for the
better part of year to accomplish the work.
In 2012, Town meeting voted to budget a review of the evaluation with the objective
of seeking public input on the benefit of the recommended improvements, to refine
and prioritize the project tasks, and to update the projected costs. A citizen
committee was formed, proposals were assessed and, among those seeking to
manage the review, Mills Whitaker was again chosen. The committee met for over
eight months, gathered information and reported its recommendations to the
selectmen on January 14.
This report is available for download and viewing at
http://www.lexingtonma.gov/committees/CaryMemBldgPlngCom/Cary
MemBldgCom-Final%20Report-011813.pdf
The report will be presented to the spring 2013 Town Meeting with a request for
CPA funding of design and construction drawing ($500K) in the FY 13 budget and
with projected funding of the actual construction ($8 million) the following year.
A community center will be a focal point of town activity, a significant
community resource, and a source of great pride for the entire
community. It will:
1. Provide town wide activities and programs to foster intergenerational,
multicultural interaction and to build social bonds in the community.
2. Increase collaboration and sharing of physical resources and expertise by
co-locating the Human Services and Recreation Departments.
3. Provide a safe, updated facility for seniors and other groups, which is
available all day, seven days per week.
4. Improve delivery of human services in a private and confidential manner.
5. Provide an informal gathering place and programs for all groups, to
promote socialization and to reduce isolation.
6. Provide access to and inclusion in the larger life of the community for
people with disabilities.
7. Create a centralized information and volunteer service resource.
8. Provide much needed meeting and activity space for every segment of the
community, including seniors, teens, and citizen interest groups.
9. Encourage community building by providing space for citizen-sponsored
activities, casual gatherings, and drop-in activities.
10. Provide space the Recreation Department can use to bring new programs
to the community.
: January 21, 2013
Date
: Kenneth Buckland, AICP, LEED AP
To
The Cecil Group
: Louise Lipsitz, Principal Maria Hastings School
From
: Townwide Facilities Master Plan
RE
Service Improvements
The Cecil Group is assisting the Ad Hoc Townwide Facility Master Planning Committee in
planning for the optimal configuration of municipal and school facilities.
We are requesting that you, as a liaison representing a municipal or school
department/committee, list 5 to 10 points that summarize the service improvements expected
to result from your potential project. Please complete this list by Friday, Jan. 25 and email it to
Eunice Kim at ekim@cecilgroup.com
Please contact me at 617-426-5050 or buckland@cecilgroup.com if you have any questions.
You may also speak to Eunice Kim at the same phone number.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Service Improvements
1) Facility will support Lexington Public Schools 21 century educational program, not well
st
supported by current available spaces. Classroom sizes and other educational spaces do not
meet current MSBA standards.
a) Current classrooms are not large enough to provide the programmatic needs of
students such as small group meeting space, classroom reading area, adequate space for
technology hardware, storage, display space for learning tools and student work.
b) The library is 1444sq.ft compared to the planned space for Estabrook of
4000sq.ft.
c) The music room is 870 sq.ft. Estabrook of 1400 sq,ft,
d) The art room is 740 sq.ft. Estabrook 1500sq.ft.
e) The gym is 3600sq.ft. Estabrook : 4400sq.ft.
f) The Health Room is 188 sq.ft. Estabrook 700sq.ft.
h) There is no computer lab at Hastings
i) The main office has 140sq.ft. Estabrook will have 470sq.ft.
j) The Resource Room houses four teachers in 880sqft. Estabrook: 750sq.ft. for two
teachers
k) Reading support, Guidance, Speech and Language, Psychologist, and
Occupational Therapy all meet in windowless spaces.
See attached spreadsheet for more detail
2) The 2009 LPS Master Plan identified the four elementary schools that were between 42
and 55 years old need substantial work. Hastings is the last of the four buildings. All other
elementary schools are either being rebuilt or substantially renovated with additions.
3) Facility will create equity across all elementary schools. Without attention, Hastings will be
the only elementary school with spaces below the Massachusetts guidelines. In addition to
establishing comparable classroom spaces, the building is inequitable in terms of HVAC,
second floor ventilation, air, quality, natural light, technology and electric power, and teaching
tools such as display spaces.
4) Facility will provide healthy learning and working conditions for Hastings children and
adults, replacing modular classrooms that were installed after use at the Clarke Middle
School and are approximately 20 years old. They have no foundation, are leaking, and
provide only two stalls in each bathroom for the over 100 students who use them daily.
5) Facility will expand learning spaces for increased enrollment across the Town. Hastings
alone anticipates an increase in enrollment. As town-wide enrollment increases, additional
classrooms will be needed, even if redistricting takes place.
6) Facility will increase energy savings to Lexington with updated systems
7) Facility will provide updated community use of spaces such as gym, cafeteria, library. The
current library can only seat 15-20 adults.
8) An updated facility would enable the Hastings School to store the materials and machinery
needed to provide the educational program, clean and maintain the school and remove
equipment from hallways.
9) Parking spaces on the current site do not meet the needs of the Hastings Staff. As a
result, the Town has an agreement with the Methodist Church across the street where 12-16
Hastings staff member park daily. Parents do not have places to park when they visit the
school. Arrival and dismissal is unsafe and highly challenging due to the current vehicle
entrance and exits from the building.
