December 13, 2021 | Town Admin TOWN OF SUTTON Pillsbury Memorial Town Hall 93 Main Street Sutton Mills, NH Sutton Mills, NH 03221 Select Board December 13, 2021 @ 4:30 p.m. William I. Curless, Chair opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Present at the meeting were: William I. Curless, Chair, Walter Baker, Jr., Selectman; Adam Hurst, Road Agent; Brandon Grendell, Assistant Road Agent; Thomas Schamberg, State Representative; Emilio Cancio-Bello, KRSD School Board Representative; Charles Langille, KRSD Principal; Susan Knight and Elly Phillips, Town Administrator. APPOINTMENTS: At 4:30 p.m. Adam Hurst, Road Agent, and Brandon Grendell, Assistant Road Agent, met with the Board to discuss Highway Department staffing. Mr. Hurst advised that a member of the Road Crew has resigned. Mr. Hurst will arrange for the crew member to have an exit interview with the Town Administrator. Mr. Hurst advised that the last two hires for the highway department applied in response to a help wanted sign. Mr. Hurst noted the highway department did not receive a positive response from newspaper advertising. Mr. Hurst recommended using the Indeed website to recruit, adding that many towns use this approach. Mr. Hurst described the application approach and costs. Mr. Hurst provided a sample job description for Board review. Mr. Hurst will also use the town website and NHMA to advertise the position. Mr. Grendell said that people nowadays are using the internet rather than print media. Mr. Hurst will require the successful applicant to possess a CDL license due to new training regulations. Mr. Hurst discussed uniforms and equipment required for a new hire and recommended that the Select Board review the town’s current uniform policy. Selectman Baker asked how the recent resignation will affect the highway department. Mr. Hurst responded that the highway department has worked with five guys before. It places an additional work burden on the staff and takes more time especially in the winter. Selectman Baker asked about the impact on overtime hours. Select Curless felt that the staffing shortage would result in overtime for storm events. Mr. Grendell observed that a COVID diagnoses could have a significant impact on the crew. Mr. Hurst felt that recruiting part-time operators should be explored. Selectman Baker suggested researching independent operator rates as well. The Board approved the use of the Indeed website and ad copy for the vacancy. Mr. Hurst felt it would increase the applicant pool. Emilio Cancio-Bello, KRSD Representative, opened the information meeting regarding a proposed Kearsarge Regional High School construction project for a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, Mathematics) wing and renovation of the existing Physical Education locker rooms. Mr. Cancio-Bello said that parts of the project were to address issues that have been postponed over the years for various reasons including funding. Mr. Cancio-Bello stated that these items needed to be included in the project at this time because if they were postponed, newly constructed elements would be affected and would result in increased costs. Mr. Cancio-Bello said that the roof of the existing structure needs to be reinforced and repaired at a cost of a couple million dollars. Locker room repairs/renovations have been discussed since the addition of the second story of the high school. The locker rooms are outdated and cannot be used. During the construction and renovation of the auditorium the school wanted to address issues associated with the music program and shops. These issues were not addressed at that time, because a decision was made to condense the project to the actual footprint of the auditorium. The auditorium does not have accessible bathrooms or changing rooms so public bathrooms in the main body of the school have to be used. The school does not have adequate facilities for a STEAM program. The proposed project will involve some new construction for the STEAM program and renovation of existing areas including the library and auditorium. Mr. Cancio-Bello introduced Charles Langille, KRSD Principal, to elaborate on the project. Mr. Langille noted that the district does a great job with 75% of the students that are going on to colleges and universities, but additional focus is needed for the 25% of the students that are going on into the workforce and trades. Steam involves Science, Technology, Applied Arts and Mathematics. Applied Arts is the key word. The STEM approach has been used for many years. After talking with business leaders, it was determined that vital communication skills were overlooked. The school currently has adequate instructional space for science and for performances. However, several classes do not have adequate space such as computer science and robotics. Students participating in the robotics program have to go to the SAU in the afternoon to compete and use the robots that they are learning to program. There is no space at the high school suitable for running robotics. For technical education (formerly known as woodshop), with the advancement of computerized tools and machinery, there is no safe space, free from sawdust, to set up a computer. The middle school has this capability. CAD design machines have to be used in non-building spaces. Students have to go to the computer room and then back to the shop space. Graphic Arts does not have adequate green/dark room space to reproduce photographs and designs. Performing Arts has a great auditorium but the back of the house is insufficient, with no bathrooms, changing rooms, or prop storage. Culinary Arts is one of the most popular classes. Culinary Arts has 130-145 students who would like to take the classes. There is room for about 45-50 tables. The lab can hold 12-15 students. Extra classes/periods have been added to accommodate student needs which has an impact on salaries. The library is oversized for library needs as so much is computerized and done in small areas and breakout spaces. The library would be carved up to accommodate other needs. Currently 75% of the students are going to 2-4 year colleges/or tech, the remaining 25% are going into the military, workforce, or apprenticeships. The STEAM model is a cross-disciplinary learning model. STEAM focuses on project based learning. This approach would bring students that are into physics, math, science together with those who are interested in the arts. Mr. Langille provided handouts and displayed a blueprint of the project and discussed the key elements of the renovated/expanded spaces as follows. Two art clasrooms – one for 2-D and 3-D (drawing painting, ceramics sculpture, jewelry. Graphic design/photograph (printing to move to shared space) Music (increase size of general classroom) Instrumental instructional and practice (consolidate/expand into more functional rooms) STEAM/computer science lab (improved focus and function) Technical education (improved storage, modern manufacuring space, space for collaborative design) Culinary (meet needs of 3 spaces: kitchen, eating/serving, teaching. Mr. Langille expounded on the renovated and expanded tech education for robotics/computer programing and 3-D design work and lab space, and the updated teaching, learning, and service kitchen for culinary arts. The new construction would provide for: Flexible classroom spaces (3 instructional and work spaces for multiple purpose and culinary/STEAM programs. 