Committee accepts oversight of regional dispatch retrofit at Harvey Building

Chief Purcell told the Municipal Building Committee on March 27 that a multi‑year effort to create a regional dispatch center has culminated in a State 911 grant award and a proposed retrofit of 20 Phillips Street, known as the Harvey Building.

"We were awarded the first installment of that grant, and I've provided a letter for you here," Chief Purcell said, outlining a phased funding plan and a second, larger grant application planned for November with anticipated funds available by July 1, 2025. He told the committee the initial award covers building renovation but not the dispatch technology, and that additional grant dollars will fund equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Purcell and staff briefed the committee on procurement: six OPM (owner’s project manager) bids arrived via BidNet, one was disqualified, and three finalists will present on April 3 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The committee discussed whether interviews would be open to observers and what the committee’s ongoing role would be in reviewing OPM reports and authorizing payments as the town fiduciary.

On governance, Purcell said Westborough will retain ownership of the building while the dispatch district, formed under Mass. General Laws (referenced in the briefing as chapter 6A), will operate under a separate district structure with a board of directors (initially the two town managers) and an operational oversight committee of the four chiefs to develop policies and standardize procedures across member towns.

Officials described several operational benefits: centralized maintenance and replacement of equipment, a single radio and records infrastructure, and a phased assessment structure that is expected to reduce each town’s long‑term dispatch costs once the district is fully funded. Purcell also noted site advantages: the Harvey Building is close to the existing fire station and may be able to use a microwave link to the station tower rather than installing a new tower on site.

Committee members pressed about aesthetics, parking and mature trees on the Harvey Building site; Purcell said ADA accommodations and parking requirements may affect some trees but that detailed decisions will come during design. He also said two nonprofit tenants (the community chorus and troop 100) have been notified and the town has committed to assist with relocation or temporary storage.

Speaker 1 moved and Speaker 5 seconded a motion for the Municipal Building Committee to accept responsibility for overseeing the project; the committee voted by voice and approved the motion unanimously. Chief Purcell said staff will provide the RFQ package and interview schedule in committee packets ahead of the April 3 presentations.

Next steps: OPM finalists will present on April 3; staff will proceed with the second grant application in November for funds expected to be available July 1, 2025; committee members will review OPM reports and assist with oversight during the initial phases of design and construction.