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Select Board outlines community center next steps; staff proposes task force and Nov. engagement sessions
Summary
After town meeting approval to transfer stabilization funds for design, staff proposed two early‑November public engagement sessions, a 7–10 person task force to work with the design team through March town meeting, and transitioning Phase 1 design to the Municipal Building Committee; board discussed temporary library space options.
With design funding approved at town meeting, Select Board staff presented next steps for the community center project, including community engagement dates and a recommended task force to help refine Phase 1 before transferring responsibility to the Municipal Building Committee.
Town staff said two public sessions—one daytime at the senior center and one evening session for the broader public—are planned in early November to gather feedback on room sizes and programming. "After we have those meetings and take in that feedback, we would confirm that design at the Select Board meeting in November," staff said.
Staff outlined a proposed working group (task force) of roughly 7–10 people to meet weekly with the design team through March town meeting; the task force would include users and community members with differing perspectives and report recommendations to the Municipal Building Committee. The board discussed timeline constraints and the need to continue robust community engagement to secure broader support for later funding votes.
The board also reviewed the library’s request for temporary space and an extended RFP timeline for options. Staff and the municipal representative discussed potential town‑owned space as a low‑cost temporary option, and cautioned about fit‑up costs, occupancy certificates and construction disruptions if the library were to occupy part of the building during work.
Board members emphasized clarity on schedule and strong outreach to ensure the community is prepared for the Nov. 12 confirmation meeting and the March town meeting vote that will affect the project’s future.
