A.        New Business:

1.         Update on Building Status.

Council President Alba thanks every in attendance this evening as well as the members of the subcommittee for their involvement with the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center.  Council President Alba explains at the last work session that every agenda item could not be addressed due to another Town Council meeting following the work session.  Council President Alba explains that the history of the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center was reviewed at that time, as well as the historical value to the Town.  Council President Alba introduces subcommittee member Robert Leach to present, review and discuss the Conceptual Architectural Plans. 

2.         Review and Discuss Conceptual Architectural Plans.

Mr. Leach explains that he was assigned the task of updating and developing a plan to submit to the Building Official and to use for future specifications for a RFP in the future.  Mr. Leach also confirms that the history of the East Smithfield Neighborhood center was discussed at the last work session.  Mr. Leach further explains that he and Town Manager Rossi met with Recreation Director Caine regarding the portion of the renovations to be used for the Recreation Department.  Mr. Leach states that the proposed plan moves the recreation office to the front of the building comprising a rear entry into a restroom, community service office with a food pantry, storage, recreation office and the Recreation Director’s office.  Mr. Leach further states the building has a capacity of two hundred forty four (244) people without seating and a capacity of one hundred fifty (150) people with seats, as well as upgrades to the restrooms. 

David Russas, Subcommittee Chair, asks if there is parking available for one hundred fifty (150) people. 

Mr. Leach responds that they could likely have striping for fifty (50) cars.  Mr. Leach explains that adjacent to the building are railroad tracks with an easement that could be opened to parking. 

Town Manager Rossi explains that National Grid will allow it as long as an easement can remain in plan for access if need be. 

Mr. Leach also states that there is a walking trail there as well. 

Mr. Russas asks how many employees will be using the facility from the recreation department. 

Town Manager Rossi replies that there would be two (2) to three (3) employees along with one (1) part-time employee. 

Mr. Leach explains that there is a bowling alley in the building, however, at this time there is no plan in effect for the bowling alley.  Mr. Leach suggests the Town Council and subcommittee research a further use of the bowling alley as done by the Hope Artist Village in Pawtucket. 

Mr. Leach refers to the plans and explains there will be additional windows installed as well as a handicap ramp. 

Fire Marshall Dexter states that with the conference room and bowling alley it would allow for more capacity. 

Council member Cavanagh explains that with the additional space the Town could allow for more tri-county services, such as counseling services, doctors, visiting nurses, etc. 

Catherine Lyn, Town resident explains that they would need a larger facility for a CVS Minute Clinic. 

Council member Cerra states that the Community Service Room should remain as is in the floor plan for client privacy and deliveries of food for the food pantry.  Council member Cerra also asks about a sprinkler system in the building. 

Town Manager Rossi explains that based on capacity a sprinkler system is not required, however, when the wires are exposed they intend to install a sprinkler system. 

Fire Marshall Dexter states that although it is not required by code it is recommended.

Mr. Leach states that J. Paul Loether, Executive Director of the RI Historic Preservation Commission visited the building and removed some of the siding to inspect the existing clapboards.  Mr. Loether suggested that the siding be removed to expose the clapboards giving a more authentic presentation.  Mr. Loether also suggests that they de-energize the building and have the electrical power restored to the front of the building safely, installing a 400 amp service.

Mr. Leach explains that they could have cameras installed and signage in order to protect the building from potential vandalism. 

Council President Alba feels that after the building is de-energized and alarm system needs to be installed as soon as possible.

Town Manager Rossi states that the dumpster was removed because it as being used by others. 

Mr. Russas agrees with Council President Alba, however, there must be a less expensive cost structure for a temporary alarm system at this time. 

Town Manager Rossi explains that he has sent drawings out for professional cost estimates. 

Council President Alba states that the Town must protect this building as an asset to the Town, however, the current budget is only $126,624. 

Council member Cerra is not sure if this is premature. 

