Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building

Council Chambers

MINUTES

Present: Mary Feathers, Chair, Mark Boyer, Anne Rash, Elizabeth Paterson, Anne Willenborg

Absent: Cherie Trahan, Norma Fisher-Doiron, Fred Baruzzi, Candace Morrell

Staff: William Hammon, Jeff Smith, Jaime Russell, Matt Hart, Jim Palmer, Jeff Cryan, Gordon Schimmel. Eric Ohlund

Guest: Rick Lawrence, Rick Lawrence Associates, Tom DiMauro, Newfield Construction, Jim Barrett, DRA, Dave Jackson, Fuss & O’Neill

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

Ms. Feathers called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.

2. Meeting Minutes

The minutes of May 14, 2008 were moved, seconded and approved unanimously with a correction to change the date from April 23, 2008.

3. Opportunity for the public to address the Committee

No one came forward.

Fuss & O’Neil re: MMS Fossil Fuel Project

Mr. Hammon reported that the State of CT has approved the plans, we are now awaiting local approval (Planning & Zoning, Building, Fire and Health). Mike Ninteau, Director of Building and Housing Inspection, has taken a first look and sees nothing that drastically has to be changed. Mr. Hammon will also have the other departments look at the plans so that local approval can be finished.

4. Architect’s Report

Mr. Lawrence reported that a few more options were requested and a brief presentation to the Committee members as a follow-up for the Town presentation on June 25, 2008.

Option A – leaving schools as they are and repair and maintenance continue to repair roofs, windows, adding solar panels, fire alarm code upgrades, technology upgrades, new code compliant elevator at the Mansfield Middle School. Elementary schools maintaining as they are projecting a 20 year life span, include a new heating and ventilation system, gym floors and dividers have seen their expected life. Cost would be $34 million. State reimbursement is estimated at approximately $9 million over all four schools. Code required items is the major portion of the reimbursement. Net cost to the Town of Mansfield is estimated at $25 million. Operational costs would be higher due to unscheduled and emergency repairs, unbudgeted and operating older buildings would cost more versus higher efficient systems installed. Overall ranking is a 5.

Option B – one new elementary school, all three elementary schools would be closed, all students would be under roof. The Mansfield Middle School would have some additions which would include solving the office issue where the public does not readily go to, roof, windows and installation of solar panels. It would also include the removal of the modular classrooms. Estimated costs would be projected at $74 million, State reimbursement would be fairly high due to the new construction with the net cost estimated to the Town of Mansfield at $21 million. Mr. Hart asked about the cost of closing of the existing schools, should they be maintained, demolished, etc. Mr. Lawrence reported that this was not factored into the final number.

Option C – completely renovating the elementary schools with some limited additions to them. Limited additions would be the office space, several classrooms to replace the modular classrooms, solar panels, alarm systems, code upgrades, ADA, technology, etc. would be constant. Elementary schools would be completely renovated to include new library media center with a new computer lab addition. Southeast School addition would replace the current modular buildings. Ms. Paterson asked what the life span would be compared to a brand new school. Mr. Lawrence reported that criteria is a minimum 20 year life span. Costs are estimated at _____________. Estimated costs to the Town of Mansfield would be $44 million. State reimbursement would be mid-range.

Option D – completely renovate and add on to two of the elementary schools and close one. No choice has been made at this time as to which school would be closed. Middle School changes would be the same as Option C. State reimbursement is in the mid-point range.

Mr. Lawrence pointed out that the State looks at each school separately as far as reimbursement is concerned.

5. Construction Manager Services

Mr. DiMauro stated that he concurred with the architect’s numbers for the best options for the Town of Mansfield.

6. Other

Mr. Hart thanked Dr. Schimmel for his support on the Committee and along with Committee members wished him luck with his retirement. The next School Building Committee meeting will be on August 13, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The MMS Fuel Conversion Project will be on August 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. A room will be announced at a later date.

7. Adjournment

Ms. Feathers adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Patenaude

Capital Projects and Personnel Assistant