Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Selection of SMP Architecture as consultant

Motion to select SMP Architecture carried. One member recused himself. The vote count was not given.

After SMP left, the committee compared the three finalist firms it had interviewed: Turner Group, Placework, and SMP. It looked at their qualifications, town project experience, cost estimating methods, and public safety building experience. A member moved to choose SMP Architecture to help develop a concept, needs assessment, site evaluation, and cost estimate for a proposed public safety building. One member recused himself, meaning he stepped out of the vote. The motion was seconded and carried.

Site evaluation and constraints

The committee talked about the proposed town-owned site. SMP Architecture, the firm that presented, said its first walkthrough showed major site problems: wetlands, drainage concerns, and land that sits low compared with the road. It said survey and wetland mapping work was already underway. It also said more information from the town's engineering consultants was needed before deciding if the site is suitable. Committee members said other locations were looked at earlier, but none were available to the town. The current site is still being studied because of its location, road access, and availability.

Needs assessment and facility programming

SMP described how it would build a needs assessment by meeting with police and fire leaders and staff. The list of needs discussed was: police and fire office space, storage for fire trucks and other equipment, training space, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions, community meeting space, evidence and booking areas, fitness and wellness areas, and spaces the two departments share. Committee members said the two departments work well together and that sharing space was a priority where practical. Participants also discussed a public meeting room that could serve as both an EOC and a community space while keeping the rest of the building secure.

Building size and long-term planning

The committee and SMP discussed early space estimates of about 12,000 to 15,000 square feet. SMP advised against building extra space for uncertain future growth. It recommended planning for reasonable staffing and equipment needs over the next 20 to 25 years. SMP also described design approaches that could allow a later expansion without leaving large unused areas in the first building.

Budget development and estimating

SMP said construction is only one part of a full project budget. Legal costs, bond counsel (the lawyers who handle the borrowing), contingencies (money set aside for surprises), permitting, and other costs should also be in the funding request. SMP said it prefers to bring in a construction manager early to give more certain costs, make independent estimates, and help manage risk. SMP said its past projects have stayed within approved budgets and have not needed to go back to voters for more money.

Committee authority and procurement process

The chair said the committee is a subcommittee of the Select Board with limited authority. Its job is to study options, develop recommendations, and present a proposal to the Select Board and then to voters. It cannot commit the town to major contracts above set purchasing limits. SMP said that changing project teams after the planning phase could create risks for cost estimates and continuity. Committee members acknowledged this but said future contract decisions rest with the Select Board under town policy. The committee agreed to bring questions about buying services, construction management, and project delivery methods to the Select Board. SMP may be invited to a future Select Board meeting.