01/19/2021 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Minutes

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Capital Improvement Program Committee Minutes January 19 2021*APPROVED* 1-29-2021 APPOINTMENTS& HEARINGS (con't) Planning and Construction (con't) There was general discussion about all of the items on the chart on the previous page as follows: DNR Facility it was felt that the price is steep for this time when there are many other costs looming for the Town with regard to wastewater. The Committee was advised that the Town Manager is looking into alternatives, such as, purchasing existing facilities rather than constructing a new one and the DNR Director is in agreement.The cost would be much less than the$4.4 million dollars that appears in the CIP request. Mr. Richardson suggested leasing a building, but the Mr. Collins said that so many improvements would have to be made that it appears to make better sense to purchase condos and build to the specifications of the Natural Resources Department's needs. Mr. Collins invited the members to express all of their ideas on the subject. Tentatively, the Town may possibly buy business condo(s) and make up to a couple of hundred thousand dollars in improvements to them.This is in the preliminary stages and he will make a report at the next meeting of the Committee. The Solar roof system was strongly recommended as it will in less than three years produce a cost savings in the Town's operating budget and the system is projected to have a life of twenty years or more. This project is in conjunction with the solar canopy projects.Also,when the construction takes place for the solar canopies it makes sense that the MMHS parking lot be resurfaced at the same time. Members of the Committee had no objections or more questions on this topic. Mr. Gottlieb strongly discouraged the CIP Committee from pursuing the purchase of an additional Solar Bee for Santuit Pond. Members of the Committee were in agreement with Mr. Gottlieb. The School field maintenance topic was revisited and Mr. Gasior again stated that perhaps the DPW's budget could be increased to reflect up to$200,000 per year to work on the playing fields. Ms. Laurent stated that she would like to meet with the Superintendent and the Athletic director to discuss and look more closely at the School Department's needs. It was agreed to have more discussion on this matter with all parties including the Town Manager. Department of Public Works FY2022 CIP Request• $256,000 Catherine Laurent, Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) presented a budget of capital requests for fiscal year 2022. The DPW Director stated that each year the Department evaluates the fleet and then prioritizes the vehicles and equipment for replacement.This year,there are two F350, one F550 and a Chipper being replaced. Ms. Laurent stated that the requests on the next page are just continuing a general replacement cycle for vehicles and equipment. The Committee had no questions.