Select Board awards senior center bathroom contract; HVAC, roof and flooring remain under review

The Select Board voted Sept. 8 to award the senior center bathroom renovation contract to the low bidder and instructed staff to pursue funding and scheduling for related building work. The board approved awarding the bathroom bid and later discussed potential timing and funding for an HVAC replacement, the roof project and floor replacement for the same building. The vote to award the bathroom contract followed presentation of three bids and staff note that the low proposer had previously completed the police station and a highway building addition. Town staff said a $15,000 grant has been secured for the bathroom work and that roughly $30,000 in available funds can be applied; the Friends group was asked to consider covering the remaining difference. The bathroom work was part of an omnibus warrant article that originally bundled septic, bathroom and roof work. Board members and staff discussed sequencing: because the HVAC system at the senior center shows signs of significant deterioration, the senior center building committee asked the Select Board to place a placeholder article on the fall warrant to consider replacing the HVAC. Staff reported a preliminary contractor walkthrough estimate in the “around $190,000” range and said a fuller estimate could push the likely project cost to between $200,000 and $250,000. Board members said that replacing HVAC may require roof access and could push the roof work later, which in turn could increase future costs. Staff told the board there is enough funding in the omnibus warrant article to proceed with the bathroom work now and that they will pursue energy grants and other funding sources for HVAC replacement. Board members asked staff to seek formal cost estimates, check grant opportunities, and report back with a clear funding recommendation before the fall town meeting. Board action and next steps: the board approved awarding the bathroom contract at the meeting. Staff will finalize the contractor agreement, pursue Friends-group funding for the remainder, seek energy-grant opportunities for HVAC replacement, and return to the board with refined cost estimates for HVAC and any required roof access.