Committee receives updates on dispatch center, community center fit-out; July move-in targeted

At its May 1 meeting, the Town of Westborough municipal building committee received updates on two ongoing building projects: the Phillips Street dispatch center and the community center fit-out intended to house recreation services.

Chair remarks: the committee heard that the fire chief has chosen a project manager for the Phillips Street dispatch center but that negotiations over the manager’s fee are still in progress. The committee agreed there is nothing for it to act on until fee terms are finalized and the project manager is under contract.

Community center fit-out: a committee member reported recent walkthroughs with contractors for painting, plaster work, carpeting and other tasks needed to ready the building for recreation staff to move in by July 1. Two firms said they could meet the July timeframe; the presenter said a written proposal would arrive by the end of the week for staff review. Committee members noted some items proposed for an initial “phase 1” may need to be deferred to later work with an owner’s project manager (OPM) and the full-fit phase to keep the costs manageable.

Budget and governance: committee members said the select board makes OPM appointments and that the town previously approved about $200,000 at town meeting to cover early project costs, including the OPM and architect. The committee expects the select board and staff (Christie) to handle early design and outreach activities; larger construction-phase contracts would return to the municipal building committee for oversight.

IT and move logistics: Jen (staff member) said the recreation department plans to repurpose existing desks and delay major furniture purchases until phase 2; she also said the town’s IT director is preparing network connections and that internet access is a prerequisite for a successful July move-in.

Other items: the committee said it still awaits a closeout update for the Forbes Building and that an outstanding issue with contractor 5 Star remains pending with town counsel (KP Law).

What happens next: staff expect contractor proposals and cost estimates soon; the OPM appointment and final contract terms will determine which items proceed in phase 1 and which are deferred to the full project fit-out later this year.