Permanent Building Commission outlines middle school options; school and firehouse projects face scheduling delays

Kevin Goff, chairman of the Permanent Building Commission, updated the Board of Selectmen on the facilities master plan at the May 20 meeting, outlining four possible approaches for the middle school and announcing joint meetings to continue planning.

"The options include: taking no action; addressing the identified issues and establishing a repair schedule; completing a full renovation equivalent to new construction; or constructing a new building on property that is mostly owned by the Town but would require the acquisition of an additional parcel in order for the building to fit on the campus," Goff said as he reviewed the middle school options. A joint meeting of the Permanent Building Commission and the Board of Education was scheduled for May 21 to discuss the options in more detail.

Goff also reported that a joint meeting on the Fire House HQ design and budget had been scheduled for May 28 after prior delays, and that HVAC Phase 2 finish work at the high school is underway with a commissioning agent hired to verify completion. He noted that the Sloped Roof and Solar projects are delayed pending the governor's signature on the state budget and may not begin until August if the budget is not signed.

The Permanent Building Commission will continue deliberations at the joint meetings, which will determine preferred cost, scheduling and property acquisition options before any formal recommendations come to the Board of Selectmen.