WESTPORT — The committee planning the municipal center voted to continue to operate and explore options before putting a proposal to another vote.
The first order of business was to decide whether the town would continue to delve into the needs, specifications and costs of a combination municipal center after the initial proposal was defeated 179-172 in a June referendum.
DECISION NEEDED
Westport Supervisor Dan Connell prefaced the meeting by saying, "Since we have received numerous phone calls and letters, we need to look at the project and decide if it is to continue or not."
Connell reiterated several times during the meeting that this is not his project and that it has been a committee comprising representatives of several entities that has come up with the plans.
Town Councilman Tim Sherman said there is a need to repair or replace the facilities, "but whether or not it would take one building or if we have separate projects is still in the air."
Committee member Rick Rockefeller said they need to plan for the future, "but people are thinking of the costs and taxes."
Representing the Fire District, Gordon Decker added, "There are several of us who have gone the full course. If we can hold the committee together, it is an advantage."
SAVINGS SEEN
School Board member Dwayne Stevens added, "The bottom line is all of these buildings need to be replaced or repaired. This (Town Hall) building is in the best shape. If we think too much out of the box, it will cost too much.
"Consolidation will save the town money rather than separate school, fire and town taxes. To not stay as one project is wrong to the taxpayers and children of the community."
ALTERNATIVE PLAN
Bob Ingram agreed the town should consider construction of a new facility but offered an alternative plan, which would incorporate one or two steel buildings instead of the proposed concrete and brick building.
Ingram informed the committee that he and Rockefeller had visited similarly constructed buildings in Vermont and had consulted a Burlington firm to get approximate costs.
Ingram's proposal would allow for slightly more space for the fire, bus, Public Works and town offices but at a cost of $135 per square foot versus $263.
Ingram showed comparisons in structure longevity, in which the steel buildings have a service life of 77.2 years compared to 87.2 for concrete and 77.5 for masonry.
TWO BUILDINGS plan LOSES FUNDS
The possibility of two buildings was submitted as, according to Ingram, it might save on heating due to different temperatures required for the various uses.
However, it was pointed out by others at the meeting that school districts and fire departments cannot build on land not owned by them. In addition, the consolidation grant of about $600,000 would not be applicable.
Ingram showed the assemblage a section of a laminated insulated wall and indicated that since sections are pre-fabricated, there would be a savings in the actual construction.
Several in attendance were concerned as to whether Ingram's proposal would be comparing apples to apples. It was decided to take the proposal into advisement and make a more definitive comparison.
STILL IN ACCORD?
A review of the initial agreements written in 2007 between the town, school and Fire District were read. Each entity will check to see if their respective boards still wish to pursue the project.
"I would be afraid if we went our separate ways and submitted individual projects to the taxpayers somebody would get burned," School Board President Alice LaRock said. "I'd rather see us with one tax rather than three." Sherman agreed with LaRock.
In referring to the June vote, Rockefeller said, "What was presented was voted down. The voters said, 'We don't like this one, guys, try again.'"
Stevens felt the proposal was defeated because people were misinformed and unsubstantiated claims had been circulated in the community.
SAVINGS FORESEEN
Connell reminded those present that the proposed center would result in huge cost savings and that the present DPW fueling system could no longer supply other entities. Additional funding would also be available once the project is approved, as the town could re-apply for several $30,000 to $40,000 grants.
E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondckramber@yahoo.com
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