Article 10

To learn more about this Article, visit the New DPW information webpage at www.boxfordma.gov/NewDPW.

ARTICLE 10.  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow the sum of $1,550,000 to pay costs of consulting and engineering services to design, seek regulatory permitting approval, provide plans and specifications, conduct competitive construction bidding, and undertake other services as necessary, for the construction of a new Department of Public Works building and associated structures on Town-owned land off Spofford Road, including the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto; said amount to be expended under the direction of the Permanent Building Committee; and authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Select Board to borrow said amount or any portion thereof under and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 7, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; and to authorize the Chief Procurement Officer under the direction of the Permanent Building Committee to enter into any and all agreements and execute any and all instruments as may be necessary on behalf of the Town to effectuate the execution of said Project; that the Select Board is authorized to apply for and accept grants or gifts available for this project, provided that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant or gift amount paid to the Town prior to the issuance of any bonds or notes under the authority of this vote; or take any other action thereon.

                                   Sponsored and supported by Permanent Building Committee

                                   Select Board recommends adoption of this article

                                   Finance Committee recommends adoption of this article

COMMENT:  The last several months the Permanent Building Committee has been working with Helene-Karl Architect to begin the process of designing a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility to replace the existing 54-year-old garage, auxiliary sheds, and trailers.   For almost two decades, the Town has documented the need for a new facility to safely and efficiently support DPW operations. The existing facility has not kept pace with population, work, and equipment growth. The structures are in poor condition, present occupational health and safety issues, and are inadequate to meet the Town’s needs.

At the May 14^th Town Meeting, voters will be asked to authorize $1.55M to fund the completion of the proposed site and building design and put the project out to bid for construction. The new facility will be centrally located on 3 acres of Town owned land beyond the Recycling Center and adjacent to the solar array. During this next phase, the proposed site and building will go through a comprehensive design development process to further refine and value engineer the project and create the most cost effective and efficient DPW facility for Boxford.  For more information, please visit:   www.boxfordma.gov/NewDPW.com.