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Tremont Select Board directs new cost estimate, design comparison for public safety building
Summary
The Tremont Select Board on March 9 authorized consultants Hedefine Engineering & Design and Design Group Collaborative to produce a new cost estimate and design comparison for a proposed public safety building, including study of a two‑story layout, a smaller generator, and material options. The board passed the motion unanimously.
The Tremont Select Board on March 9 authorized consultants Hedefine Engineering & Design and Design Group Collaborative to prepare a revised cost estimate and design comparison for a proposed public safety building, including a two‑story option, the use of a smaller generator, removal of a three‑phase electrical system, and a comparison of metal prefabricated construction versus wood framing.
The motion was made by Select Board Chair Jamie Thurlow and seconded by Select Board member Kevin Buck; the board voted to approve the authorization. Consultants who attended via Zoom included Rene Courtmanche of Hedefine Engineering & Design and Carla Haskell of Design Group Collaborative, and Public Safety Building Committee member Josh Reed participated in the discussion.
Why it matters: the choice between a one‑ or two‑story design and between prefabricated metal and wood framing materially affects initial construction costs, long‑term maintenance, and utility needs for a public safety facility. The board’s request asks the consultants to quantify those tradeoffs so the town can compare options before committing reserve funds or a final design.
What the consultants were asked to do: the Select Board directed the consultants to (1) produce an estimate showing the cost savings, if any, of a two‑story building; (2) include the cost and operational implications of using a smaller generator; (3) study the removal of a three‑phase electrical system; and (4) compare metal prefabricated structures with traditional wood‑frame construction. The board’s motion explicitly authorized the two consultants to draw up the new estimate and comparisons.
Next steps: the consultants are expected to return with the revised estimate and option comparisons for the board to review and to inform decisions about use of the Public Safety Building Reserve. The board did not adopt a final design or authorize construction at this meeting.
The Select Board’s meeting opened at 5:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
