The committee’s most pressing topic was the update on the RFI issued by Town Hall on July 9th. The committee was informed that a single official response had been received from Mained Crossing. This response included a pricing outline of approximately $25 per square foot, with additional costs bringing the total to around $32 per square foot. Additionally, a fit-out allowance of $35 per square foot was discussed, though it was noted that substantial work would be required to make the space usable, including the installation of walls, ceilings, and plumbing.

Committee members debated the importance of considering the fit-out allowance within the context of the necessary renovations, recognizing the space would initially be bare. There was also extensive dialogue on the outreach of the RFI, with questions about whether it had reached all intended organizations. There appeared to be some confusion over whether Town Administrator Gregory Johnson had sent the RFI to specific contacts, leading to a plan for follow-up actions. The need for further clarity on the nature of the fit-out allowance was also acknowledged, confirming it would apply to any contractor hired to perform the work, not just those affiliated with Mained Crossing.

Another discussion point was Mary Mitzcavitch’s update on a visit to the Littleton Senior Center. The Littleton facility, housed in a 1922 school building, is currently undergoing construction for a new center expected to be completed by March of the following year. The new center will be about 16,000 square feet and is budgeted at approximately $18.6 million. The planning process for this new facility had been lengthy, initially funded through a citizens’ petition in 2017 or 2018, with funds placed in a stabilization fund that has grown significantly.

Mitzcavitch highlighted that the new center would feature a two-story design built into a hillside and would be integrated with the town’s new library. The Littleton Senior Center operates as part of the town’s Elder and Human Services department, offering a broader scope of services compared to a traditional Council on Aging. The center employs multiple social workers and boasts a robust volunteer program, with over a hundred seniors participating in various town departments through a tax work-off program. The committee was impressed by the Littleton facility’s plans and community engagement.

The meeting also covered fundraising strategies for the Senior Center. A five-page pamphlet from a similar center detailed room naming opportunities for potential donors, including donation tiers like $50,000 for Founders and $25,000 for Benefactors. Specific naming opportunities for different areas of the new building were also outlined, with prices for spaces like the main lobby or the Veteran’s Office set at $5,000. The committee considered adopting a similar strategy to increase their visibility and secure necessary funds. This approach emphasized the need for consistent advocacy and outreach to advance the project.

Financial aspects of the Senior Center project remained a concern. A finance working group was established to develop a draft warrant article for the committee. The draft is important for the Quad Board meeting scheduled for July 30th and must present a defendable financial number to support the funding request. The proposed space’s cost was estimated to be between $25 and $32 per square foot for 5,000 to 7,000 square feet. The need for a well-structured financial outline was emphasized to ensure that the request for funding is robust and comprehensive.

The potential financial impact on taxpayers was also discussed, particularly in light of upcoming decisions regarding school funding and the senior center project. It was noted that the tax impact would not be visible to residents until January 1st, as they have yet to see the effects of the Green Meadow School project on their tax bills. Concerns were raised about the timing of requesting additional funding at a fall town meeting without residents being fully informed of existing financial pressures.

Deb Roussell suggested leveraging the Finance Committee’s apparent prioritization of the senior center over other projects, such as school bleachers, in discussions with the town. She proposed using signboards throughout the town to communicate the priority of senior citizens and their needs, which was met with agreement. The effectiveness of small gatherings to inform residents and generate support for the senior center initiative was also discussed.