HomeMy WebLinkAboutCapital Improvements 03/02/2010F
Capital Improvements Committee Minutes
{ March 2, 2010
Present: Charlene Lavin, Chair; Michael Trowbridge and Jean Miller, School
Committee, George Dentino and Sandy Levine, Board of Selectmen, Tony. JQdice anq
Tim Verrochi, Planning Board; Alan Clapp, Municipal Building Commiitee,'l'ommy
Ratliff, Finance Committee
Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development, Brenda Hodges, Superintendent
of Schools, Ed Vozzella, School Department Business Manager, Walter Parker, School
Department
1 Tlcu ineeting;was called:.to ordex at 6;30 p:m., ..
1. Mr. Vozzella explained the department's revised requests, including a new number
one priority, a SIMS Reporting software system ($80,000) for reporting to the state.
Ms. Hodges explained that much of the reporting is currently done by hand and takes
about one month to accomplish; the current software system has been in place
approximately 10 years. She said Mansfield is one of the only school systems still
using the old software, and they need to have the expanded system in place by June
2011, as mandated by the state.
Mr. Ratliff asked the life cycle of the software. Ms. Hodges said it is 10 years plus.'
Mr. Ratliff asked what the upgrade costs are, along with any costs of converting the
existing data. Mr. Vozzella said it is very labor intensive, and they have added
funding to the budget to do the conversion. Ms. Hodges explained a district
technology person will do the conversion.
2. The department's second priority is the Robinson School Gymnasium egress
improvements ($30,000), a requirement that has been waived for one year by the
Building Inspector as long as there is signage concerning the maximum capacity
(175) of the gym.
3. The department's third priority is the High School Turf Field ($650,000) and
Track ($40,000) replacement. Mr. Parker explained some of the maintenance
expenditures; he said the fibers are in bad shape and the seams are failing and causing
tripping hazards. He said the cost estimate is $625-650,000 for Northeast turf, and
$406,000 for Astroturf (exclusive of engineering costs). Mr. Parker explained the i
field is in constant use and the surface has experienced significant wear, and the field
use fees alone won't cover the cost of replacement.
Part two of this request is the track, which is also wearing out. Mr. Parker explained
a new layer of latex surface would be overlaid; a new surface would cost
approximately $44,000.
Mr. Jodice suggested establishing agift account and trying to raise $70,000 a year for
10 years, which would be the replacement cost. He suggested selling naming rights
to the field and advertising signage, and trying to get sponsors for the fields. He said
some of the smaller venues get $1,20041,800 for banners and signs, and sometimes
up to $3,000.
Mr. Jodice said he has researched several local venues, and would like to get the
support of the School Committee and CIP for the idea. He said he would also have to
investigate how to manage the accounts. Ms. Hodges said some school districts
around the country have been doing this for awhile.
The committee discussed funding options, as well as working with Youth Soccer to
do both Plymouth Street and the High School fields at the same time, which could
result in significant savings.
4. The department's fourth priority is the Robinson School generator, which is a
1957 gas generator that is leaking and needs to be replaced. A 60 KV generator
would cost $28,000, while an 80KV generator would cost $31,000 and would be
placed on a pad outside.
Mr. Jodice said there area number of departments looking into buying generators,
and suggested they get together to purchase their equipment from one supplier.
5. The department's fifth priority is the Jordan/Jackson Chiller ($12,000-
$35,000) The refrigerant for the chiller is no longer manufactured, so the unit has to
be replaced, along with the controls.
6. The department's sixth priority is the repair of lockers at the Qualters Middle School
($20,000).
The committee discussed long-term funding through a capital budget for each department
which would require the adoption of the law that allows for capital accounts.
The committee discussed larger budget issues, like user fees and the use of stimulus
money.
The committee discussed the possibility of an early Town Meeting on April 27.
Motion: To adjourn at 8:00 p.m. (Jodice-Miller) All in favor. PASSES
Date of next meeting: March 16, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. (DPW, Water, Wastewater)
Signature o hair Dateftof Approval