MINUTES
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
WORK SESSION
Present:
Chairman Linda Burt; Selectman Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair; Selectman Russell Sandblom, Clerk; Selectman Joyce Brookshire; Selectman Peter Whitlock.
School Building Committee; Mike Gradone, Superintendent of Schools - present during the first 45 minutes of the meeting; Susan Hyland, School Business Manager; Jeff Davis, Tappe Associates
2:35 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Burt at 2:35 p.m.
WORK SESSION
2:35 p.m. • Discussion with Eastham Elementary School Building Committee
Consideration of Proposed Warrant Article - Eastham Elementary
School Committee
The School Building Committee came before the Board of Selectmen in response to their request for further discussion of additional monies that are being considered for placement on a Warrant Article to be presented to the Town at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2005.
The proposed amount requested by the School Committee is $480,000 for placement on the
Warrant. An alternate listing of items totaling approximately $673,000 was available for consideration also. The Board of Selectmen wished to discuss these amounts further with the School Committee, while realizing that they had put in an extraordinary amount of work in preparation of the same.
Selectman Brookshire expressed concern that items placed and/or removed from these lists should reflect the commitment as represented to the Town when the Town approved $8.4 million for this project at Town Meeting. Selectman Brookshire noted that the additional monies requested on the Warrant Article for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2005, should more fully reflect the original intent of the Town when they approved the same.
The Board of Selectmen were particularly concerned regarding roofing, irrigation system; window shading; parking and landscaping around the school once the project is completed, etc.
The School Building Committee expressed concern that additions/revisions would not be able to
be presented in time for the Warrant closing deadline of Wednesday, February 9, 2005. Selectman Whitlock indicated that it was his understanding that after the warrant closes, the Board of Selectmen can still submit revisions and/or add another article to the Warrant.
Other concerns related to questions on how a $150,000 “Bidder’s error” was being handled, and possible negotiations with the contractor regarding this situation.
Selectman Burt indicated that final “approved” inclusion of certain items may not coincide with the Contractors’ construction schedule, and thus may not be able to be included. Selectman Burt
pointed out that the listings presented today have been reviewed numerous times.
Selectman Brookshire and Selectman Whitlock requested that the draft of this article’s wording be revised related to the fire suppression system. The School Committee agreed.
Selectman Brookshire indicated how strongly the Board of Selectmen feel in support of the School Committee and their efforts.
Mr. Jack Dowman (School Committee) noted that the message he was hearing from the Board of
Selectmen was very positive. He welcomed this interfacing with the Board of Selectmen, and
noted that the School Committee’s intent was to keep within the 8.4 million, and that
their efforts, and revisions are reflective of their goal to be financially responsible. He also
noted that the School Committee will take these recommendations from the Board
of Selectmen and come back to them at another meeting.
Mr. David Sheptyck (School Committee) also stated that the School Committee will take recommendations under consideration. However, he noted his concern that some things will
not be able to be included.
Selectman Collins noted that the School Committee has done a fine job, and that it is not the
intent of the Board of Selectmen to micro manage their Committee and/or efforts.
Ms. Vanderhoef went over her understanding of what the Board of Selectmen were specifically requesting from the School Building Committee:
List Number One:
Listing of proposed cuts.
List Number Two:
Items which would be added back from the first list in priority order.
Mr. Jeff Davis (Tappe Associates) indicated that in following this request, the School Building
Committee may come back with a different number than the higher amount of $673,000 presented here today (i.e., it may be more or less).
The Board of Selectmen requested that the School Committee come back to them with the
aforementioned lists on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 (Note: subsequently rescheduled to February 16, 2005, at 2:30 - Board of Selectmen Work Session). The agenda for this meeting will include the discussion of the revised information prepared by the School Committee in response to the Board of Selectmen’s request as expressed here today.
The School Committee left the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Further discussion ensued. Ms. Hyland and Ms. Vanderhoef agreed to meet to discuss the general contractor’s contract after review from Counsel.
Selectmen Burt indicated that the contractor’s preferred starting date is approximately April 2005, and they have indicated that they would be on a desired twelve-month schedule.
Selectmen Collins left the meeting at 3:55 p.m.
Chief Olson (Fire Department) indicated that Ms. Vanderhoef and Mr. Davis would be holding a
conference call to continue their conversation regarding the fire suppression system.
All matters having been discussed, Selectman Sandblom moved to adjourn the meeting at
4:25 p.m. Selectman Whitlock seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Speros
| 
