Introduction
In Chichester's Capital Improvement Plan, last revised in 2003, it was projected that by 2009, the police department would need permanent housing either as an expansion of the public safety building (Fire Department) or separate facilities. (Note: the police department was relocated to the basement of the Fire Department in 1997). In 2008 a group of volunteers formed a committee to study the space needs of the Chichester Police Department. Committee members were chosen from the police and fire departments, citizens, and professional space planner. This committee was approved by the selectmen.
As a first step, an agent from the Local Government Center, the town’s insurer, was invited to the police department to assess the current space in regard to insurance, legal standards, and liabilities. What was expected to be an informative report revealed some shortcomings of the space needing immediate attention. One concern was the size of the facility (600 sq ft) currently used by several officers. The space lacks sight/sound separation greatly compromising privacy; this is especially problematic when juveniles are involved. As a result, arrestees are now taken to Pittsfield to avoid potential liability issues. There is also only one bathroom that is used by both staff and detainees, potentially a health issue for staff. A glaring shortcoming is the lack of a second exit (including
windows – the PD is in the basement). If the main entrance gets blocked, all persons in the PD would be trapped.
The Space Needs Committee is currently looking at solutions to the acute problems that would address potential liability issues referred to in the Local Government Center report. Right now the committee is looking at temporary office space to be set up next to the PD. Concurrently, the committee is beginning a systematic and quantitative evaluation of the police department’s space needs now and in the future.
This is an attempt to inform you, citizens and tax payers, of the current situation at the police department and the desire to review the departments long term needs. Be watching for more information here to help you be an informed voter when recommendations are made at Town Meeting.
A Look At Options To Address Immediate Liability Issues
Now that the Local Government Center has identified real legal and liability concerns issuing from a routine insurance inspection of the police department, the Space Needs Committee feels a compelling need to find some short term relief as well as continuing to plan for a future expansion of the department. Immediate liability issues such as sight/sound privacy and lack of a safe second egress need to be fixed right away. Currently, the Chichester Police are taking arrestees to Pittsfield for booking but this can only be a temporary fix. Added to the problem is the use of a single bathroom for police, detainees, and the public.
The Committee then began searching for additional space for the PD. Since there is land space available at the fire station, the obvious solution might be a modular building either buying or renting. Later, an offer was extended for commercial rental space. The following chart compares some costs:
Chichester Police Facility Planning Process |
|
|
|
Short Term Space Needs Analysis |
|
|
|
|
|
Option A |
Option B |
Option C |
Option C |
Option C |
|
Commercial Bldg |
Used Mobile |
New Mobile |
New Mobile |
New Mobile |
|
|
|
Schiavi |
Scotsman |
Triumph |
Space: |
|
|
|
|
|
Total square footage |
3500 |
1456 |
1456 |
1536 |
1536 |
Rooms |
6 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Bathrooms |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease/ Rental Expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
Lease Term |
|
NA |
36 months |
36 months |
|
Base Lease/ rent per month |
$1500.00 |
NA |
$1,460 |
$759.00 |
$825.00 |
Buy |
|
$3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Set-up Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
Delivery Charge |
|
$3,900 |
included |
$988.00 |
$820.00 |
Set-up Expenses |
|
$5,000 |
included |
$3,363.00 |
|
Anchoring/ Tie downs |
|
$280.00 |
included |
$784.00 |
$780.00 |
Installation of skirting |
|
|
included |
$2,142.00 |
$2,352.00 |
Cinder Blocks/Pad |
|
$2,800 |
$2,800 |
inc in set-up |
$3,400.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Fee |
NA |
NA |
$1,000.00 |
$988.00 |
$820.00 |
Knockdown Fee |
NA |
NA |
$3,000.00 |
$2,627.00 |
$2,900.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Year Capital Cost |
$54,000 |
$14,980 |
$59,360.00 |
$38,216.00 |
$40,772.00 |
Option A, commercial space, while offering no start-up costs like hooking up water and sewerage was deemed too far away from the current station to be useful. It also seemed imprudent to house the police department in a building housing private businesses. Option B, buying a used modular building seemed to be a better deal than leasing one Options C but a home inspection turned up severe faults (structural and mold) that would be costly to fix.
Since the Capital Improvement Program includes addressing space needs for the Police Department at a later date, the Committee felt these options were too costly for a "temporary" fix.
Attention is now trained on how to redesign the current space to ameliorate the space, liability, and health issues.
Renovation/Reconfiguration of Current Space
The least expensive and most practical option for alleviating the Police Department's immediate issues (see History) is now putting effort into renovating and possibly reconfiguring the current space in the basement of the Fire Department now occupied by the Police Department.
