Minutes 03-11-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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He said the center section of the existing building was the focus of the advisory group work. He said there are a total of 16 classrooms the 2 educational wings. He said one of the classrooms in the south wing has been folded into the design of the community center as a result of its location with regard to the fire partition and as part of an effort to create more space for programming needs. John Thomas said the proposal includes plans for paving the gravel lot to the south, shifting the entrance to improve site lines, and improving the landscaping. He said a new entry plaza in the rear will become the main entrance, and a memorial will be created in the front to commemorate the older school. He said a system of sidewalks will be created to connect the paved parking areas to the entrances and walking trail. He reviewed each of the rooms shown on the blueprint. He said the community center will include the following: a multi-purpose room; permanent space for parks and recreation; a dual use conference room; an internet cafe; a multi-media room; an office for onsite staff; and flexible dividable space located in the former cafeteria. He said the kitchen will be re- developed into a limited use warming kitchen, due to septic issues. John Thomas said his firm is proposing the inclusion of a multi-media room for tutoring and internet access, and this would take the place of a lot of the functions that the library once filled. He said this would allow a potential remote location for the library to send requested books. Commissioner Gordon asked if this is the area that is currently funded in the CIP. John Thomas said yes. John Thomas noted the location of the current septic. He said this existing system has a capacity of 2,400 gallons per day, and 1,000 gallons of this are allocated to the park. He said this only leaves 1,400 for the facility, which is the reason for the occupancy limitations noted on the slide — 140 persons for full day use. Commissioner McKee asked how often the park is used, if that much septic capacity is dedicated to it. He said the effective absorption rate is actually higher due to the limited use of the park. John Thomas said he does not have an answer to this; however Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) creates heavy use of the 3 ball fields located there. Chair Jacobs noted that this septic allocation is also meant to accommodate the future expansion of the park. Commissioner Pelissier said she thought that the 1,000 gallons was based on the planned full park use. John Thomas said this number is fixed. Chair Jacobs said Commissioner Dorosin had brought up putting money in the CIP to move the septic system across the street. He said the CIP has not been discussed, but this may be another way to address this in the future. Commissioner Dorosin said the Board could also consider making seasonal adjustments to the septic allocations for times when the park is not in heavy use. Commissioner Rich asked how the capacity and use of the system will be monitored. John Thomas said formulas for usage are developed based on proposed activities. He said it would take a stout use to utilize 1,000 gallons per day. He said there are a lot of safety measures built into this number. He said no one would be counting heads, but there would be need to be awareness of the programming and participation. Jeff Thompson said to actively manage this facility will be intensive from the staff standpoint. He said if this moves forward, a discussion could be opened with environmental health about how to modify the existing septic permit limits. Commissioner Gordon asked what the number of people would be if every room was filled in the community center simultaneously.