Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Mansfield Town Hall

Council Chambers

MINUTES

Present: Mary Feathers, Anne Willenborg, Mark Boyer, Fred Baruzzi, Matt Hart

Absent: Anne Rash, Elizabeth Paterson

Staff: Bill Hammon, Gregory Padick, Jaime Russell

Guest: none

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

Ms. Feathers called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.

2. Meeting Minutes

The minutes of January 14, 2009 were moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

3. Opportunity for the public to address the Committee

No one came forward.

4. MMS Fuel Conversion Project

The bid opening will be February 12, 2009.

The bid opening for the Gas Line Extension will be February 18, 2009.

Jeff Smith has submitted to the State a request to increase the budget for the project. He will contact the State for an update.

5. Staff Report

Gregory Padick has completed an initial review of the Southeast School site and sees great potential in the site. He shared his findings with the Committee. (please see attached)

Mr. Padick said he can explore more private land options if the Committee wishes him to do so. He stated that the parcel of land that would be required would need to be within the range of 20 to 30 acres due to the septic and water supply systems. He does not believe there is any potential private site that large to accommodate the needs of the sized school that is being proposed.

The Committee wishes Mr. Padick to pursue the feasibility of using the Southeast School site further.

Discussion took place as to the potential shared usage of the baseball fields, removal of the existing building vs. keeping the existing building on site, and parking lot issues.

Lawrence and Associates has provided a list of possible tour sites. After February school vacation a “team” will be formed and a tour schedule will be set up so a total of 5 sites will have been visited by June. The “team” should consist of a few parents, teachers, school building committee, and principals.

6. Next Steps

Bill Hammon will find out more information in regards to the septic testing, the cost of the testing, and will oversee the process of the testing. He will also be monitoring the water usage at all four schools.

Mr. Padick will continue to work with the DEP to discuss the possibility of using the Southeast School site and the conditions that would have to be met.

Will need to get proposals from engineering firms for further consulting services in reviewing the site and the feasibility of using the site along with preparing the application to DEP for the review of the proposal of using the site for a new school.

7. Other

A resignation letter from Anne Rash has been received by Fred Baruzzi and Matt Hart. Mr. Baruzzi and Mr. Hart recognized Ms. Rash for all the years of service and her invaluable input over the years. Recommendations for a replacement will be accepted until the vacancy has been filled.

Next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

8. Adjournment

Ms. Feathers adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Ducharme

Accountant