Present: F. Maffe, J. Nye, S. Werbner, T. Robinson, A. Mistretta, L. O'Neill*,
M. Rizzo, S. Edwards, L. Spadaccini, S. Cassano, J. Howroyd*

Absent: None

*arrived at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor Cassano called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.

Mayor Cassano led the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings

Mayor Cassano asked for a motion to adopt the minutes of the July 15, 2004.

MOTION: Nye/Maffe s.v. The Education Subcommittee accepts the minutes from July 15, 2004. (9/0/0)

Mayor Cassano commented that there does not seem to be any public opposition on the high school referendum. He stated that the second meeting in October would be dedicated to the Board of Education for a televised presentation on the addition to the high school. Other presentations would be done within the community.

2. Bennet Middle School Renovation/Replacement

Mayor Cassano stated that at the last meeting, the Committee left with a recommendation to build a new school at Hillstown Road. There has been opposition to any site out of downtown, citing transportation issues. The only central location considered is the parkade, although no position has been taken. If the parkade were used, 50% of the cost would be shared by the State, and is in walking distance for many of the students who currently walk to Bennet. Since 75% of the public will be voting in November, he asked Mr. Werbner to put together a brief survey to be used at the election polls to collect public opinion regarding the Bennet issue. This is not a scientific survey, but a way to get a feel of what the public is thinking.

Mr. Werbner distributed the survey to the members of the Committee.

Mayor Cassano asked the Committee to review the questionnaire and submit any comments or concerns that they may have.

Ms. Nye asked that a phrase be added to one section of the survey, because the cost of the project is unknown.

Mayor Cassano stated the Downes Group has provided numbers before; however, based on the work that had to be done at Bennet before the opening of school, there remain unknown factors and costs. He stated that a referendum for a new building could be done in May, and if it is voted down, another attempt for renovation could be voted on in June.

Ms. Nye had another change on the survey to add the estimated cost of building a new Bennet, and not just the cost of renovation.

Mr. Werbner stated that item one on the survey was intended to give both costs.

Ms. Nye did not believe it was clear as stated,

Mr. Werbner stated they would separate out the costs on the survey.

Ms. Nye suggested a different format to spell out the costs.

Mr. Werbner stated they were trying to keep the survey as easy as possible so that voters could fill it out quickly in line.

Mayor Cassano stated that it is important to keep it brief as voters will be in line waiting to vote, and it is imperative not to tie up the line. He asked for feedback about the concept of a survey.

Mr. Rizzo agreed with the concept. He agrees the costs of renovation or new should be separated out. He felt that the committee needs to be very sensitive and concise regarding the numbers that are given.

Mr. Werbner stated that loose estimates are being used, and feels it best that the committee agrees on the number that would be used.

Mr. Rizzo wasn't sure if land acquisition or swing space costs should be included as well.

Mr. Werbner stated that this is very difficult to estimate, as it could be a very big range.

Mayor Cassano stated there are no town sites that could accommodate a junior high school for 750 children. He felt that everyone wants to keep the junior high school together for this period to enable the students to have a junior high school educational opportunity. A requirement of swing space is that it meets the needs of the students. He feels that property acquisitions are extremely important, as well as the decision for separate heating systems. He stated there have been tours of the building, and there will be more upcoming closer to a referendum. He suggested touring Two Rivers to see what a new middle school looks like. Additionally, he commented that it has been over 40 years since a school has been improved in town.

Mr. Spadaccini feels that if the cost is unknown, then a cost should not be provided on the survey. Regarding a new middle school, there are various costs depending on which site is selected. The question of swing space is also an open question. He stated he has no problem with the concept of surveying public opinion, but he feels it will be hard to come up with a set of assumptions that everyone agrees with. He also believes that there has to be consistency among the polling places regarding the surveys. He feels that there have to be procedural safeguards to ensure the degree of confidence in the survey.

Mayor Cassano agreed that this is a concept survey, and is used to get opinion on a direction to either renovate or build. Costs will be determined at a later date.

Mr. Edwards stated that he had no problem with an exit poll and believes that the document could be formatted so that it is easy to fill out. He agrees that it would be hard to come up with assumptions and costs. He stated that swing space could be used by various classes and configurations.

Mr. Robinson stated that the Committee voted in favor to adopt a new middle school at the July 15 meeting. He feels that the committee has worked very hard, and that the survey needs to go beyond the concepts and have some figures tied to it. He stated options need to be given for all of the sites. He feels that going in the direction of a conceptual survey is dissipating the energy of the committee. He feels there was some momentum for a new middle school, and this type of survey would deflate the momentum. He would not oppose the survey, but believes the committee is beyond it.

Mr. Spadaccini asked if the Committee has conferred with the Registrars regarding the survey at the polling places.

