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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-23-CPC-min Community Preservation Committee Monday, November 23, 2009 Room G-15, Town Offices 3:30 pm Present: Betsey Weiss, Chair; Joel Adler, Norman Cohen, Marilyn Fenollosa, Jeanne Krieger, Wendy Manz, Leo McSweeney, Nathalie Rice, Admin. Asst; and Sandy Shaw. Mr. Charles Lamb of the Capital Expenditures Committee was also in attendance. Absent: Dick Wolk Ms. Weiss called the meeting to order at 3:35 pm. The purpose of the meeting was to listen to a presentation on five projects being submitted for CPA funding, and to receive an update on one additional project. 1.Muzzey Senior Center Improvements – Ms. Charlotte Rodgers, Director of Human Services, introduced this request for $45,100 for a study of the Muzzey Senior Center to improve life safety, accessibility and program space. The study specifically included; replacing/relocating a staircase, replacing the HVAC system, installing a wheelchair lift, expanding program space, and correcting violations of MAAB Massachusetts Architectural Access Board) regulations. She said 250 people use the Senior Center a day, and that the upgrades are greatly needed, particularly to give those in wheelchairs access to the lower basement level. There was a lengthy discussion about the beams in the Center, which need to be insulated to meet code requirements. Ms. Rogers explained that the Senior Center hopes to apply for $251,600 in FY 2012 to complete the work identified in the study. Mr. Goddard explained that the study will go through the Design and Engineering phase, and that the cost of the work in FY 2012 was based upon estimates for the lift project in Cary Hall (never installed) and other similar projects. 2.Building Envelope Rehabilitation – Mr. Goddard spoke to this project, which requested $69,000 in CPA funds to restore the exterior of Cary Hall and Town Offices. The project includes; replacing 1,350 square feet of built- up roof on Cary Hall ($27,000); restoring the architectural details on the roofline of Cary Hall ($22,000); and replacing three copper valleys on the slate roof of Town Offices ($20,000). Ms. Fenollosa brought up the point that many of the historical buildings that are renovated with CPA funding do not have updated Massachusetts Historical Commission inventory forms. She requested that when the CPC approve projects, they also check to make certain the forms are kept current. There was a discussion of the cost of such 1 an update, and the Committee agreed to add $2,000 for each inventory. The cost to add the update for this project will bring the total to $73,000. Mr. Goddard will submit an updated application to this effect. 3.Town Office Building Renovation – Mr. Mark Barrett, Project Manager for the Facilities Department, and Ms. Linda Vine, Deputy Town Manager, were in attendance to speak to this project, which requested $1,933,947 in CPA funds for the rehabilitation of the Town Offices Building. Mr. Barrett explained the need for the rehabilitation, going into detail on the various changes to be made to upgrade bathrooms, address the fire suppression system, and to relocate various offices to increase the efficiency in the building. There was a lengthy discussion about the need for the work, with members questioning whether certain aspects of the project were necessary, and whether there was a priority to the elements of the job. There was a general concern about relocating offices and related expenses such as carpeting and paint. Ms. Vine spoke to the issue of need, and explained that the Town has a responsibility to keep the building in good working order, to increase efficiency, and to be as welcoming to the public as possible. She explained that there will be significant upgrades inside the entrance to the building to better service the public and direct them either to the Town Clerk’s office or other appropriate locations. She also explained that all the existing furniture currently in the offices will be reused. In response to a question from Mr. McSweeney, Ms. Vine said the Town Manager’s Office, which was recently upgraded, will not be included in the proposed project. 4.Cary Hall and Town Offices HVAC Controls Project – Mr. Goddard addressed this project which requested $35,000 in CPA funds for the upgrade of the HVAC controls in Town Offices and Cary Hall. The two buildings share water for cooling and heating. The project will add controls and valving to better integrate the systems serving the two buildings. In response to a question from Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Goddard said there would be no overlap with this work and the rehabilitation project for the Town Offices. 5.Police Station Ventilation System - Mr. Goddard spoke to this project which requested $31,700 in CPA funds to address air conditioning and ventilation issues in the Police Station. Mr. Goddard explained that due to old and poorly installed duct work, there is little ability to get clean air into the basement of the building. He said there is no exhaust from the cells, except into the hallways, and that odors from the cells emanate upward into the Station. There is also no air conditioning in the men’s or women’s locker rooms. The lack of air conditioning and fresh air in the basement, creates mold in addition to odors and uncomfortable temperatures. Ms. Weiss asked Mr. Goddard how this work would impact the future renovations to the 2 Station, to which Mr. Goddard answered that the renovations will probably be “a long way off”. 6.Land Appraisal Policy – The Committee reviewed a draft of the Land Appraisal Policy, which generally stated that the CPC is requesting access to land appraisals prior to Town Meeting in order to properly consider land acquisitions proposed for funding with CPA dollars. There was a lengthy discussion about the policy, and the timeframe before Town Meeting that would be appropriate for review of an appraisal. After much discussion, Mr. Adler made a motion that “the CPC require appraisals be made available to them 14 days before the Town Meeting vote for a particular acquisition in Executive Session with the financial committees or the appropriate committee”. This motion was passed 7-1 with Ms. Krieger dissenting. 7.Updates - Greeley Village/Vynebrooke Village -Ms. Rice updated the Committee on the progress of the Greeley Village/Vynebrooke Village project proposed by the Lexington Housing Authority. Mr. Steve Keane, the Maintenance Superintendent, is amending the project since the upgrades to the bathrooms in Greeley Village did not appear to qualify for CPA funds. Mr. Keane will submit an amended application to include replacement of siding at Greeley Village and drainage improvements at Vynebrooke Village. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, Nathalie Rice Administrative Assistant Community Preservation Committee 3