3-D art room (classroom, kiln room, storage) Culinary (inside and outside dining area, point of sale, hostess station, seating for 10, bathroom and dishwashing. Music and Theater storage and offices Robotics lab (currently located at the SAU). Physical Education/Athletics construction would provide for: Proper private and secure athletic training space Modernized locker room/team spaces Space for referees/adults separate from students Updated concessions Storage for floor coverings and machines Improved and added storage for PE Mr. Langille discussed the maintenance enhancements which will need to be done regardless of whether the STEAM Bond is approved. Roof replacement with structural enhancements Building generator Replacement and repair plumbing insulation and isolation valves Clean existing ductwork Upgrade end of life HVAC systems Upgrade original electrical transformers Building wide lighting replacement to LED Mr. Langille reviewed the cost estimates for the project: Base Cost for Construction $15,642,605 Roof replacement and upgrades $ 2,462,161 Facilities upgrades and repair $ 2,672,285 Physical education locker rooms $ 1,185,598 Generator Installation $ 306,595 Total Project Cost $22,270,244 The estimated cost for the project was discussed. The local property tax impact and project overview materials are available on the KRSD website at the following address: www.kearsarge.org/district/steam-wing-renovation-project-overview The project will be done in three phases. Phase one will be done in the summer of 2023. Phase 2 will be done during the Summer of 2023 to the Summer of 2024, Phase 3 will be done during the Summer of 2024. Selectman Curless gave his opinion from a personal standpoint which was that he didn’t support spending any more money on the School District, because it is bleeding our town dry. He wouldn’t mind spending it if it didn’t increase the overall school budget. Selectman Curless said that the town suffered from citizens wanting municipal functions such as police department needs and highway trucks cut. Selectman Curless reiterated that the school costs were bleeding the town dry. Selectman Curless said that if there was some way to cut down on the overall impact to taxpayers it would be very beneficial to the taxpayers. Selectman Baker added that no one disagrees with the overall concept and asked how many kids would actually benefit. Mr. Langille responded that this project would benefit all the students. The ones that would benefit the most were approximately 120 students. The district high school population is approximately 530-540 and that is a fairly flat projection over the next ten years. Selectman Curless supported the concept of trade education. Emilio Cancio-Bello said that a significant number of students would benefit over the 25% not going on to college through the physical education enhancements and other programs. Selectman Curless observed that the need has been there for many years and it was too bad that it hasn’t been addressed previously. Mr. Cancio-Bello elaborated on the district’s attempts to promote enhancements over many years. Cost savings can be achieved by doing the project all at once. Mr. Langille emphasized that the roof replacement and facilities upgrades will have to be done regardless of whether the project passes. Mr. Langille advised that 8 million dollars for the upgrades would get integrated into a regular budget if the project doesn’t pass which would have a significant tax impact. Mr. Langille observed that the bond rates are very low at this time. Selectman Curless suggested getting a longer bond rate. Mr. Cancio-Bello noted that there was only 4-years left on the middle school bond so that cost will be gone in another 4 years. Selectman Baker asked for a tax impact breakdown of what the 8 million dollars would be. When asked about staffing impact, Mr. Langille said that there was adequate staff now. A savings would be achieved by reducing the extra periods. Another area of savings would be achieved through energy savings from the roof, pneumatic system, and lighting upgrades. Mr. Cancio-Bello said that the district has already seen dramatic savings just from the replacement of lighting in the auditorium. Mr. Langille said there was state aid that was potentially available in January and this is not always the case. Selectman Baker said that as much as he hates seeing a bond dragged out, anything that you can do to get the impact knocked down would be beneficial. Mr. Cancio-Bello discussed the increased costs associated with delaying projects. Selectman Baker asked about traffic impact and parking. Mr. Langille reviewed the proposed logistics noting that the way it was staged, a large portion would be usable for most of the year. There was adequate parking available during the project. Evacuation protocols are being revised so that there will be ample parking. Mr. Langille said that he will take the Board’s feedback back to the district. Susan Knight asked when this would be voted on and was informed d that there is a deliberative session scheduled for January 8, 2022, and that the vote on the STEAM project would be a ballot vote on March 8, 2022. The Board encouraged citizen participation at the January 8, 2022, deliberative session as well as on election day. The minutes from December 6, 2021, were approved as written. The Board reviewed and approved the following manifests: Vendor Manifest: $ 12,132.39 Payroll Manifest: $ 11,102.73 BUILDING PERMITS: The Board approved a building permit for Turtle Ant Properties LLC, 06-200-494, Wadleigh Hill Road, for a dwelling. INTENT TO CUT: The Board approved an intent to cut from Sara Harkins, 04-244-418, Meetinghouse Hill Road for 4 acres out of 31.9 SELECTMEN COMMENTS: The Board discussed the need for a facilities staff person for maintenance and custodial functions. Selectman Curless discussed conducting annual performance reviews in August and giving raises in September in conjunction with performance reviews. Selectman Curless suggested that the Board appropriate .5% of the overall salary increase in the contingency line item for raises. The Board discussed COLAs and felt that the COLA should be applied to all staff and not tied to parity and merit. REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE: The Board reviewed correspondence from Jack Noon regarding the Old Store Museum. Selectman Baker will follow up. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elly Phillips Town Administrator