00:10The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of two financial warrants. The first warrant, totaling $753,944.70, was dedicated to the senior center. During the review, an issue was identified regarding a duplicate invoice from Vertex related to building envelope testing, which was resolved by presenting a corrected tally sheet. Committee members confirmed that most furniture from WB Mason, a key vendor, was included in this warrant, with an emphasis on the procurement process involving collaboration between the owner, an interior designer, and an architect. This process utilized a state bid list and required obtaining multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing, especially for high-cost items like lounge chairs. Discussion also covered the seating capacity of the senior center’s multi-purpose room, which can be configured to accommodate up to 200 people.

13:47The second warrant, amounting to $320,12.77, pertained to work performed on King Street in April. This warrant did not address outstanding issues from previous discussions about change orders.

44:02Another topic was the ongoing HVAC challenges in an older building. The HVAC system, particularly a 15-ton unit in the attic, was identified as nearing the end of its operational life, with replacement costs estimated to exceed $300,000. Discussions revealed a complex HVAC setup due to numerous modifications over the years to meet various departmental needs, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation. The committee had previously agreed to compile a report summarizing engineering evaluations, including zoning and ductwork assessments. Smoke tests were performed to analyze airflow, with results to be documented in a final report for the town.

50:23The meeting also addressed the police department’s waterproofing issues, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between water intrusion and humidity problems. A waterproofing company had been engaged to conduct testing, and there was consensus on the need for further analysis, including moisture testing, to determine the root cause of discoloration on decorative masonry.

25:49In addition to financial and operational discussions, the committee approved a $3,000 service agreement with Richard Dean Associates for the maintenance of audiovisual systems at the senior center. This agreement, funded from the senior center project budget under furniture, fixtures, and equipment, includes quarterly visits for firmware updates and training on complex components. The committee stressed the importance of ensuring the effective maintenance of these systems to maximize their benefit to the community.