Westborough committee opts to repair Gibbons Field House roof; approves several warrant items and supports property transfer

A subcommittee that studied the Gibbons Field House recommended repairing the roof, addressing soffit/facade carpentry and removing interior partitions rather than demolishing the structure.

Committee members discussed comparative costs: the subcommittee reported a repair option estimated at $31,000 plus a $5,000 contingency and $10,000 to remove partitions (total cited in discussion as $46,000) versus an earlier recommendation to demolish at $125,000. After a motion and second, the committee approved modifying the town-meeting warrant to reflect the repair option by voice vote.

The meeting also addressed draft warrant articles: the committee voted to approve an article requesting Community Preservation Committee funding for the Hastings playground and to cosponsor an operational-efficiency study jointly with the select board (to be funded from free cash). Members discussed vendor selection and the need for both boards to participate in scope and consultant review.

Committee members reviewed capital borrowing items, including an estimated $5,732,830 for high-school A/B wing roof replacement and rim repairs. Members pressed for bids and cautioned that a 5% contingency is likely insufficient; the committee instructed staff to pursue bid numbers prior to town meeting where possible.

Finally the committee voted to support the transfer of 115 East Main Street property from the town to the school committee's jurisdiction. Several votes on warrant articles and the transfer were passed by voice vote during the meeting.