HomeMy WebLinkAboutCapital Improvements 03/17/2009,3
Capital Improvements Committee
Minutes' 1 P 3 2b
March 17, 2009
Present: Charlene Lavin, Chair; Tom Ratliff, Finance Committee, ,Michael Trowbridge t
and Jean Miller, School Committee, Tony Jodice, Planning Board, Ann'Baldwin ,Board
of Selectmen, Julie Hunter, MBC
Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development; Michael Ahern, DPW Special
Projects Manager, Kathy Codella, Parks & Recreation, Brenda Hodges, Superintendent of
Schools, Water Parker, School Department,
Motion: To approve (Trowbridge -Miller) All in favor. PASSES
at Memorial Park. She explained that Ms. Fish would not be present at the meeting and
asked Mr. Ahern to provide a more detailed explanation to the committee.
Mr. Ahern explained the reasons for taking down the Memorial Park lights was a concern
for public safety. Inspection of the lights and poles showed that more of the crossarms
holding the lights were rotted. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the cross arms could be replaced.
Mr. Ahern said they could not be because some of the poles are also 'rotted, "and no one
will certify wooden poles without lab testing of each replacement pole.
Mr. Ahern said it would cost between $325-350,000 for, equipment, and a total of $660-
700,000 for both equipment and installation.
Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Electric Department could install the equipment on
telephone poles. Mr. Ahern responded that the use of wooden poles remains an issue.
Ms. Miller asked if the Memorial Park lighting or Plymouth Street is the top priority.
Ms. Codella said the Memorial Park lighting is the top priority. Mr. Ahern said they have
a Plymouth Street plan prepared and two years remaining on the Order of Conditions.
Mr. Ratliff asked if the Memorial Park lighting request has been submitted and whether it
is on the spreadsheet for the 6- and 10 -year projections. 'It does not appear on that
spreadsheet.
Mr. Trowbridge asked if the cost could be reduced by reducing the lighting level. The
committee discussed several cost estimates for different lighting levels. Mr. Ahern stated
that he would look at developing lighting level options.
Mr. Ahern explained his submission is the same as last year's; his first priority is the
Municipal Building Assessment, in which he tries to anticipate the town's needs over the
next 20 years (eg.: chiller, UPS system) He said he is trying to combine the municipal
building and police department assessments in order to reduce the cost of the study.
1. Municipal Building Assessment $60,000
2. 4x4 pickup truck $22,000
3. Trademaster van $30,000
4. Police Station Needs Assessment $15,000
5. Building Improvements $200,000
Robinson generator - $55,000. The current model dates to 1950 and has become t
life/safety issue. Replacement has been on the list for years. Staff is concerned it
could fail at any time. The generator runs for 20 minutes per week for testing
purposes.
2. SPED Bus - $55,000. The department is hoping to get a special education grant
to purchase two busses. Mr. Ratliff asked if that would eliminate a bus request
next year. The answer was yes.
3. Jordan -Jackson Chiller - $12,000. This ties in with the cooling tower that was
funded last year. The chiller pre -chills the water. Mr. Ratliff asked if there are
energy costs associated with not replacing this equipment. The department does
not know, but replacing one part will not improve the older part of the system,
which is at its useful life now.
4. Security cameras - $125,000. Last year, the schools received a grant. They will
be looking at other schools' systems, then evaluating them to determine the best
application for Mansfield. The cameras would be for the safety of the students
and would be located outside of the buildings, Memorial Park, the front door of
the school offices and the loading docks. The first round was the high school; the
second round would be the Jordan -Jackson, Robinson and Qualters. It was
explained that after the start of school, staff and visitors need to be buzzed into the
buildings in order to provide a more secure environment for students, faculty and
staff.
5. QMS Auditorium Carpeting - $10,000. The carpet is eight years old and very
worn. This has been on the list for several years. A question was asked about the
use of non -slip strips. The answer was that the carpeting is being used for sound
purposes.
[Jordan -Jackson Art Room Countertops - $12,000. Off the list.]
6. Upgrade Office Software - $57,500. Staff uses Office 97 and cannot read many
documents created on later versions.
7. Smart Classrooms - $16,000. This involves new technology for classrooms, at
$1,400 per setup.
8. PC Replacement - $62,200. The computers will be replaced over a three-year
period.
9. MHS Lockers - $6,000 and
QMS Lockers - $20,000. The QMS lockers are very old and can't be replaced or
repaired. Most lockers are 50 years old.
10. MHS Stage Vent - $175,000. The vents leak onto the floor during rainstorms
because the vents don't close externally. Mr. Jodice asked if this is a useful life
issue or a design issue. The answer was that the units are 38 years old, and they
can still get some more use out of them. The question was asked why this item is
#11 if it is a life/safety issue, while other items like smart classrooms are ranked
higher. The answer was that the $175,000 cost would be more difficult to acquire
than $16,000 for smart classrooms.
11. MHS Gym Sound System - $12,000. The existing system is inadequate and
poorly designed, and was installed in 2000.
12. QMS Stage Roof Vents - $175,000.
13. MHS Synthetic Turf Resurface - $600,000. The existing field is overused. There
was a discussion about whether the warranty was voided by cutting into the field
during the first year. This item has been on the list for three years. The
committee discussed utilization of the synthetic field and a new price of $460,000.
The field has to be repaired every year, and they may get another two years out of
the existing field. The committee discussed if use of the field should be restricted
to school use only. The committee discussed funding options, including potential
"stimulus funding."
14. MHS Track Refurbishment - $40,000.
15. Jordan -Jackson Outside Storage. $10,000. This has been on the capital request
list for several years and is for 10'x10' metal storage units.
is To adjourn at,";0 p.m. (Jodice- ) All in favor. PASSES
Date of next ting: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Date of App oval