PSB Meeting Minutes
Wolfeboro Public Safety Building Ad Hoc Committee
Minutes of meeting 10/20/2020, 1000 via GoToMeeting
In attendance: Paul O’Brien, Robert Loughman, Robert Tougher, Dave Senecal, Kevin Sanzenbacher, Jim Pineo, Chief Norm Skantze, Chief Dean Rondeau, Captain Mark Livie, Deputy Chief Tom Zotti.
Meeting was called to order by Paul O’Brien at 1005.
Robert Loughman moved to approve the minutes of the 10/23/2020 meeting. Chief Rondeau seconded. All in favor.
O’Brien asked the members to review the documents sent out yesterday on Lavallee Brensinger Architects (LBA) work to date.
O’Brien said the subject for today’s meeting is to narrow down whether the two department should remain together or split. He noted the PD would require 1.2-1.5 acres of land as a stand-alone, while the FD would need 2.5-3. The existing PSB is on 1.89 acres. Estimates of cost to temporarily relocate during construction are PD $100-300K, FD $400K+. He sees five options:
1- PD, FD remain at current site
2- PD, FD move together to new single site
3- FD stays, PD moves to new address
4- PD stays, FD moves to new address
5- PD, FD go separate ways at two different new addresses
He expects a new combined site would need to be 3-3.25 acres.
David Senecal has identified 14 pieces of town owned land over three acres in size. Chief Skantze said town water/sewer availability is strongly preferred, Chief Rondeau said it may be preferred for PD but not absolutely necessary.
Discussion ensued about some specific proposed locations.
Loughman asked if the money was available would the existing design from LBA on the current site be acceptable. He noted it would add to costs if the town needed to buy two parcels of land.
Kevin Sanzenbacher offered a sixth option: move the FD administration to a separate building. Chief Skantze explained that as a small department the Chief and Deputy Chief, while administrators, both have many operational roles. He said it could work but would not be preferred.
Discussion followed regarding the proposed combined building on the current site. O’Brien said based on the discussion we should drop that option and consider the rest.
Robert Tougher asked about the availability of grant money. Several members said that after research and discussion with elected officials it appears the availability of grant money is minimal. Chief Skantze noted the USDA has had some money available for purchase of some types of equipment. O’Brien said the group should invite the elected officials to help figure it out as the proposal moved forward.
Loughman stated it appears the existing site would be a spot for the PD with the FD relocating to another piece of town owned property. Senecal indicated it is hard to find a large enough piece of town owned property that is served by water and sewer. Loughman asked if the current site at 1.89 acres would work for the FD only. Senecal said there are no currently available town properties contiguous with the current PSB. Chief Skantze feels additional work with LBA needs to be done to be able to answer the question (can the program fit on the site) but that it’s probably possible. Tougher said an advantage is it keeps the FD nearer to the higher density of town. O’Brien said what Chief Skantze is saying is to rethink the use of the substation and perhaps use it to reduce the presence on the current site.
O’Brien stated this takes the “PD/FD together at current site” option off the table. Loughman said it’s not completely off the table but should be moved lower on the priority list.
O’Brien said we will work with LBA and Chief Skantze to reconsider the FD design on the current site.
Tougher asked if the FD substation could be eliminated. Chief Skantze explained that the rolling stock needs a home and property owners in the northern part of town generally see an insurance benefit to having a fire station within 5 miles.
O’Brien asked if the existing PD building rendering by LBA is adequate. Chief Rondeau said yes, he is comfortable with it and we could build it.
O’Brien summarized by saying the preference at this point is to keep the FD on the current site, look for another site for the PD and talk to elected representatives about any potential grant money that may be available. The group formed two subcommittees (Team Fire, Team Police) to learn more about specific needs of each.
Team Fire: O’Brien, Tougher, Senecal, Chief Skantze, Zotti
Team Police: Loughman, Sanzenbacher, Chief Rondeau, Captain Livie.
Chief Rondeau offered to help coordinate site visits to other police stations. Committee email addresses: Paul O’Brien: pobrien@wolfeboronh.us David Senecal: dsenecal@wolfeboronh.us Robert Loughman: robertl03894@gmail.com Robert Tougher: tougherbob@yahoo.com Kevin Sanzenbacher: kevinsanzenbacher@gmail.com Chief Norman Skantze: firechief@wolfeboronh.us Chief Dean Rondeau: DRondeau@wolfeboropolice.org Captain Mark Livie: MLivie@wolfeboropolice.org
Town Manager Jim Pineo: townmanager@wolfeboronh.us
Motion to adjourn at 1109 by Loughman, seconded by Chief Rondeau. All in favor.
Next meeting Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 1000.
Respectfully Submitted,
tjz