SOMERS SCHOOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

August 8, 2002

Members Present: P.Roland, H.Broer, T.Cowles, J.Formeister, J.Persano

Ex-Officio: T.Jefferson, B.Boutwell, J.MacFeat, K.Klein (7:40)

Guests: D.Moser

Press: Christine Stuart, Rose Tantraphol

The meeting was called to order at 7:10p.m. by Chairman Roland.

Minutes of the July 11, 2002 meeting were approved unanimously as presented

(Persano, Broer).

A motion was made (Cowles), seconded (Broer) and approved unanimously to add

an item to the agenda, Committee Membership Discussion. Glenn Hilton has

moved; a motion was made (Broer, Cowles) to accept Glenn's resignation,

approved unanimously. P.Roland will write a note of thanks. A motion was

made (Persano, Cowles) and approved unanimously to recommend to the Board of

Selectmen that J.MacFeat be appointed to a permanent position on the

committee.

Building plans---MBA--based on discussion at the last meeting, D,Moser

presented some changes to drawings. New band/chorus areas will be shown to

staff.

SHS-options for a choral room and reconfiguration of art space were presented

and discussed. T.Cowles commented that she understands the band room is too

small for enrollment increases. Various alternatives were explored. Staff

needs to be consulted.

D.Moser needs a cost estimate for a 20-acre parcel of land to build a

hypothetical middle school on; this is to complete his new vs renovation

proposal for the state. P.Roland will provide a figure.

A Somers Day, 8/24---brief discussion of need to present info to the public

and show what we've been doing. Info does not need to be specific, but

estimates and plans to date are important. Motion (Cowles, Persano)

unanimously approved to participate and man a booth. D.Moser will work on

display table drawings and handouts. D.Pinney, H.Broer, T.Jefferson have

offered to work that day; details will be finalized 8/22.

Public support group---P.Roland and T.Jefferson met with eight interested

parents and reported they were enthusiastic and willing to help. The history

of this project and the role of a support group were explained. No town

funds can be expended to "sell" the building project; the building committee

can print a factual brochure; all publications and modes of distribution must

be approved by the town attorney.

Update finances---the Town Treasurer and BOF Chairman Persano have worked

with figures and estimate the town can handle a $17.2 million building

project. All of our projects presently total $19,726,441, a shortfall of

$2.5 million. There was discussion of how the committee should proceed---do

we eliminate pieces of the proposal, an entire project, or go forward with

the $19.7 figures? Consensus was SES and SHS must go forward because of

extreme space needs. Committee members must study the costs of all the

projects over the next two weeks so we can discuss this at the 8/22 meeting.

Motion made (Persano), seconded (Broer), and approved unanimously to approve

payment of 2 invoices, 6/28/02 for $3250 to MPN for Phase 1 Study and 7/31/02

for $12,434.64 to MPN for Phase 1 Study (9750), MBA ($2610), misc. ($74.64).

A motion was made (Cowles, Broer) and approved unanimously to accept

B.Boutwell's financial report of the committee's expenditures and balance.

Correspondence was read from T.Jefferson answering questions from the public

support group meeting about enrollment. Correspondence was received from

T.Jefferson concerning Smart Boards for classrooms. Correspondence was

received from the state about grant commitment.

Motion to adjourn at 9:10p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Formeister, Secretary