Page 28 - Microsoft Word - Annual Report 2016

As part of this expansion, the Town Clerk’s office was moved up to the second floor of
Town Hall. This transition was planned by Boxford resident and architect Miika Ebbrell,
AIA, whose drawings converted a file room and copy room into the new Town Clerk’s
space.

The Municipal Facilities Task Force

The need to determine a course of action for the future purpose and use of existing and
proposed town buildings gave rise to the formation of an ADHOC committee in 2015.
The Planning Board created the Municipal Facilities Task Force and charged the
committee to work with a consultant to create a Comprehensive Non-School Municipal
Facilities Plan and Roadmap in 2016. The original plan was to consider the expansion of
library services within Town Hall, relocation of the Town Hall Administration to a new
building, relocation of the Council on Aging to 188 Washington Street, demolition of the
addition on the Cummings House and renovation of the historic portion for
library/cultural purposes, a 10 year facility needs assessment for Fire and DPW and a
comprehensive long-term financial plan to mitigate taxpayer impact. During the course
of the work, the task force determined that it was necessary to establish “course
corrections,” causing the group to continue the study into another year. The Board of
Selectmen remains firmly in support of the Task Force’s charge to develop an integrated
town-wide Building Facility Plan and Roadmap.

Other Construction Project Updates
The Boxford Common project is nearing completion, proceeding ahead of schedule and
within budget. The Town is looking ahead to a fall opening as substantial completion is
expected on or before August 15, 2017. Games will be scheduled on the artificial turf
field in September. This collaborative effort of many town committees, departments and
personnel has resulted in a wonderful asset to the town which will further enhance the
recreation and athletic opportunities of Boxford children and residents.

Capital Improvements

Other activities during the year included the adoption of Town Meeting warrant articles
to fund capital purchases for multiple town departments:

The Police Department received funding for replacement of the Police radar, radio
transmitters and replacement of the camera system at the station.
The Fire Department secured funding for new radio transmitters and replacement
of the flooring at Middleton Road Fire Station and the replacement of the Fire
Department utility truck.

The Council on Aging received funding for the replacement of carpeting and
picnic tables at the Community Center.

The DPW received funding for new carpeting in the DPW office trailer, in
addition to a new dump truck and plow.