New Canaan committee sets move, dispatch cutover and ribbon-cutting dates for new police building

Committee members at the New Canaan Police Department Building Committee were told May 8 that construction is largely complete and the project is moving toward turnover, with the department planning office moves the week of May 27 and a dispatch cutover target of June 3. The committee also discussed guided public tours before occupancy and a ribbon-cutting planned for June 4 at 10 a.m.

The committee was given a construction progress update from staff and contractors and told the site is in final punch-list mode. Scott (staff member) said, “we're kinda opening the place up and and getting ready for, for turnover,” and that the team was “pushing to get final cleaning in here in about 2 weeks.” He also reported the elevator had been inspected and was “now on automatic.”

The date for certificate of substantial completion was discussed but not decided. Brian (staff member) recommended May 1 as a practical start date for warranties and owner responsibilities, explaining that “the date is significant because the date of substantial completion is the initiation of all your warranties” and because some warranties and utility responsibilities begin on that date. Committee members said they would discuss insurance and other logistics before agreeing on any retroactive date for insurance coverage.

On schedule and logistics, a police representative told the committee, “we're planning to move the offices May 27,” and that the anticipated cutover for the dispatch center is June 3. Committee members and department staff agreed to stagger moves so offices and dispatch cutover would not occur in the same week. Movers are scheduled to start moving offices toward the end of May, with personnel and equipment transitions planned into early June.

Budget and closeout topics were part of the update but no new formal approvals were taken. Staff reported the project is near final billing — roughly 96% complete in construction billing — and that a small number of remaining change orders and holds are still being negotiated. The contractor claim referenced in the meeting remains under review by town counsel; staff said they had submitted a letter disputing a contractor’s claim but did not provide a final settlement during the meeting.

The committee discussed how to allow public access before the building becomes operational. Staff proposed small, guided tours rather than an open house; the committee agreed to use a sign-up system and to offer limited group tours (for example 8–10 people at a time). The committee agreed to schedule guided public walkthroughs the week before moves begin and to hold the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4. Staff said they would circulate details to the public using the owner’s email list and a sign-up tool.

Other operational details noted: the dispatch console issue was fixed and will not require immediate replacement, although staff said the equipment is reaching end of life and may require future replacement; gym and training mats have been procured; one small shed for site storage has been purchased and is expected to arrive June 18; and staff and contractors continue to address a handful of punch-list and cosmetic items. No formal vote or signature setting the certificate of substantial completion date occurred during the meeting; staff said that date will be finalized when the owner and contractor sign the certificate and after insurance discussions are complete.

The committee adjourned its meeting at the meeting room and moved the remainder of the meeting to conduct a walkthrough at the new police building.