Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building

Conference Room C

MINUTES

Present: Bill Simpson, Chair, Matt Hart, Marc Boyer, Gordon Schimmel, Jeff Smith, Anne Willenborg

Absent: Elizabeth Paterson, Anne Rash

Staff: Linda Patenaude, William Hammon

Guest: Rick Lawrence, Lawrence Associates; Mike Callahan, Fuss & O’Neill; Jim Barrett, DRA

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

Mr. Simpson called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m.

2. Meeting Minutes

None to be approved.

3. Opportunity for the public to address the Committee

No one came forward.

4. Scope of Work by Rick Lawrence

Mr. Lawrence thanked the Committee for selecting the firm. Mr. Barrett used the Southeast School plan as a guide.

Mr. Lawrence started off by saying the goal was to look at the extent of the alterations. Depending on the condition of the relocatable classrooms, possibly replacing with new construction.

Mr. Callahan pointed out that “like-new” status could result in items that might or might not be eligible for State reimbursement.

Mr. Schimmel pointed out that the opportunity is still there for the system to participate with Eastconn which might be exclusive of the reimbursement formula.

Mr. Lawrence pointed out that the State has a formula that includes an eight-year maximum to the project that entails the number of students times square footage and that even portions of each building are counted for the reimbursement amount.

Mr. Lawrence suggested meeting with Mr. Jokubaitis, the school staff, and with Bill Hammon in that order. Mr. Lawrence also mentioned that community interaction would be a benefit to the project.

Mr. Barrett pointed out that three “workshops” would be beneficial to the project: 1) listening to issues; 2) options and alternatives; and 3) options and ideas.

Mr. Smith stated that energy was a big issue to the Mansfield community. Mr. Boyer agreed with Mr. Smith that energy will be a big factor in this project. Mr. Barrett pointed out that “building blocks” are necessary for this project; the need is there for the all parties to assess and understand what is available.

Mr. Smith inquired as to selecting a construction manager soon. Mr. Lawrence replied that it was too early to select since the goal for the referendum is the November 2008 ballot and that a timeline needs to be set.

Mr. Schimmel stated that he thought another joint meeting might be beneficial with both the Town Council and the Mansfield Board of Education involved. Mr. Hart also stated that periodic updates to both the Council and Board would be helpful. Mr. Hart also suggested the Town maintain a project website with links to both the Town and Board websites.

5. Other

The next meeting will be April 11, 2007 in Conference Room B at 5:00 p.m.

6. Adjournment

Mr. Simpson adjourned the meeting at 6:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

L. Patenaude

Capital Projects and Personnel Assistant