School Building Task Force
Minutes of December 18, 2006
Member Attendees: Tom Ryan, Lisa D’Alessio, George Nisotel, Stephen Quinn, Peter Rhoads, Ellen Sturgis (Chair), Michael Wood (ex-officio), Gary Bernklow, Bill Byron, Lynn Colletti, Norm Farris,
Rob Kaufman (facilitator), Ernie Dodd (Planning Bd. Liaison).
Absent: Sara Kilkenny
Announcements/Check-in –
# Lisa proposed a discussion on the next meeting agenda about other land options (ie: properties that BoS currently researching for landbanking) in case we cannot get what we need with the current sites. Homework for Lisa is to find out where BoS stands on landbanking properties that responded to their landbanking RFP and Tom’s homework will be to research municipal land adjacent to Pompo and also possibility of pursuing contiguous properties.
Minutes – approval -
After a few minor adjustments, Norm moved to accept the minutes of Monday December 11, 2006, as amended. Gary seconded, Bill and George N. abstained and minutes were approved.
Review Agenda/Correspondence/Other Business –
# Memos from Capital Planning, Finance Committee and Gary (for FinComm) re: long range plans, reserve fund transfers and budget respectively.
# Invoice from SMMA for $8000 (about 10% of their work items so far – Items A-E 9due diligence)). Tom questioned the idea of paying a bill on “part” of a deliverable, instead of completion of all. Bill Wrigley has reviewed and OK’d this bill. Lisa moved to approve $8000 bill from SMMA, Pete seconded. Motion passed with 1 “no” vote from Tom Ryan.
Enrollment Discussion -
# Phil Poinelli of SMMA presented their DRAFT analysis of the enrollment numbers received from NESDEC so far (we do not have growth rate info yet, but Phil will review enrollment projections in a broad sense for now).
# We have roughly 600 students in our buildings now, so SMMA using that number for educational and related space needed (ie:MSBA guidelines) for now. Draft analysis also uses 700 students (probable ballpark of final enrollment number) for sake of comparision. (NOTE: If final enrollment number is 720, there will be no difference in number of classrooms needed.)
# Pete questioned how this analysis compared to the former SBC analysis. Phil explained that he purposely did not look at that report so that it would not impact his analysis.
# Phil and Lorraine need to meet with our Ed.Spec. subcommittee to clarify several items in this report.
# Ellen pointed out that from this report, we can clearly see the significant shortfall of support space we are facing (not just classrooms).
# George N. commented that we need to make it clear to the community that the staff has adapted well to a substandard situation, but this analysis represents what they should have and what we are striving to get to.
Discussion on Adding Hale Site to Scope of Services for SMMA –
# What changes could be made at Hale to accommodate one more grade? These services would give us a clear picture of the limitations at Hale. Even if we don’t use Hale now, would have the information needed on Hale’s possibilities for the future (as Hale will be facing space
# issues in the not too distant future) and also to justify our decision at Town Meeting if we decide not to include Hale.
# SMMA would need to explore site, building and possibilities for Hale’s inclusion in our options. Estimate (off the top of Phil’s head) is roughly an additional $15-20,000 in additional charges. We would need to decide on a clear scope of services for them.
# In respect to support space, Michael Wood said that the Hale cafeteria is already undersized, but the gym could handle additional students.
# Gary questioned whether we can add to scope of services based on the original RFP. Ellen responded that we have the flexibility in the RFP to do so.
# Phil explained that for time sake, the most important thing to get done immediately would be a “civil walk-through” to make a general assessment of the building and site. This could be done on a time and expense basis (approximately $1,500).
# Ellen moved to authorize SMMA to do initial site investigation of Hale, (not to exceed $1,500), contingent on verbal approval of Town Administrator. Tom seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
# Norm then moved to authorize SMMA to develop a scope of services for due diligence, cost estimates and schedule to incorporate the Hale school into the SBTF options. Steve seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
# Ellen noted that someone should look into the status of the stone building and the blacksmith shop. Phil and Lorraine can find out the state’s opinion with the Mass. Historic Commission and Gary will find out from Stow Historical Society what their stand is.
Work Calendar –
See changes/additions to our work calendar
Public Comment - None
Adjournment-
Lisa moved to adjourn. Norm seconded. Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted by Lisa D’Alessio
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