MINUTES OF THE NEW SITE STUDY COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2001, AT 9:00 A.M.
IN THE CORNWALL TOWN HALL

Committee members present were: Nancy Calhoun, chairman; Josie Whitney, and Charlie Hodgman. Also present was ex-officio member Gordon Ridgway, First Selectman; and one member of the press. Absent were Charlie Hepprich and Peter Coope, ex-officio.

Mrs. Calhoun called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

The Agenda stood as presented.

Meetings were scheduled for Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. at the Cornwall Town Hall ö November 13, November 27, and December 4. A final report is due on December 17.

The charge to this committee is to:

• Develop cost estimate with aid of Casle Corporation for an educationally equivalent building as is being proposed for existing site. Have existing components and new features per 9/20/01 needs analysis
• Examine future expansion possibilities
• Efficient design
• Consult with principal and town boards
• Determine site availability
• Determine disposition of current CCS building
• Prepare presentation of work to Town Meeting, January 2002

One realtor Mrs. Calhoun has spoken with thinks that the CCS building is quite sellable and in October gave an opinion of value of $2.6-$2.95 million price. The current septic problems could influence selling the building for multiple housing units, but the building might also be used as a small headquarters for corporate offices. There may be New York businesses looking for office space and Mrs. Calhoun has sent an article to the Cornwall Chronicle requesting networking for options to sell CCS.

Responding to Mr. Ridgwayâs comment that such a use would not be approved by Cornwall P & Z, Mrs. Calhoun said that in speaking with Rick Lynn, Chairman of P & Z, that any plan for a new school or another use for the old school would require a special permit, but that it is possible.

Mrs. Calhoun cited newspaper articles regarding development pressures in the northwest corner. She also said that state mandates are changing (a pre-Kindergarten program may be required for all schools) and noted that Cornwall Consolidated School is one of only three school buildings in Connecticut with a wooden core. Mr. Ridgway responded that he didnât think the state would close the school because of that. Mr. Ridgway cited census data indicating a decline in numbers of school age children in the area, as well as families of childbearing age. Mrs. Calhoun noted that state projections have been proven inaccurate time after time. Mr. Hodgman thinks that there will be another shift to an increased population in Cornwall, in all age groups, due to technology allowing more people to work from home.

It was agreed that the student population numbers to build for should be consistent with Casleâs work and with both study groups. We agreed to look at figures of both 217 and 250 students.

Mrs. Calhoun invited committee members to review the Space Needs Assessment developed by Friar Architects. This is a review of every program area in the school. Citing a Cornwall Association Profile regarding what the town wants/needs, a community center tops the list. She also distributed the Educational Strategic Study Committeeâs report and Bill Orosâs Educational Specifications. Mrs. Calhoun quoted articles about new/renovated schools throughout the United States. Successful school building projects are those where the townspeople have ownership of the building, where meetings and activities for all age groups take place in the school.

Committee members will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 1 in front of the Town Hall to visit Town Hill School in Lakeville. Town Hill was built on one level, saving money because no stairwells or elevators were needed.

Committee members will meet at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, November 5 in front of the Town Hall to visit Taconic Hills Central School in Craryville, New York. Among numerous awards received is the recently awarded national prize by American School & University for the one school project in the country which best represents superior educational design.

Mrs. Calhoun asked for a copy of the contract with Casle Corporation. The committee agreed that as the process continues, they want to be able to tell the town exactly and clearly, how taxes would be affected. Mr. Ridgway said to give the figures to Mr. Gold and the Board of Finance. Mrs. Whitney suggested costing out each room to give a clear picture of what "makes" the building (and its cost). Mr. Hodgman noted the value in cost/square footage advantages of a larger building. Mrs. Calhoun also wanted the option to ask for George Lapeâs services as a professional estimator.

Mrs. Calhoun proposed that the town look into taking advantage of the present 3% bond rate, the lowest itâs been since 1975. The rate at the time of the previous project was 6.57%. Mr. Ridgway indicated that the town has a good working relationship with the bond council and that if the need arose to act on a bond issue, it could be accomplished rather quickly. Mrs. Calhoun also suggested that some of the capital reserve could be used for a building project, as she had discussed with Mr. Gold.

Minutes will be posted on the cornwallct.org website and information on the activities of the committee will go to newspapers and the Cornwall Chronicle.

Committee members will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7 in front of the Town Hall to walk the Foote property. Mr. Ridgway supplied a wetlands map of the property. Mrs. Calhoun said she was investigating other properties as well.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m.