The board’s deliberation on the senior center’s design was a critical part of the meeting, with particular attention paid to the necessity and cost implications of including a commercial kitchen. The discussion compared the storage space and layout of the Catlin building with that of the building in Sudbury. Members noted differences in shelving and sink availability. The cost and design of the buildings in Wilbraham and Sudbury were also examined. The board reached a consensus that the new building should embody a New England aesthetic and avoid appearing excessively industrial.

Choosing the right architect for the senior center project was a significant topic of discussion. The board debated the qualifications of different architects they had visited, with some members leaning towards Catlin’s experience in Senior Center work, while also noting the need to be cautious of his salesmanship. The board members shared their experiences and observations from the visits to properties designed by various architects, discussing the importance of the architect’s flexibility in design choices and responsiveness to the town’s needs.

A vote was held to appoint an architect for the senior center project, resulting in a decision to move forward. The board planned to reach out to the selected architect to establish a contract, emphasizing the need for clear communication and proper delineation of responsibilities within the contract.

The meeting also covered the due diligence being performed on town-owned sites. Updates were provided on the analysis of the school property and the necessity of a meeting with mass development regarding the location of the gate and the triangular land at the Bishop Road Site. The board discussed the potential implications for the senior center project, noting the importance of due diligence in ensuring the project’s success.

Another item of discussion was the vacant board seat. A call for interested individuals to submit letters of intent was sent out via the townwide email list, and the process for expressing interest and the potential consequences for the committee were examined.

The board members reflected on the design and construction of new buildings in the area, debating the benefits of two-story buildings. The discussions concluded that for buildings over 10,000 square feet, a two-story design is more cost-effective.

The inclusion of pickleball courts in the new building plans was considered, stemming from observations that none of the facilities visited included such amenities. This led to a broader consideration of how the chosen land would affect the availability of various features.

Regarding future meetings, the board discussed the timing and location, considering the use of technology for remote participation. The Owl Lab system was mentioned as a possible solution for remote meetings, and the option of meeting in different locations within the town hall was also explored.