April 28, 2005
A Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Walter Joe Roach, Selectmen David I. Grasfield and William A. Heitin and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
SPECIAL FORUM - Presentation on the Community Center Design
Mr. Rick Rice was present to speak on behalf of the Designer Selection Board and Mr. Tom Scarlata was present to represent the architectural firm of BH+A. Approximately 17 others were present, including Norma Fitzgerald of the Council on Aging and David I. Clifton, Recreation Department. Items discussed included:
overview of the damage to the building;
work of the Designer Selection Committee;
Request for Proposals - to look at various options minimal/moderate/optimum/new building;
selected the firm of BH+A;
BH+A considered serious needs of the Council on Aging and the Recreation Department;
look at making some space for municipal office use;
minimum option would cost 1.4 M would only allow use of first floor;
looked to accommodate Council on Aging and Recreation with shared space;
BH+A consulted all user groups (approximately 40);
plans include 10,000 sq ft senior center on lower level with shared space on the first floor;
minimal option includes structural repairs to the building, new ceilings and a sprinkler system – only first floor use - no elevator - no code upgrades;
sprinkler system is required for 07 by mandate from the state;
plans were shown with a focus on Scheme B;
Scheme B - renovation of all three floors with efficiency of circulation and security;
improvements to the site;
new septic system;
convenient access to lower level senior center;
relocation of boiler room;
multipurpose and shared space throughout;
renovation of lobby and outside front porch;
new insulation, doors/windows/roof - basically new structure;
third floor space to be made handicapped accessible within an existing four- foot difference in height;
asking for money at Town Meeting for design to complete construction;
should have complete cost estimates to ask for construction money at Fall Town Meeting;
application to State for grant monies for Senior Center (potential for up to $800,000);
construction to begin July 06 - will take 18-20 months;
funds have already been allocated for the repairs and insurance money is expected;
will be asking for approximately $440,000 design money at Town Meeting;
total project estimated at 8.5 million (6 M for construction costs);
does not include soft costs (fees, furnishings and equipment);
project could be completed in late 07 or early 08;
appreciation expressed to other town departments, temples, churches, veterans groups, Saphire Manor for providing program space for ongoing COA/Recreation programs;
the hiring of a grant writer for outside funding (already factored in the cost estimates);
replacements of walls, abatement of asbestos and lead paint and costs to just upgrade the building;
discussion of more appealing space/more opportunity for functions/rental income;
possibility for rental incomes that have gone into general revenues to be placed in a revolving fund to offset capital borrowing;
possibility to use Community Preservation Funds for project;
outside surveying and landscape costs;
costs of maintaining trailers at the site; and,
appreciation expressed to the Designer Selection Committee for working within a tight timeline.
Adjourn Meeting
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; Roach, aye.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:27 P.M.
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