TOWN OF
SCHOOL
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Wednesday,
April 11, 2007
Conference Room B
MINUTES
Present: Bill Simpson, Chair, Matt Hart, Mark
Boyer, Gordon Schimmel, Jeff Smith, Anne Willenborg
Absent: Elizabeth Paterson, Anne Rash
Staff: Linda Patenaude, William Hammon,
Jeff Cryan, Fred Baruzzi, Rachel LeClerc
Guest: Rick Lawrence,
1.
Call to
Order/Roll Call
Mr. Simpson called the
meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
2.
Meeting
Minutes
The minutes of March 14, 2007 were moved, seconded and approved unanimously.
3.
No one came forward.
4.
Scope of
Work by Rick Lawrence
Mr. Lawrence reported that a draft schedule had been sent to the Town Manager’s Office and was issued to all present. He also stated that during the next few months his team would be visiting the schools to look at existing conditions. This will continue through the summer and possibly early into the fall.
Mr. Simpson recommended meeting with Greg Padick, the Town Planner, due to building projects that are possibly in the works that might affect enrollment. Mr. Lawrence reported that the State does not take into effect possible projects only approved projects.
Mr. Lawrence also stated that workshops would start during the 07/08 school year so things don’t get lost in the shuffle over the summer. He also reported that the proposed timeline does not reflect possible problems that might occur. He indicated that a possible timeline is as follows;
Mid-October first workshop. The public would be invited to discuss the physical condition of each building and that both students and parents would have an opportunity to speak.
Mr. Lawrence also stated that the meeting might be held in the Middle School Cafeteria and begin with opening remarks. At that point the group would break into sessions with consultant staff stationed around the room to answer questions. The time needed would be about 1-1/2 hours. Another workshop would be held before Thanksgiving and a third in March bringing back various options.
Mr. Simpson stated that he was concerned that the Middle School might not be a neutral facility for the meeting and that the cafeteria might be too small to hold the possible turnout. Mr. Barrett replied that normal range for this is between 25 and 125 depending on interest.
Mr. Smith suggested a possible “dog and pony” show at each school. Dr. Schimmel agreed that this was a good idea with the possibility of doing it after the first meeting gearing toward the referendum
Mr. Smith suggested possibly doing an on-line survey for what public would like to see in the schools. Mr. Lawrence also suggested putting the meeting notices on the Channel 13 cable coverage.
Mr. Lawrence reminded staff that the building plans will be built around the “cuts” to the project.
Mr. Smith reminded staff that they could not advocate for this project after the Town Council adopts the bond resolution (60 days prior to referendum), however it can be handed off to an advocacy group.
Mr. Cyran suggested standing displays at the schools in May and June of 2008. Mr. Smith reported that he will check with the bond attorney if this permissible. Mr. Baruzzi suggested a sign-up list for the “advocacy group at the third workshop.
5.
Other
The
next meeting will be May 9, 2007 in Conference Room C at 5:00 p.m.
6.
Adjournment
Mr. Simpson adjourned the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Patenaude
Capital Projects and Personnel Assistant