: January 17, 2013
Date
: Liaisons to the Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee
To
: Jessie Steigerwald
From
School Committee Member of AhTFMPC
: Townwide Facilities Master Plan
RE
Service Improvements
The Cecil Group is assisting the Ad Hoc Townwide Facility Master Planning Committee in
planning for the optimal configuration of municipal and school facilities.
We are requesting that you, as a liaison representing a municipal or school
department/committee, list 5 to 10 points that summarize the service improvements expected
to result from your potential project. Please complete this list by Friday, Jan. 25 and email it to
Eunice Kim at ekim@cecilgroup.com
.
Please contact me at 617-426-5050 or buckland@cecilgroup.com if you have any questions.
You may also speak to Eunice Kim at the same phone number.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Service Improvements
1) The existing 1953 facility is severely overcrowded. Additional classroom
space is needed. The renovation of 2000 increased enrollment capacity
to 1,844 students. Over the last few years enrolment has been steady,
around 2,000 students, and it is projected to grow over the next decade
another 10 to 15%.
Superintendent’s current enrollment projections:
FY13 = 2,007; FY14 = 2,000; FY15 = 2,096;
FY16 = 2,154; FY17 = 2,143; FY18 = 2,131.
As enrollment increases and additional enrollments occur that were not
predicted, we are forced to override course caps and place students in
classrooms that do not have enough desk space to meet the number of
students. Classroom space has been taken for programs that hold
smaller numbers of students. In addition, we will embed intervention
programs as part of the district initiative under an RTI (response to
intervention) model, and we need space for growth. This is an
educational program to make sure all students receive academic support
in a timely fashion so they do not fall behind.
2) Provide appropriately sized classrooms.
Currently, the classroom spaces are below MSBA standards for square
footage. Most classrooms are 600 to 700 square feet, which are too
small for 24 students.
Very few teachers have a classroom that is not shared with one or more
teachers, and this impacts space to provide extra help and/or plan. The
overlap is further impacted by the increased use of technology in
classrooms (i.e., if a teacher shares classroom space in more than one
room and s/he uses the SMART board in one room, we have to be sure
to schedule that person into a second room with the same equipment;
this is not always possible). In the current situation, we have no room for
program growth.
3) Improvements would provide adequate space to address needs of
students with special needs. Additional classroom space has been
allocated to Special Education requirements, further overcrowding
general education capacity.
Lexington participates in the LABBB program in addition to addressing
the needs of Lexington students with a wide range of special needs. We
do not have adequate space to prepare appropriate learning
environments for the growing number of students who have needs on the
autism spectrum. Students require both traditional classroom spaces
and special areas that accommodate their learning needs.
4) The number and percentage of the English Language Learner students
has increased over the last 10 years, and is expected to continue to
increase. This program also requires additional space for student
instruction.
5) The majority of building mechanical systems are beyond their useful life.
6) The cafeteria cannot accommodate all students for lunch, causing
students to overflow into other areas and off campus.
Improvements would eliminate severe over-crowding in cafeteria.
Students currently eat lunch in the hallways, stairways, seated on the
floors. We do not have a seat for every student who is scheduled on our
busiest lunch (second of three). Kitchen improvements have helped keep
food provision on track, but the configuration of space is limiting. Seating
area for students is grossly inadequate. Students now eat during one of
3 lunches, beginning at 10:20 and ending at 12:40 or 1:25 Still, there is
insufficient space for them to sit at tables.
7) Instructional spaces, including the library and areas where students can
use technology, are out of date and do not meet the current needs of
students.
Library:
Eliminate severe over-crowding in library. Students are not able to find
sufficient space for computer use, study use, and small work-project
meetings. We are not meeting 21st century skills and needs in our library
in terms of adequate equipment for collaboration and research.
Computers / Technology:
We are not meeting the needs of student accessibility to computers
during the school day. In addition, we do not have sufficient storage
space for our shift to mobile computer carts that need to be charged on a
daily basis.
Auditorium:
Service improvements could include renovation work on the balcony to
make it possible for students to have adequate visibility to speakers on
the stage. Currently, the configuration of the rise in each audience row
in the back of the auditorium balcony is poorly designed and there is no
appropriate retro-fit.
9) Inadequate space available for teacher professional practice or learning.
Teacher work spaces house 25 or more teachers because teachers no
longer have their own room.
As the state mandates adapt to current educational philosophies at the
national level, Lexington must provide the appropriate administrative staff
to meet state mandates and to support teachers in their professional
growth. Additional administrators are anticipated to manage the
expanded teacher evaluation requirements and the increased
communication demands of a large school (e.g., managing a website,
Global Connect, the Aspen Portal, etc.) The high school lacks sufficient
conference space for general education meetings and special education
meetings. It also lacks adequate storage for confidential information.
10) Open campus design is impractical and increases maintenance costs.
Impact on community:
Security concerns arise from numerous entry /exit points across the
campus.
Impact on daily operations:
Open Campus increases effort of the custodial staff to maintain
cleanliness and inhibits proper access control for visitors.
Impact on students:
Students to travel in and out of buildings continually during inclement
weather, resulting in students carrying books and coats throughout the
day