Board of Public Works

Minutes of the Board of Public Works Non-Public Meeting of January 5, 2012 Per RSA 91-A:3, II(d) Members Present: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Chairman Lisa Fauteux, Director Tracy Pappas, Vice Chairman Carolyn O’Connor, Fin & Admin Manager Tim Lavoie, Commissioner Roy Sorenson, Superintendent, Streets Dan Gagnon, Commissioner Motion: Commissioner Pappas by roll call that the Board of Public Works go into non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II(d) to consider the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties who interests are adverse to those of the general public. Seconded: Commissioner Gagnon Roll Call: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Chairman: Yes Tracy Pappas, Vice Chairman: Yes Tim Lavoie, Commissioner: Yes Dan Gagnon, Commissioner: Yes Mayor Lozeau advised the Board the City would like to move forward to make an offer on the Dochess property on West Hollis Street in front of the landfill. Recently an opportunity has come to purchase this property. This would allow changing the entrance to the landfill. Originally for sale for $1.3M right now that property and adjoining property is for sale for $500,000. Additionally the City would pursue the adjacent property as a buffer for approximately $150,000. This buffer would be a benefit to residents. The adjustment to the landfill entrance would allow for a separate entrance for City vehicles from residents. At this same time, the City has been contacted regarding the Conway Arena adding a second sheet of ice which would impact the Street Department facility by eliminating a portion of the building. Knowing this information it may be a good time to consider moving all of DPW to one location. Lisa Fauteux, Public Works Director discussed the benefits of moving the DPW Departments to one location. Currently many of the facilities are in poor condition and are requiring costly repairs. The residents would benefit from one stop shopping. A resident would have one location to go for all their needs relating to DPW. The Division would be able to improve efficiencies with cross-training opportunities of staff and improved collaboration with all levels of staffing. The Division could benefit from purchasing efficiencies and improved inventory control could be obtained by having the departments in one location. It is envisioned the new facility would include a truck wash which would assist in maintaining the vehicles. There would be improved emergency response with emergency generator at one facility and improved security for equipment and personnel. Mayor Lozeau advised the Board she is considering the possibility of locating the EOC with the DPW which would be closer to the Police Department. Director Fauteux advised the Board that she and members of her staff had recently toured several communities’ new DPW facilities. The Lexington Massachusetts facility was impressive and appeared to include similar needs of Nashua. The Lexington facility is LEED certified facility. She requested members of Board tour the Lexington facility to assist in determining if this is a direction Nashua would like to move. Mayor Lozeau discussed this would be a good time to review the needs of the City while taking a look at the bonded debt. She advised the Board for every $1M bond it is estimated a $100K annual payment. The School bonds for the high school are almost paid off and timing may be good in the near future to pursue the DPW facility. A discussion was had on some of the benefits of consolidating the DPW facilities such as purchasing efficiencies and better inventory controls. Further cost benefit analysis will be done assessing the cost to continue to operate each facility. The Commissioners agreed with the plan to negotiate purchase of the properties and potentially moving DPW to one location. They would like to schedule a time to tour the Lexington facility. Director Fauteux will contact Lexington to check if the 23rd or 30th would are possible. Motion: Commissioner Pappas to come out of non-public session Seconded: Commissioner Gagnon Motion Carried: Unanimously Motion: Commissioner Pappas to seal the minutes of the non-public session until such time as the majority of the Board votes that the purpose of the confidentiality would no longer be served. Seconded: Commissioner Gagnon Motion Carried: Unanimously