Capital Planning Committee
Meeting Memorandum
February 12, 2004
In attendance were:
Rob Addelson
Steve Andrew *
Fred Fantini (for John Bilafer)
John FitzMaurice
Charles Foskett, Chairman
Nancy Galkowski
Ruth Lewis
Anthony Lionetta
Barbara Thornton*
* Denotes those not in attendance.
1. Meeting Purpose: This special meeting was held to review the funding approach for various Town desired surface improvements associated with the clean up of the High School Athletic Fields. These matters are to be addressed (in part) during the Special Town Meeting scheduled for February 25, 2004. (Article 2)
2. Surface Improvements: The first issue discussed was the removal of the School Department’s prior request for various Peirce Field surface improvements from the FY 05 Capital Plan. Rob A. explained that the current approach is to have the Industrial Parties (IP’s) fund these items as a partial alternative to providing a “gift” to the Town for the Field House. The IP’s have agreed to reassign about $1.6 million of this “gift” to the Town’s desired field improvements. In general, these will include a new synthetic football field, a grooming machine, irrigation systems for the remaining fields, new bleachers, press box, concession stand, security lighting and equipment storage shed. These items are estimated to cost about $1.3 million. This leaves a bid / construction contingency of about $300k. Also, Rob A. noted that the bid process will include additive bids for the lighting of the baseball field. Tony L. suggested that atleast the underground elements (conduit,
foundations and pull boxes) for the Baseball Field lighting system should be done (as permitted by available funds) to avoid having to impact the environmental barrier in the future. The CPC voted to approve the removal of the Peirce Field Improvement Item from the Capital Plan.
3. Culvert Improvements: In addition to the Clean Up $$’s for the fields, the IP’s have agreed to upgrade/replace the Mill Brook Culvert that passes though the property. The Town needs to pay the first $250k of the work, which is estimated to cost well in excess of a $1 million. This is presently in the Plan as a Public Works request. The CPC voted to support this as a FY05 Capital Plan expenditure.
4. Adjustments to Capital Plan: With the removal of the Surface Improvement request ($1.3 million) from the Capital Plan, the CPC agreed that it would be best to adjustment the Five-Year Plan in order to bring the Plan in better balance with the Plan’s funding program.
5. Other thoughts: Charlie F. noted concerns over additional funding that may be needed to cover additional costs that may come up as part of the Clean Up. The Town may have some liability, if costs exceed the contribution amounts agreed to by the IP’s.
Tony L suggested the Town position itself to take full advantage of the remaining balance of the “Gift”. The IP’s are no longer going to install the foundation for the field house. It may be worthwhile to secure (set aside) some of these funds to replace the synthetic surface in the future.
6. Adjournment: Next meeting is set for February 26, 2004.
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