SOMERS SCHOOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

March 28, 2002

Present: T.Cowles, J.Butler, D.Pinney, H.Broer, G.Hilton, P.Roland,

J.Formeister,

J.O'Brien (7:15)

Ex-Officio: B.Boutwell, A.Maneggia, K.Klein, J.Macfeat

Guests: D.Moser, H.Pearson, B.Kellogg, M.Mochnick, G.Smolley, J.LaPosta

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Roland.

Minutes of the 3/16/02 meeting were approved as presented (Broer, Cowles;

J.O'Brien abstained). Minutes of the 3/23/02 meeting were approved as

presented (Cowles, Butler).

Doug Moser and Hugh Pearson, partners of Moser, Pilon, Nelson Architects,

explained that, if their firm is hired, they will be our primary contacts

throughout the building project.

They made suggestions concerning our preliminary building plan, including:

MBA-need for storage, improvements to locker rooms, kitchen, and

cafeteria and possible re-location of kitchen and cafeteria, possible 12-room

classroom addition (6 temporary, 6 permanent) to aid during renovation and

eliminate portable classrooms. Costs and a site plan were provided and

explained.

SES---possibly re-locate Central Office/BOE room in Grade 5 wing and

build larger addition, possibly wing connecting 2 other wings.

SHS---instead of expanding cafeteria under overhang, build a corner

addition; alter end of new classroom addition to be sure future expansion can

occur there if necessary.

Mr. Moser and Mr. Pearson explained their team organization, their strong

relationship with the state departments and how to work with them, the

pre-referendum process, and the size of their concurrent projects (usually

two 20 million, two 10 million, and three or four 5 million jobs).

Bruce Kellogg and Jim LaPosta of Jeter, Cook, Jepson Architects made some

suggestions to our preliminary plan:

MBA---re-locate entrance closer to gym, move storage from Media Center

area to windowless rooms on first floor, improve and use courtyard more,

re-do kitchen/cafeteria space.

SES---change angle of addition.

SHS---addition to cafeteria instead of expansion under overhang.

Greg Smolley explained the components of a successful referendum strategy as

well as the various state agencies with which JCJ has experience dealing.

They have moved sixty projects through the State Facilities Unit and have

passed 16 (of 17) referenda in the past 3 years. They recommend local review

of projects, which can take 30 days instead of 101 through the SFU.

Mr. Kellogg stated JCJ sees Somers as an exciting challenge and cited their

experience with school projects. They are one of the largest architectural

firms in the state with over 90 employees.

A motion was made to change the order of the agenda (Butler, Cowles).

Correspondence was read from the Somers Fire Marshall concerning inspection

of the installation of MBA's fire alarm system and from Superintendent

Maneggia regarding storage needs in the district.

There was discussion of the two architectural firms interviewed. A motion

was made (Pinney), seconded (Butler), and unanimously approved to enter into

negotiations with Moser, Pilon, Nelson Architects. P.Roland, B.Boutwell, and

A.Maneggia will meet with the Town Attorney regarding the hiring of this firm.

Motion to adjourn at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Formeister, Secretary