Mr. Werbner stated that there has been no discussion with the Registrars as of yet. He feels that a plan could be made and brought forth at the October Board meeting. He stated that there are volunteers from the Government Academy who may be willing to assist in this effort.

Mr. Spadaccini added that the committee reexamines the idea of soliciting architectural firms to suggest ways to renovate or add to Bennet. He agreed that the committee needs to move forward towards a decision to put on the ballot.

Mayor Cassano asked if there was a consensus for Mr. Werbner to speak with the Registrars and Clerk to see if the survey was doable. There was a consensus from the committee.

Mayor Cassano stated that the Committee adopted the minutes, which specifically named the Hillstown Road site. He asked Mr. Werbner if there were any continued discussions with the owners of the parkade land.

Mr. Werbner stated there had been no further discussions with the developers for several months.

Mayor Cassano asked, based on former discussions, if it was possible to make the referendum work at this site.

Mr. Werbner stated the parkade developers were interested in a November referendum at the last discussion. If there were interest in additional private land, they would have to get back in touch with the various owners to determine what their interests are. The committee would have to give direction as to where to look for land as there is time and cost involved in getting sites prepared for consideration.

Mr. Edwards stated that he would like to continue discussions with Mr. Carter from Carter Chevrolet although the past discussions were not encouraging. He stated the Committee voted to build a new middle school on Hillstown Road, and subsequently, the Board of Education voted the same. Since that time, confidences have been shaken for public support in building on Hillstown Road. His fear is that it will split the community. He suggested if the Carter land were available, Bennet could be easily renovated and added on to as new construction. He feels this would satisfy both opinions to renovate and build new, and allow for pedestrian walkways to be built across Hartford Road to connect playing fields. If a large building is built, it could be used as swing space for the renovation of the existing buildings.

Mayor Cassano asked Mr. Werbner for comments about the Carter property based on previous discussions.

Mr. Werbner stated that if the committee is serious about talking about land acquisition, he believes the committee should go into Executive Session to hold the discussion in terms of negotiations.

Ms. Nye stated that she voted for the new school at the last meeting; however, since that time, she has changed her mind. Her reason for changing is that she believes this school needs to remain a neighborhood school with access to after school programs, clubs and activities. The transportation is an issue. She believes having a school in the neighborhood is vital and is part of the community. She feels this part of town needs a middle school to be part of the community. She feels the location of the school is important and the access of it from that particular neighborhood.

Mayor Cassano asked Mr. Werbner for suggested next steps.

Mr. Werbner feels that the committee should spend time in Executive Session to discuss some of the parcels to see what direction could be taken. Additionally, he is concerned about the discussion regarding cost because they have the very preliminary costs provided by the Downes Group, and there is no plan to do any further work regarding cost estimates. If there were a desire to firm these numbers up, direction would be needed. Another option would be to go out with an RFP for architects to provide a visual presentation of what a new middle school versus a renovated middle school would look like. He believes the timing should also be discussed in order to put forth a referendum as each process takes time.

Mr. Howroyd feels that it would be appropriate for the Superintendent and General Manager to put together a timeline, working back from June 30, 2005 in order to identify critical decision points. Additionally, after everyone has an opportunity to comment, he would make a motion to go into Executive Session to briefly discuss potential real estate matters. He stated he is extremely intrigued by Mr. Edward's proposal. He feels that this proposal does have merit, with the major obstacle being swing space. However, if there is a potential to build a large-scale addition, then renovation could be done one building at a time while all other buildings are in active use.

Mr. Maffe asked Dr. Mistretta if there are any buildings outside of town that could be used as swing space while renovations took place. He stated that this happened in another community and worked out well.

Dr. Mistretta stated that there are buildings available in town if they wanted to have a box-store building. Southington did this five years ago, and they rented space from the Catholic schools. However, she stressed that it is not just putting up walls in store buildings and adding desks. She reported that adequate lab facilities would have to be built to accommodate a nationwide upcoming science test. The unified arts program would not be addressed, unless technology labs and food services labs were built.

Mr. Maffe asked why sixty days were needed before the election.

Mr. Werbner stated that there is a period of time before the question has to be submitted to the Secretary of State's office by State statute, which is sixty days.

Mayor Cassano asked Mr. Howroyd for a motion.

MOTION: Howroyd/Spadaccini s.v. To amend the agenda for the Educational Subcommittee to go into Executive Session to discuss real estate matters. (11/0/0)

Mayor Cassano stated that the Committee would go into Executive Session at 6:28 p.m.

Mr. Howroyd stated that it would be the intention of the committee to adjourn the meeting after returning from Executive Session, and that no votes would be taken.

Executive Session adjourned at 7:15 p.m.