Police chief outlines $5.4M plan to finish Lorraine Barracks repairs; committee approves article

The Finance Committee on Feb. 17 voted to advance Article 14, which requests a $5,400,000 appropriation as a debt exclusion to continue repairs at Lorraine Barracks.

Chief Gibson said the multi-phase project began after SMRT Architects evaluated the 70-year-old facility and identified building-envelope, mechanical and hazardous-material remediation phases. Work completed on the women orm included new mechanical systems and exterior cladding; the next phase focuses on the men orm, where an outdated electrical system and severely eroded plumbing below concrete slabs need replacement.

Gibson described the principal cost drivers: bringing the 1953 electrical system up to current code to support heat pumps, prevailed-wage requirements under "chapter 149a," and separate filed sub-bids for plumbing and electrical trades that in prior phases produced few responsive bids, increasing allowances and prices. "All I probably would say at least 40% [of the cost] is prevailing wages," Gibson said.

Committee members raised questions after news coverage earlier in the month suggested mismanagement or misspent funds. Chief Gibson and others said those accounts were selective; he offered tours of the site and said the building "speaks for itself." Town staff told the committee they will have a designated point of contact and a representative at town meeting to explain the article and answer questions.

After discussion the committee moved and voted to support Article 14. The appropriation is structured as a debt exclusion requiring voter approval on the annual ballot if placed there by the Select Board.