SOMERS SCHOOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

                                                                               August 22, 2002

Members Present:  J.Butler, H.Broer, T.Cowles, P.Roland, D.Pinney, J.Formeister,

                                J.O’Brien (7:17)

Ex-Officio:  K.Klein, J.MacFeat, T.Jefferson (7:30)

Guests:  D.Moser

Citizens and Press:  C.Stuart, A.Quimby, T.Geib, K.Gaudet, K.Walton

The meeting was called to order at 7:04pm by Chairman Roland.

Minutes of the August 8, 2002 meeting were approved unanimously (Butler, Cowles) with one change, delete line that reads “the group will be invited to attend the building committee’s 8/22 meeting for more discussion.”  It was noted that the Town Clerk has not yet received a letter of resignation from Glenn Hilton.

MBA renovation status report—D.Moser stated it is 90% complete but he needs a hypothetical site cost.  There was discussion of the need for this report and events leading to it.  The Ed049 was filed in 6/01, and on 7/1/02 the state notified the superintendent that it needed a more detailed study.  The state has criteria for what qualifies; it will not cover maintenance but will pay for additional space for program and enrollment needs.  The building committee’s plans at this point call for additional space instead of the expense of temporary classrooms, a cost avoidance by using the addition as swing space during construction and then as permanent classrooms and central office space.  The committee agreed this was always the intent of the Board of Ed and the document “Planning the Future,” some expansion at MBA.

A Somers Day—D,Moser presented display boards and committee members signed up to man the booth.  Though there may be modifications to the drawings, the committee will present the information we have to date.  A motion was made (O’Brien), seconded (Cowles) and approved unanimously to have T.Jefferson compile a fact sheet for A Somers Day that will deal with enrollment; numbers are already higher than projected, SHS is over capacity (526) and could be as high as 570 next year.   D.Moser also presented an 8x11 folded brochure that will be developed further for a mailing.  Cost would be around $2000 for printing in black and white and postage townwide.

Discussion building plans—D.Moser presented possible reductions and B.Boutwell had developed a list that was distributed.  D.Pinney believes we may not have to make cuts and we should wait till the Board of Finance has a discussion with us.  The committee agreed we will wait.  Three drawings were presented of the MBA chorus, band, and cafeteria areas.  A motion was made (Broer), seconded (O’Brien) and approved unanimously to work with Option 3, renovations to existing spaces where they are now, a new service elevator to the kitchen with security features, and additional cafeteria space from an existing adjacent room.

Public support group—SAVE wants to provide input to the committee about citizens’ concerns and questions regarding building project.  T.Geib expressed need for factual information from this committee.  He stated SAVE will talk to people one-on-one and try to get the vote out but thinks the building committee should do presentations to groups, mailers, etc.  P.Roland, T.Jefferson, and D.Moser will meet with SAVE August 29.  The committee will discuss at the September 12 meeting a list of civic groups, etc. and which members can attend their meetings to do presentations.  Members will be present as possible to answer questions at the MBA Open House 9/5 and SHS Open House 9/11.

Financial update—discussion about meeting with Board of Finance before their meeting at the end of September.  There was a motion (O’Brien) and second (Butler), unanimously approved, to direct D.Pinney, T.Jefferson, and J.Persano to meet with Ed Sullivan as soon as possible to discuss operating expenses and projections so all have a clear picture of needs as well as the Town’s ability to pay.  Then we will try to have a special meeting with the BOF to reach agreement about the Town’s financial outlook.

There was discussion about inviting to our next meeting the chairmen of Planning, Zoning, and Conservation Commissions, the Fire Marshall, and Building Inspector to give them an update.

There was correspondence from the Town Treasurer concerning payment of bills.  J.Formeister had communication from a member of the Village Players asking if we are considering improvements to the light and sound systems of the SHS auditorium.  This will be referred to the BOE.

Motion to adjourn at 9:23pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Formeister, Secretary