Committee told to fund modest preliminary design work to make March vote viable

Committee members pressed contractors on what is required to bring a project to a March vote and who bears upfront costs for preliminary designs and site work. Contractors said a modest investment in civil engineering and conceptual renderings is typically needed so voters can see plans before approving funding.

"It's not unusual to spend 10 or $15,000 on civil engineering," said Peter Middleton, describing early expenses for site work and basic renderings. Speakers emphasized that without at least conceptual plans and a chosen site, the committee will struggle to meet immediate grant and ballot deadlines. The group discussed options for financing that early work—either through committee funds, a warrant article, or phased design spending ahead of a full construction appropriation.

Committee members also raised whether the committee could handle parts of site development (site plan or pad work) separately from construction, and whether an owner's representative should be engaged to manage bigger projects. Members agreed to follow up with sample budgets and to consider a small dedicated design fund to support the March timeline.