The Public Facilities Committee voted to Approve (see Report and NewTV video):
- Appropriate $1,191,000 for the replacement of Newton Free Library HVAC System (8-0). The 30-year-old system requires a total replacement. This is phase 1 of electrifying the library. Replacement cost is expected to be more than $2 million. $500,000 Green Communities Grant will supplement City funds.
The Public Facilities Committee voted to Hold:
- Periodic Updates from Commissioner of Public Buildings regarding the City’s construction projects (8-0). The largest building program in the city since the 1950s includes:
- Horace Mann School Renovation is in the schematic design phase, which includes parking, traffic, stormwater, exterior lighting, and the building envelope.
- Franklin School’s site plan has been selected. It places the school west of the current building. It might be possible to keep students in the current building during construction.
- Countryside School has a site plan. The City is working with the Conservation Commission and Department of Public Works to maintain and clean the adjacent wetlands.
- Lincoln Eliot School has begun construction. The City hopes to have the school fully completed by the Summer of 2025.
- The Gath Pool is currently under construction and should be completed in time for summer.
- The Cooper Center for Active Living (formerly NewCAL) The City is cleaning up the demolition work and will have a groundbreaking ceremony on March 7 at 10AM. A councilor expressed concern about the price increase from $16 million to $29 million. The City said it was unavoidable.
- The Police Facility. A large building committee representing all aspects of the department is in the early stages of design. They are looking at the headquarters, garage, and annex building.
- Other smaller projects include school roof replacements and bathroom renovations.
- Discussion on Water/Sewer plan and open capital improvement projects (8-0). The Water Division’s $23 million operating budget includes the MWRA assessment and debt service payments. Ongoing projects include:
- Water Meter System Replacement
- Repair and relining of water system pipes in Newton Upper Falls, Newton Highlands, Chestnut Hill and Thompsonville areas
- Waban Will Covered Reservoir Rehabilitation
- Ward Street water main replacement
There are over 300 miles of water main pipes in Newton. The City aims to replace or reline 1 to 3 miles per year, focusing on the oldest, which were laid during WWII and the most prone to leaks.
The City has no authority over lateral pipes that connect from the main water pipes to individual homes.