Finance committee backs $19,025 predesign services for Barn 6 from Carletti Architects

The Finance Committee recommended that the board authorize $19,025 from the 2025 SURF reserve to pay Carletti Architects PS for predesign architectural services for Barn 6.

Long-range planning committee members and the finance committee described the request as a predesign phase to develop conceptual drawings, rough orders of magnitude (ROG), and options to present to the community at town-hall meetings this year. Committee members enumerated possible uses for Barn 6 (a flexible “general purpose” space that could accommodate exercise equipment, community events, or half-court activities; restrooms; a prep kitchen; and a second-floor event space with a deck overlooking the lake) and said the predesign work should include cost comparisons and alternative building forms (including less expensive non-barn options) so the community can consider multiple options and costs before any ballot or assessment decision.

Committee members discussed trade-offs between building a new enclosed multi-level facility versus an open-air pavilion (the advisory vote from prior years favored an open-air pavilion), and raised timing concerns tied to watershed/setback rule changes that could affect Barn 6’s footprint. Members asked the architect to provide several schematic options and cost implications to support upcoming town-hall meetings and a possible fall ballot question.

The committee voted to recommend the expenditure of $19,025 to Carletti Architects PS for predesign services; the recommendation will be included in board materials. Committee members emphasized the need for multiple design options and clear cost estimates before the community votes on any major capital commitment.