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Senior Center nears occupancy as committee presses for private handling of $1.5M donor gift
Summary
Committee members heard a full punch-list update for the new Senior Center and agreed to defer decisions on additional furniture while pressing town staff to resolve wording and timing on a reported $1.5 million gift from the Nelson family.
The Permanent Building Committee heard a progress report on the new Nelson Senior and Community Center and was assured major systems and exterior work are nearly complete, with occupancy steps—HVAC testing, third-party commissioning and final inspections—scheduled before the end of the month. Steve, presenting the contractor update, said testing and balancing work was scheduled to finish this week and that walk-through punch lists and final signoff remain before turnover.
Why it matters: The building’s readiness affects the town’s planned move, programming and the certificate of occupancy timeline, and committee members emphasized that final commissioning and staff training must be completed so town personnel can manage the systems after turnover.
Committee discussion focused on two operational and funding issues. First, several members asked the furniture subcommittee to prioritize an itemized list of additional furniture—quotes included 50 folding chairs ($6,891), carts, tables and two exterior benches—rather than buy the full package immediately. The committee deferred buying the full set and requested a prioritized recommendation before approving purchases.
Second, members raised concerns about a reported $1.5 million donation from the Nelson family and its timing and wording. Committee member Jim said the family’s lawyer had not yet delivered a check and warned that public pressure or premature announcements risk legal or fiduciary complications. "I don't want the construction to be all done by the time they give the money because some legal eagle out there decides the money didn't go towards construction," he said. Other members agreed the matter should be handled privately and advised that the town manager or legal counsel coordinate with the donor’s lawyer to ensure the gift can be applied as intended.
The committee also reviewed problems encountered with the installed patio brick program—composite bricks originally intended for engravings were changed to plain red brick during installation—and agreed that fundraising bricks with engraved names will be sited separately after further planning. Members said the Friends of the Senior Center will assist with brick sales and dedications.
The committee recorded that Emergency Management submitted a FEMA/MEMA reimbursement request for 50% of an emergency generator cost; the reimbursement (about $50,000) is in process, according to members. They also discussed transferring AEDs to the new facility and agreed to pursue a small local grants program to cover two additional units.
What’s next: The committee asked the furniture subcommittee to return with a prioritized list and pricing at the next meeting and urged town staff to continue private negotiations with the donor’s lawyer. The committee expects to revisit any purchases or naming/dedication decisions after occupancy and clearer accounting of remaining project funds.
