The Board of Finance met with several department heads it had further questions for as it continued its review of the 2027-37 Capital Improvement Plan on October 22.

Public Works Director Fred Hurley provided a brief overview of the proposed fleet replacement schedule, noting that many vehicles have reached the end of their extended useful lives and that continued replacement is necessary to maintain the fleet. Town Engineer John Curtis discussed road improvement plans, including larger projects requiring engineering, drainage improvements, and reconstruction beyond routine maintenance.

Finance Director Glenys Salas clarified that approximately $1 million in state grants is now reported separately from General Fund funding at the auditors' recommendation, with no reduction in overall road improvement funding.

Facilities Manager Scott Heslin provided an update on Town building infrastructure, noting that a facility condition assessment is underway. The results will help identify and prioritize future capital improvements, which are not reflected in the current CIP but will be incorporated as assessments are completed and projects are developed.

Representatives from Edmond Town Hall, including Edmond Town Hall Executive Director Gary Lindemann, Edmond Town Hall Director of Operations Alex Sartori, and Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers Jennifer Guman, reviewed the proposed capital improvements, including electrical upgrades, building envelope repairs, theater two seating, and plumbing.

Lindemann noted the electrical system has experienced ongoing issues with aging wiring, overloaded circuits, and limited capacity for upgrades. A professional assessment estimated the electrical project at approximately $1.75 million. If approved, the project would proceed through a public bidding process. A recent building envelope assessment identified concerns with the slate roof, windows, masonry, and water infiltration. Additional cost estimates are being developed to prioritize necessary repairs. The Board discussed the condition of the roof, including falling slate, and ongoing efforts to address drainage and moisture issues. Recent drainage improvements have helped reduce water infiltration, and air quality continues to be monitored.

Discussion also included potential fundraising opportunities through theater seat sponsorships and the timing of future plumbing replacement.

Community Center Director Matt Ariniello reviewed the proposed CIP, with the Aquatics Center HVAC and dehumidification project remaining the largest priority. The previously proposed supplemental system was determined to be impractical after contractors raised concerns about integrating it with the existing unit. An additional $1.2 million is requested for a more permanent solution, bringing the total project cost to approximately $3 million. The existing system was reportedly undersized for the building, contributing to premature deterioration and ongoing humidity issues.

Excess moisture has also contributed to electrical problems and deterioration of the Aquatics Center roof, which will require replacement. A temporary dehumidification unit is expected to be installed shortly at a monthly rental cost of approximately $11,000-$12,000 while a permanent solution is developed.

Additional CIP projects discussed included locker room flooring and drainage improvements to address safety concerns and water accumulation, as well as future pool deck renovations due to settling and cracking. Salas clarified that the pool deck project totals $2.8 million, with $300,000 previously authorized but not issued and the remaining $2.5 million included in FY 2031/2032. Alternative repair options continue to be explored to reduce costs.

The school's plan shows $3.15 million in new spending for 2027-28.

The spending is mainly comprised of $2 million for planning and design of a new middle school; $410,000 for stadium lighting, drainage, and tennis courts at Newtown High School; $210,000 to replace exterior doors at the high school; and $250,000 for window replacements at the high school.

With an estimated $133 million price tag, the school's capital plan shows $33.25 million in new spending for a new middle school spread across four years, in 2029, 2030, 2031, and 2032.

There will also be $277,000 in new spending in 2028 for a radio system refresh, replacing 85 handsets that are no longer produced or have available parts, and replacing infrastructure at every school plus the Emergency Operations Center, including repeaters, antennas, cabling, and network connections.

In 2029, the schools plan $39.4 million in spending for the middle school, an American Disabilities Act (ADA) study, security software, drainage at Hawley, the driveway at Middle Gate, and a roof at Reed.

In 2030, the only spending is $33.25 million on the middle school.

In 2031, the schools plan $36.29 million in spending on the middle school and high school interior renovations.

In 2032, the schools are planning on $35.79 million in spending on the middle school, ADA improvements at Hawley, and HVAC projects at Middle Gate and Reed.

In 2033, the schools are planning $3.4 million in spending on high school electronic systems.

In 2034, the schools are planning on $3.55 million for district security camera hardware, Reed chillers/controls, and Middle Gate interior renovations.

In 2035, no projects are planned.

In 2036, the schools plan $2.2 million in spending on windows at Head O' Meadow and Middle Gate.

In 2037, no projects are planned.

In 2027-28, the town is planning $13.5 million in capital spending.

Salas noted during her presentation that the goal for the first selectman's half of the capital improvement plan is debt moderation, no new bonded debt in fiscal years 2030 and 2035; fleet modernization, capital lease financing to replace aging vehicles; level funding, stable and predictable impact for taxpayers; and asset stewardship, essential repairs across community and recreational facilities.

The 2027-28 plan for $13,575,598 includes the following, paid for from six different sources:

Capital Financing ($2,390,000): replacement of fire apparatus, $1,430,000; and three public works trucks, $960,000.

Capital & Non-Recurring Fund ($105,000): Town match of grants, $60,000; and Land Use sidewalk program, $45,000.

General Fund ($2,286,000): Safe Streets 4 All planning and demonstration grant project, $46,000; and capital road program, $2,240,000.

Grants ($1,194,000): Safe Streets 4 All planning and demonstration grant project, $184,000; and capital road program, $1,010,000.

Special Revenue Bonds ($980,000): Newtown Community Center multipurpose room upgrades, $130,000; Parks & Recreation Treadwell Artificial Turf and scoreboard replacement, $850,000.

Bonding ($6,620,596): Edmond Town Hall electrical upgrades, $1,750,000; Emergency Management Center building upgrades, $270,000; Fairfield Hills, building remediation and demolition, $300,000; Land Use open space preservation, $200,000; library exterior upgrades, $587,000; Newtown Community Center new HVAC system, $1,225,000; Parks & Recreation, Treadwell Park lighting, $350,000; Public Works, animal control renovation, $348,000; Public Works generator, $300,000; Public Works window restoration, $250,000; and Public Works bridge restoration, $1,000,000.

Changes to the current version of the 2027-28 plan from last year's include: Reductions: Fairfield Hills demolition reduced to remediation of remaining buildings, $2.2 million; NCC exterior shade structure moved to FY29, $270,000; Rail Trail pushed to FY33, $1,400,000; Treadwell playground pushed to FY29, $500,000; Fairfield Hills Trail pushed to FY32, $485,000; and Regional Training Facility pushed to FY29, $425,000.

Additions: Preliminary engineering for sidewalk program, $45,000; supplemental funding for Community Center HVAC, $1,225,000; Treadwell Lighting & Artificial Turf, $1,200,000; SS4A grant accounted for, $230,000; window restoration, $250,000; new grapple truck for DPW, $270,000; other project cost increases to $332,500; and WSA subsidy for capital, $40,596.

The BOF has until November 9 to review and make changes. The Legislative Council will be presented the combined CIPs by the Board of Finance on November 18, and will have until January 20 to approve a final plan.

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.