This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/11/2017 11:00 PMWhat major projects should the town tackle next? The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee recently received the finalized list of recommended projects for the upcoming fiscal year. In reviewing the project requests, First Selectman Tom Banisch highlighted five projects he’d like to see make it through upcoming negotiations with various projects. The projects range from completing existing work at Strong Field to some less publicized projects.
The CIP includes numerous items categorized by annual expenses, such as roadwork and vehicle replacement, and the Capital and Nonrecurring Expenditures (CNRE) fund, which includes projects such as one-time facilities improvements. The CIP is listed in the town side of the budget, though it may contain items for the schools.
For items to end up in the CIP, departments submit requests to the Finance Department; requests are then compiled and sent to the first selectman. The first selectman then considers the projects along with the BOS, prioritizes them, and eliminates those he doesn’t wish to recommend, and then the remaining projects are sent forward to the CIP for further review.
In his proposal, Banisch includes a letter for the CIP Committee reviewing the health and purpose of several funds within the program as well as the proposed cost of the program over the next five years.
“There are a total of 93 (16 new) capital expenditure requests from various town departments, including the Board of Education, for projects to be implemented over the next five years,” the letter reads. “These requests total $18,668,461. Of the $18,668,461, expenditures of $4,256,473 are to occur in FYE 2019.”
Banisch said it’s important to note that a significant portion of the CIP goes to improving public safety and maintenance work for roads and bridges. The CNRE account tends to draw the most attention, however, as the fund includes all of the one-time projects residents are likely to see take place around town.
Within the CNRE, Banisch identified five projects he’d like to see prioritized in the coming year: the town generator replacement for $150,000; maintenance garage improvements for $170,000; completion of Strong Field for $282,725; Town Campus and Arts Barn geothermal HVAC systems that total slightly less than $1 million; and improvements to the Madison Youth and Family Services offices for $187,000.
Banisch noted he doesn’t want to see the town take on any new projects before completing those already funded and underway in the CIP for this current year.
Banisch said the generator is a high priority because if it fails, all of Town Campus could lose power. While Strong Field is not his top priority, Banisch said he just wants to see the project finished. The geothermal project proposals have a big price tag, but Banisch said he is looking at the projects as a possible return on investment as the system could significantly lower the town’s energy costs.
“There are various projects included in the program related to a geothermal study,” he said. “They are inter-related in that one option will eliminate others. We are currently considering a geothermal plan for Town Campus. If we decide to move forward with this process, other projects in the future can be removed.”
The Maintenance Garage
The maintenance garage, located down at the Surf Club behind Strong Field, doesn’t look like much more than a four-bay garage, which is the problem. Beach & Recreation Director Scot Erskine said he has requested these upgrades for a while now because the structure is not big enough for all of the town equipment and is not a great work environment for the 10 or so maintenance staff based out of that building.
The structure has no bathrooms (there is a portable bathroom), no running water, and no break room for the staff to eat lunch. The proposed $170,000 renovations would provide an expansion on the back of the structure for more equipment space as well as a break room, lockers, a bathroom, and water.
“We are trying to protect the town’s assets as far as the equipment and make a comfortable working environment for our workforce,” said Erskine. “The guys just need a place. Nothing has gone wrong yet and the guys have been patient.”
The project was initially brought up at a CIP workshop meeting on Nov. 30. Banisch later told The Source that the project is a priority because he has been convinced that the structure is in need of repairs to improve worker safety and sanitary conditions. He said he wants the project completed now to avoid any potential problems in the future.
“I think we are concerned about going forward,” he said. “Being in compliance with all of the things we need to be in compliance with, worker safety issues and things like that.”
The maintenance workers are part of a union and Banisch said there have been no grievances to date.