School Projects in Get Green Light in Westbrook, Connecticut

WESTBROOK - In one night, residents approved almost $440,000 in additional expenses to be funded by the town's slowly dwindling unappropriated fund balance.

Of those projects, the most expensive improves security for all three Westbrook Public Schools.

The $299,000 amount was unanimously passed by approximately forty residents by voice vote.

Of that amount, $127,108 will be spent at the Daisy Ingraham Elementary School, $71,101 for the Westbrook Middle School, and $100,184 at Westbrook High School.

Superintendent Patricia Charles said the amounts are based on estimates received by the district but the project would need to go out for bid.

"We know across the country there is an increase in aggressive youth behavior...the improvements would protect students, staff, and the schools from unwanted behaviors," Charles said.

The district has applied for a $5 million Connecticut Department of Homeland Security grant that could provide up to 30 percent funding for each school.
Charles said none of the schools are identified by the state as "priority schools."

However, Charles believes most "priority schools" already have basic entryway security allowing Westbrook to move up on the list.

Charles assured taxpayers that funds will be used for "basic entryway security, not a crème de crème system with cameras everywhere."

The plan is based on recommendations given in a security audit performed by Connecticut State Police Troop F in December 2006.

Charles said the audit was reviewed by Board of Education members who developed specific goals and an emergency management plan, which was drafted between February 2006 and February 2007.

When asked by a resident about current security measures at the schools, Charles said it is quite limited.

Regarding a school resource police officer, Charles said the district has only a part-time officer that is shared with the Lyme/Old Lyme school district.

While Charles admitted it would "be a wonderful thing for our schools" to have a full-time officer, it will not be part of the $299,000 project.

Also during the meeting, residents unanimously passed a proposal to appropriate $39,900 for architectural and engineering expenses to Kaestle Boos Associates for the replacement of the elementary school roof.

Dennis Hallahan, chairman of the roof replacement committee, explained that those expenses were put out to bid to comply with new state requirements and the lowest qualified bidder was chosen.

The roof replacement is necessary because part of the roof is 30 years old while another part is 17 years old.

The roof itself is expected to cost at least $1.5 million and the committee is considering installing solar panels and components that would discourage skateboarding.

Despite posted signs and police patrols, resident Jeff Kriete said he has seen children skateboard on the roof and is concerned about their safety and the town's liability if someone gets hurt.

Later in the meeting, residents passed a proposal to appropriate $99,000 for a new fire alarm system in the elementary school.

Charles said the current fire alarm system, at least 18 years old, was made by a company who has gone out of business and since the system is obsolete, it is hard to find spare parts.

The estimate was given to the district by a consultant, Charles said.

One resident questioned why the project was not already put out to bid allowing the district to obtain a more accurate estimate.

Resident Dan Coan said he has confidence in the Board of Education that the estimate is within 10 percent of the actual cost.

Before the meeting concluded, residents unanimously passed a proposal to appropriate $1,842.03 for over expenditures in the Zoning Commission's Professional Services account.

First Selectman Noel Bishop said the town previously approved $739,919 in expenses not originally part of the 2007-08 budget.

These include a $22,851 unpaid architectural bill for the senior center, a $142,068 property tax refund to Tanger Outlets, and $375,000 in bonded debt service from a clerical error made by former treasurer Mary Beth Joyce.

Bishop said those expenses will be partially offset by $275,000 in unanticipated income.

The income originates from a Connecticut Education Cost Sharing Grant of $92,000 and a Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority refund of $184,000.