Capital Planning
Introduction
Medford’s capital plan, “CHART the Course” is an investment program for the City’s future. The underlying framework for the plan emphasizes the strategic use of infrastructure to promote economic development, quality education, public safety, environmental initiatives and quality of life issues for our citizenry. The Plan name “CHART the Course” reinforces the ideals of Medford:
C ommunity
H istory
A ccessibility
R ecreation
T echnology
Capital Plan Overview
The capital plan supports ongoing efforts and initiatives across the City in the areas of education and youth development, water and sewer infrastructure, recreation opportunites, technology enhancement for service delivery and economic development. The capital plan is a long-range and flexible planning tool. It allows the City to identify long-term goals and projects within a financial framework that remains flexible so that it can adjust to near-term fiscal challenges and adjust again when conditions change.
The City is prepared to move forward in this year’s capital plan on several projects. The Administration believes that these projects are important for the vitality of our community and well-being of its citizens.
Highlights
Department of Public Works Facility
A priority of City government is the building of a state of the art Department of Public Works (DPW) facility. Part of the insurance proceeds from the Water and Sewer settlement will offset the cost of this project. We are projecting the cost of construction to be approximately $8 million dollars. The new facility will house the DPW, which includes the Water and Sewer operations. It will allow for a more efficient department in the future. This will also provide for an expanded and efficient recycling program.
School Technology
The school department, in concert with the administration, will undertake a bold $3.3 million school technology plan that will create a wireless infrastructure network throughout the school system, new computer labs, new computers in the libraries, and wireless device carts, among other upgrades.
Police Headquarter Study
We will seek an appropriation of $250,000 to review the Police Headquarters. We look to a consultant to detail the status of the building and recommendations on whether the current building is suitable for improvement/expansion or tear down.
Governors Avenue Garage
The Administration believes that this garage plays an integral part of the economic development of Medford Square and Medford as a whole. We are projecting a cost of construction to approximate $8 million dollars based on cost estimates prepared by the Architect engaged in this project. As a conservative estimate, we project that this garage will generate approximately $400,000 in revenue to offset payments on the general obligation bond. We estimate an additional $600,000 from the full implementation of the parking management plan. This revenue will be part of a larger comprehensive parking management strategy. We are currently reviewing the qualification of the vendors that submitted bids from the “Request for Proposal.” The goal of parking management is to create turnover in the downtown district of
high demand on-street parking while allowing a more reasonably priced long term parking option.
Fire Station Rehabilitation-(Non Headquarters)
The City embarked on a comprehensive “Facility Condition Assessment” conducted by the Maguire Group. There findings are incorporated in their June 20, 2011 report. In their report, they recommended upgrades to the various fire stations in the city and prioritized based on a 1 to 5 assessment as follows:
- Priority 1- within 1 year
- Priority 2- within 1-3 years
- Priority 3- within 1-5 years
- Priority 4- within 1-7 years
- Priority 5-no specific time frame
The total Estimated Construction Cost per the assessment is approximately $2.66 Million. Due to the inclusion in the enclosed Capital Plan of a study of the Police and Fire Headquarters Facility, we have only included repairs deemed “safety” issues for the headquarters and improvements to the other fire stations and therefore, project $1.8M Million in the capital plan.
Hormel Turf Field
Medford is a city rich in youth and high school athletics. The City embarked on providing two turf fields at the Edgerly Field Complex at Medford High School, fondly called the “Field of Dreams.” These fields have provided safe athletic opportunities for our children and accessibility to the public (see Accessibility Project below). They have generated pride among our citizens and have brought in revenue to apply against the general obligation bond. In this vein, the Hormel Turf project is being planned. The City has been awarded a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the amount of $500,000. We also anticipate $50,000 from an earlier agreement with a billboard company for scoreboards at this location. Therefore, the Capital Plan
incorporates $360,000 in additional funding.
Fire Alarm System
The current fire alarm system that we maintain can be compared to the old-fangled tree lights, when one goes out the entire strand goes dark. This inefficient and aged system diverts resources from our electrical and fire department on a daily basis. In this regard, we will embark on a $300,000 program that will replace the masterboxes at each of our stations; provide for solar street boxes in appropriate locations and also augment security measures at city-owned properties. We will also suggest to the City Council that they entertain an ordinance change that will include a fee for private entities to tie into this system. This project will ensure an elevated level of safety and cost savings in personnel and efficiencies.
Water & Sewer, Public Way Resurfacing
Various projects have been in the planning stages and will culminate in the completion during the FY12 year. These projects total approximately $5.3 million and are funded via Chapter 90 funds, Linkage, CDBG and/or MWRA grants and loan programs. We will be requesting that $2 million from the water and sewer enterprise accounts be appropriated to mitigate the North Medford/Lawrence estates flood issues. We will also use bonding in the amount of $500,000 for sidewalks and stump removal.
