The Marion Capital Improvement Planning Committee (CIPC) met October 16 at the Marion Police Station to discuss changes to the ten-year plan for Sippican School assuggested by Old Rochester Regional School District Facilities Director Eugene Jones.

Jones opened his statements to the group by requesting an increase in the amount of funds allotted for the tiling of school floors. He requested the funding for the project be increased from $25,000 to $50,000 annually for fiscal years 2016-2018, bringing the total spent to $150,000.

“I hate to have to jump [the cost] up that much,” Jones said. “But I don’t want to half-step it either. If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right.”

Jones cited past difficult experiences in having to re-do floors in other buildings, as well as uncertainty about the adherence of the tile being used and a lack of knowledge of what exists under the current flooring, as the reasons for the increase.

Jones also made the CIPC aware of the costs for several upcoming technology projects. New wireless clocks as well as phone and announcing systems for the school have already been installed, but outdated data switches for the school’s technology and communication systems are scheduled to be replaced in 2017. Wireless hubs, too, were listed as needing to be updated, equating to a cost of $40,000 for the 2017 fiscal year and an additional $25,000 to be expended in 2018.

“One of the strategic goals in the school department is moving technology forward,” Jones said.

Another goal discussed during the meeting was increased safety preparedness for area schools in case of an emergency.

As the only new business of the evening, Jones brought up the potential purchase of a Mutualink System, which would be capable of handling communication between local fire and police departments as well as other agencies and schools in the event of a crisis.

The cost of such a system would be $17,500 per school, and would incorporate the use of cell phones by selected personnel via apps, as well as interoperable networks that could link communication between select parties, even if they aren’t at the location of the emergency.

To meet state law requirements, Jones said he could “conceivably buy two radios and give one each to police and fire, and have one at the high school,” which would meet the standard set forth by commissions of law. “But,” he added, “do we want to do that? Or do we want to protect as best as we can?”

Some maintenance cost for the system would be required, but Jones appeared confident he could cover the estimated annual cost of $2,500 to $3,000 out of his maintenance budget.

“Safety is paramount right now,” he said. “The number one asset is our children.”

When asked by CIPC Chairman Norman Hills if there was anything undocumented in the ten-year plan that might need funding, Jones said, barring any unforeseen events or problems, most costs were accounted for.

“Capital improvements should be a one-time deal for 15 years,” said Jones. “It should not be something that has to be done every five or six years.”

The next meeting of the CIPC will focus on issues related to the Fire Department and is scheduled for October 23 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Police Station.

By Michael Cimaomo