Board of Education

Middletown Public Schools -Board of Education BOE Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 at 5:30 PM The meeting was held over Zoom and streamed over YouTube. Chairwoman Deborah Cain called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Present: Deborah Cain (Chairperson), Peter Staye, Marco Gaylord, Vinnie Loffredo – City Council member, Dan Penney, John Giuliano, Dr. Alberto Vazquez-Matos - Acting Superintendent, Jonathan Pulino- Board of Ed member, Chris Holden-Deputy Director of Public Works, Joseph Samolis – Director of Economic and Community Development, Bobby Knoll-Peterson, Committee Secretary Leslie Spatola and Ray Linehan from the Board of Education IT department. I. Introductions II. Review of the November 17, 2021 Meeting Minutes Chairperson Cain made a motion to accept the minutes which was seconded Mr. Pulino. II-A Amended Agenda; Discussion of Land Swap – Mr. Holden & Mr. Samolis Mr. Samolis presented a map of the Kaplan Drive/Lawrence School to Newfield Street area showing the land the City and adjacent property owner would like to swap. The property owner has 25.8 acres that he would like to give to the City in exchange for a 4.8-acre parcel and easements preserving some adjoining wetlands and floodplains. This would allow the property owner access to proposed building site that does not cross wetlands. An easement would also allow the city access to that portion of the multi-use trail that would be on the developers’ property. Mr. Holden spoke about the trail from Tuttle Street that goes to Vets Park. The first phase would be past the Lawrence School on the east side so that the easement on the property would give enough space away from the school. The developer will need various approvals to obtain any number of units of residential single bedroom apartments and would have to go before the Board of Education for review due to the close proximity of the school. The exact number of units is not known at this time. Mr. Gaylord has reviewed the notes from a previous meeting in regards to the bike path and having a fence there would still be the case. The road going to the complex would be a driveway subject to discussion as plans become available. Mr. Lofreddo inquired about the safety concerns and contingencies to assure that this would not become a haggling matter. The Board should meet with the City so that restrictions and conditions can be discussed further. III. Update of Macdonough School Feasibility Plan – M. Gaylord Mr. Gaylord is waiting to hear when the Mayor can meet with them and TSKP. (Continued) - Page 2 – IV. Status of the Beman Middle School Construction Project – P. Staye Mr. Staye stated the work continues with the focus being the punch list, auditorium commissioning and site work. We now have a temporary certificate of occupancy for the auditorium. Library shelving, which has been delayed by supply chain issues, is scheduled to arrive during the Holiday Break. The use of Wilderman’s Way for Parent drop off and pick-up will commence on January 3, 2022. Unknown is the status of the Community Center. V. Update of Snow and Farm Hill Schools Roofing Projects – P. Staye Mr. Staye said the Farm Hill roof project is being advertised this Friday (December 17, 2021). We continue to wait for notice from the City regarding if funding for PV at Farm Hill School will be available. That work can be added at a later date. The results from the bid should be back in about a month. Snow School roof is on hold pending a study to determine the cost of installing air conditioning throughout the building – only the library, office and auditorium are air conditioned currently. Proposals from mechanical engineers are to be received on December 17, 2021. Mr. Lofreddo will give the update next month on forming of a committee should the work progress. VI. Discussion on 5-Year Plan for Capital Projects for 2021-2022 – P. Staye Mr. Staye shared the project plan and the distribution of projects both past and present. VII. Facilities Department – Staffing Vacancies – P. Staye Status remains unchanged. VIII. Other Committee congratulated Mr. Staye on his upcoming retirement on January 7, 2022 and commended him for a wonderful job. Mr. Kevin Dion will be replacing Mr. Staye starting January 3, 2022. We wish Mr. Staye the best with his future. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM by Chairwoman Cain and seconded by Mr. Pulino. The next Board of Education Facilities Committee meeting will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 5:30 PM. Minutes recorded by Leslie A. Spatola, Leslie A. Spatola Leslie A. Spatola Facilities Committee Secretary