Mr. Russas states that the building has been vacant for two (2) years and nothing has happened to the building as of yet. 

Council President Alba feels that an abandoned Town of Smithfield building needs and alarm system. 

Town Manager Rossi feels that fencing is not enough of a precaution.

Building Official Cambio states that to energize a condemned building is not cost effective.  Mr. Cambio explains that they could install a temporary service and demo the building to further inspect the condition of the building and if there are any more hidden deficiencies. 

Town Manager Rossi states that they could have electrical services for the inside of the front door and install a safe service. 

Mr. Leach states that in order to do a demo you need full electricity, which also gives a commitment to the community that this building will be restored. 

Council member Lawton asks how we start the demo.

Building Official Cambio replies that they can install a temporary service in order to do the demo. 

Council President Alba feels that they need to protect the building at the lowest cost possible.  Council President Alba is very concerned about vandalism to the building.  Council President Alba further states that an alarm system should already have been in place. 

Fire Marshall Dexter states temporary poles are acceptable with the Fire Department. 

Mr. Leach explains that if we have full electric service it commits the Town to the project and can be used for the expansions. 

Council member Lawton references the Rehab Code presentation and asks if the Town is following that procedure. 

Council member Cerra reads that reads that code and asks if moving forward they are following those procedures. 

Town Manager Rossi explains that there one (1) full subcommittee and one (1) subcommittee which included Town employees as consultants. 

Council member Cerra asks if the Town employee subcommittee members report back to the full subcommittee because of their expertise. 

Town Manager Rossi confirms that process with Council member Cerra. 

Council President Alba explains that we need to work as a team in order for this project to take place.  Council President Alba also thanks Mr. Leach for all his hard work with his plans and hopes that eventually the Town can go out for an RFP for this project. 

Mr. Russas feels that the subcommittee members need to meet with the town hall staff to get cost estimates and have clear discussions. 

Building Official Cambio explains that it would be in the best interest to the Town to demo to the outside frame giving a clear vision of the work that has to be done. 

Council member Cerra understands that electricity is important to the building in order to get the work done, however, she asks the subcommittee to take into consideration the recommendations of Building Official Cambio. 

Mr. Leach believes the Town should consider a 400 amp electrical service in order to make a commitment to the residents of Smithfield. 

Council President Alba also explains that Preserve RI has already inspected the building and requests that review it once more.  Council President Alba further explains that she has met with a grant writer in order to secure grants for future development of the building. 

Council member Kilduff feels that the Town Council and subcommittee need to take into consideration the advice of the Town Official’s that are available.  Council member Kilduff states that everyone wants this building open, but it has to be done in a practical manner.  Council member Kilduff further states that before we install full electricity into this building there needs to be a plan in place. 

Council President Alba states that this is an abandoned building that is not being monitored. 

Mr. Leach explains that this building will be used by the Town as a Recreation Department, food pantry, etc. 

Council member Cavanagh suggests that a part of the building be used in the future for a youth center. 

Council member Cerra requests a list of the subcommittee members, as well as the official town official subcommittee members. 

3.         Update on recent meetings and site visit. 

Council President Alba updates everyone in attendance this evening on the following items:

·       Have met with grant writer for future grants for the development of the building.

·       Met with Robert Caine, Recreation Director, regarding the conceptual plans for the building for the Recreation Department.

·       Continue working with the subcommittee with assignment descriptions as well as the Town Official subcommittee – with recommendations. 

·       Cost Estimation – from local companies. 

4.         Discuss Possible Work Plan for the Center. 

Chair Russas explains that the subcommittee needs to meet by next month to discuss the cost estimation and work plan for the center in the very near future. 

5.         Review and Discuss Current Funding and Potential Future Sources of Funding.   

Council President Alba states that the grant writer will be applying for potential grants pertinent to that building. 

     Motion made by Council Vice-President Lawton, seconded by Council member Kilduff, to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved by a unanimous vote.