Police Station
Post date: May 17, 2017 7:46:10 PM
There will be an option to purchase property for the Board's review and approval on Monday evening. (Pending final legal review at the moment.)
Over the past several months, we have been exploring the feasibility of a site for a replacement Police Station. Plans developed for a standalone site that meets all needs as fully new construction is pricing at $6.2 million plus site cost in current dollars. (Original plans updated with 2017 costs by architect earlier this year.)
We have identified a solution that retains an existing building, places some services in that space and then attaches an addition to the rear of the building to house all "essential" functions (Essential requiring that a building be seismic proof - more reasonable to achieve in new construction rather than retrofitting an older building. This proposal meets all our the department's current needs with a responsible flexibility for the future. The Chief supports the location and officers have noted the benefits of the location and see the potential move as a positive. Notably, a new building will address all of the safety issues around bringing people into custody and processing.
The site assessment has included review of current building and site conditions to determine whether building program for Police is feasible. The determination is that it is feasible and the construction estimate for this building is $4.7 million plus site - a significant savings over fully new construction. My expectation is that we have some movement to drop the cost a little further once we get into the details. Practically, this is a design that it is in the right ballpark. I am also very comfortable that we have some outstanding flexibility in terms of putting together a financial package that generates minimal to no impact on taxation - we have opportunities with savings from electricity being generated from landfill solar installation, over $1.6 million in stabilization as well as over $275,000 remaining from prior year funds committed for architectural fees. The likely strategy will rely on a mix applying some of those resources. Just as further building pricing will need to be finalized, this too, will be developed over the coming months.
Following proceeding on the option tonight, we will have reached the end of our contract for architect site selection services. The next step is an RFQ for architectural services for the whole project. I am now reviewing some models I have received from a variety of sources to assemble something that meets our needs. Hopefully, in the next several weeks, we will jump through the procurement legal hoops on this.
Based on what we know so far, my preference is to proceed full steam ahead to get to a position of readiness later this year for a special town meeting to approve any and all items related to the project (site acquisition, building, borrowing - WITHOUT debt exclusion, etc.), and if the town approves, go full speed ahead as prudently as possible, meaning bidding in January and construction/renovation later in 2018.
