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Avon Council authorizes $18,000 for design work to study moving Social Services to Senior Center
Summary
After debate over sequencing of Senior Center improvements, Avon Town Council voted unanimously to authorize $18,000 in CIP funds for CRCOG-contracted architectural drawings and cost estimates for relocating the Department of Social Services to the Senior Center, using recently awarded $100,000 grant funds and part of the FY26 capital appropriation.
The Avon Town Council on Oct. 9 authorized $18,000 to pay CRCOG Job Order Contracting for architectural drawings and a detailed cost estimate to study relocating the Department of Social Services to the Avon Senior Center.
Town Manager officials said the FY26 capital program included a $250,000 appropriation for Senior Center projects (carpet replacement, kitchen work, foyer doors and ADA improvements). The legislature also recently awarded a $100,000 grant that must be spent by June 30, 2026. Staff proposed using a portion of available funds to design a remodel that converts the Senior Center craft room into private Social Services offices and creates a new multi-purpose room through a bump-out on the building’s east side.
Jennifer Bennett, Director of Social & Senior Services, said co-locating Social Services at the Senior Center will improve accessibility for clients and reduce time staff spend moving between locations. The Town Manager said the existing Social Services office on the second floor of Building #5 is poorly located for client access and confers confidentiality issues.
Council members debated priorities: Mrs. Bratton and Mrs. Barthel emphasized voter-approved projects such as front-door replacements, chimney repairs and kitchen design; Mr. Weber said the consolidation would improve service delivery and is an opportune use of the grant. The Assistant Town Manager said the generator was not included in the current $250,000 but estimated foyer door replacement alone at roughly $150,000. The larger package previously presented to Council totaled approximately $500,000; the current request authorizes only design work to clarify costs.
The motion to authorize $18,000 for design services was made by Chairman Polhamus, seconded by Mr. Weber, and passed unanimously. Council directed staff to return with drawings and a detailed budget; if Council later decides not to proceed with the office consolidation, the Town can still spend the $100,000 grant on other Senior Center projects before the June 30, 2026 deadline.
Next steps: CRCOG will prepare design drawings and cost estimates; staff will present alternatives and a recommended budget for Council consideration in December or January.
