Select Board to phase DPW project, focusing first on a new personnel building

Town staff and Finance Committee members described a Select Board decision to split the proposed DPW project into two phases. Under the approved approach, phase 1 would construct a new building focused on personnel and essential operational spaces; the vehicle-storage/garage element would be deferred to phase 2 and reconsidered later.

A staff member filling in for Ellie Anderson said the town does not yet have a new cost estimate for the phased approach because design money is needed to develop one. She said project organizers believe overall price pressure has eased and that reducing scope is intended to improve affordability while meeting operational needs. Committee members said the finance committee recommended prioritizing people-focused spaces to avoid investing prematurely in large vehicle-storage areas and to protect budget flexibility.

Alex, a committee member with private-sector contracting experience, presented a short primer on contract-negotiation lessons and recommended practices intended to reduce change orders and cost overruns. The committee discussed getting a cost estimate or updated figures in time for an upcoming DPW committee meeting scheduled for March 5.

Committee members noted a draft warrant article referenced borrowing or design money for the DPW feasibility/design phase; specific funding levels were not finalized in the Finance Committee meeting. No formal vote to fund the project or approve a final plan took place during the Finance Committee meeting; staff said the Select Board will continue public discussion.