MHS Pool-Phase I-FY12
The Medford High School Pool has been closed for several years due to a structural issue. During Phase I, the pool deck will be shored up and the daylight glazing panels will be replaced. The cost is estimated at $450,000. It is projected that part of the insurance settlement will be used for these repairs.
MHS Pool-Phase II-FY13
During this final phase, the structural repairs will be made, HVAC system replaced and interior wall finishes will be complete. Environmental efficiencies will also be investigated as part of this project. This second phase is projected to cost approximately $1.9 million. At this time, it is anticipated to be funded via general obligation bonds.
Brooks Estate-Building-FY13/14
Owned since 1942 by the City of Medford, the Brooks Estate was permanently protected in late 1998. Restoration of the landscape and historic buildings is underway. The goal is to protect and enhance the property's natural and historic features and re-use the two buildings for community benefit and as a revenue-producing asset. In order to phase-in restoration of this historic gem, the City envisions a two phase approach. The first is to make improvements to the two buildings at an estimated cost of $2.3 million dollars, which will be funded via general obligation bonds.
Brooks Estate- Road-Fy14/15
Phase II would provide for roadway improvements leading to the historic structure in FY14 at an estimated cost of $900,000. The City plans on using Ch 90 funding on this project.
Police Cruisers
The City is awaiting delivery of five new police cruisers via a purchase program funded from additional state aid allocated this past fall.
Environmental Projects
Medford was the first community in the Commonwealth to adopt the Climate Action Plan and is designated a "Green Community" by the Commonwealth. As such, we have been able to obtain both federal and state funding for a part-time professional to assist the city's Environmental Agent in the identification of environmentally sound projects along with a funding source for these endeavors. In FY11 $760,000 of grant and rebate money was spent on energy improvements in the Elementary & Middle Schools, resulting in Energy Star Plaques for all 5 buildings (Andrews, Brooks, Columbus, McGlynn and Roberts Schools). $270,000 of grant money was used to install a new hot water heating system and improve heating and hot water issues at Medford High School.
For FY12, $38,000 of lighting upgrades has been completed in the Public Safety buildings. An additional $135,000 of lighting upgrades are scheduled for the three elementary schools and $21,000 for the Library, Senior Center and Gene-Mack Gymnasium. Several additional projects are envisioned to take place during FY12, including entering into a purchase agreement to install Solar PV panels on each of our schools. The solar panels are being paid for by a third party. The city, in turn, will purchase the electricity generated by the panels at a reduced cost (no distribution fee) from the third party. Other projects for FY12 include steam trap replacement at Medford High School, additional lighting projects in the Middle and High Schools, significant energy upgrades at LoConte Rink and exploring alternative energy options for the
Medford High School pool.
Cemetery
The Cemetery Trustees will be requesting a study be performed on the garage in order to assess the need for upgrades and expansion for offices. The cost for this assessment is estimated at $50,000
Future
There are other projects that the administration would like to mention for ongoing consideration.
Police Fire Headquarters
At the conclusion of the assessment of the Police/Fire Headquarters, the city will determine the course to take—rehabilitation or new build. We will have an estimate of the project costs at that point.
Condon Shell-Outdoor Theatre/Lighting
The City envisions this accessible outdoor theatre to be a gathering spot for citizens to enjoy the arts. This would be the final phase of the Condon Shell area restoration. The projected cost is $1.5 million. Once again, the city will look to outside funding such as the PARC grant program for this state-owned/city-operated parcel. The City also plans on completing the connectivity in and around the Condon Shell. The projected cost is $1.2 Million. Further, the City will install lighting in and around the parking lot at this location. Outside grant opportunities will be aggressively pursued.
Trucks, Grinders & Sweepers
Replacement of apparatus for DPW
Medford Square Roadway Improvements
As part of the master plan of Medford Square, roadway improvement will improve the flow for pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic. This project is estimated to cost $3.85 million dollars. It is anticipated that federal/state grants will be garnered for this project.
City Hall Mall
As part of the master plan for Medford Square, it is envisioned to create additional community green space around City Hall. This will require a redesign of the current municipal parking lot, sidewalk and road work. The projected cost is $300,000 and is anticipated to be paid for with Ch 90 funds.
Public Safety Radios
On January 1, 2013, all public safety and business industrial land mobile radio systems operating in the 150-512 MHz radio bands must cease operating with 25 kHz efficiency technology, and begin operating using at least 12.5 kHz efficiency technology. The state is conducting an assessment and we await further information.
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