Ear Weir, member of the Space Needs Committee, has volunteered time to work with Chief Vien and Chief Clarke to draw up plans for renovating and reconfiguring the space. Chief Vien agreed to free up more non essential space to incorporate an expansion of the Police Department. It must be noted here, that when the Fire Department was built, there was no consideration for housing the Police Department within its confines so, it is with great appreciation that the Fire Department has stepped forward with a willingness to be a good neighbor and help mitigate the liability issues facing the PD.
Several plans have been reviewed by the Space Needs Committee with the one shown here being the most practical for both the Police and Fire Departments. This plan also satisfies the Local Government Center's liability issues.
The next step is to present these plans to members of the Fire Department for their input.
Renovation Plan Presentation
On December 17 at 7:00PM Selectman DeBold of the Space Needs Committee presented initial plans for renovating and expanding the facilities for the Police Department to interested members of the Fire Department and public. 
Earl Weir, Space Needs Committee member, has been instrumental in drawing up plans and costing the project. Materials will probably run from $20,000 to $30,000 and the committee hopes most of the labor will come from volunteers.
Fire Chief Vien noted that no vital space will be lost by the fire department and vehicle storage can be reconfigured without upsetting the function of the Fire Department.
 Members of the Fire Department voiced concerns about heating and ventilation, especially since they are having issues themselves. Selectman DeBold acknowledged the gravity of the problem which would also be addressed.
There seemed to be no objection to the renovation plan other than a few housekeeping details.
Next step is to meet with the Selectmen.
Report Findings To Selectmen
Chief Clarke spoke to the electmen at their regular January 6th meeting, summarizing what work the Space Needs Committee has done to alleviate the liability issues and address the lack of space currently at the police department. Using a detailed plan, the committee estimates the cost (materials only) of this renovation to be close to $30,000. The committee recommends to the Board to include this item on the warrant.
Chairman DeBold proposed an alternative funding method. In light of this difficult economic climate, Chairman DeBold asked his fellow Board members to consider redefining priorities and forgo the upgrade to the HVAC system proposed on the warrant for the Grange Building and support funding of the more immediate need at the police department.
The Board was in full agreement that the issues facing the police department were a higher priority and gave their full support to the project proposal. Further, the HVAC warrant article was proposed to use funds from the Town Facilities Capital Reserve Fund. The Town gave their support in 2007 for the Board of Selectmen to be agents of this fund and spend the money necessary for maintenance and repairs of the town's facilities as the Board saw fit unless the dollar amount exceeded $4,000, at which time a public hearing would be scheduled to allow for taxpayer's input.
Going on record that in his opinion a public hearing would be sufficient, Chairman DeBold made a motion to hold a public hearing to expend the amount of $29,000 (amount available less the Community Bldg. paving project) from the Town Facilities Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of renovations to the police department offices within the Safety Building. Selectman Jordan seconded the motion, the Chairman called for the vote, motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2009 at the Grange Hall at 8PM.
Public Hearing - January 27, 2009
A public hearing was held on January 27 at the Grange Hall at 8:00 PM to get public input to withdrawing up to $29,000 to be applied to renovating and expanding the present Police Department in the basement of the Safety Building. (Note: the Town had voted to authorize the selectmen to expend funds from Capital Reserve Funds without a Town vote.)
Pat Clarke, Police Chief, outlined the history of the events leading up to the request for funds. Key to the request for funds were the findings of the Local Government Center, the Town's insurer, that cited three liability issues at the current station: 1-only one entry/egress, 2-lack of sight/sound separation when interviewing, 3-inadequate weapons storage.
At 8:10 discussion was opened by the board to the approximately 50 citizens in attendance. Some citizen concerns:
Would the Fire Department be losing critical space? No, the space being taken had only been used for non essential storage.
Do the funds for renovation include monies for police specific items like surveillance cameras? Yes and much of the existing equipment can continue to be used.
Where will the Police Department go during renovation? The Police Department ll remain in the present location but also use some temporary space upstairs in the Fire Station. The project would proceed in stages with the Sally Port being first to be constructed. The Police Chief and Fire Chief have been working cooperatively on details of accommodation.
What is the time frame of the project? Chief Clark wants to begin soon with an end of summer finish date projected. This is a slow time for builders and other volunteers who are needed for the project.
The air compressor is an essential piece of equipment for the Fire Department and will need to be moved. Is there any safety concern? The compressor does need to be moved several feet and will be housed in a better location to dampen the loud noise when running. The compressor and any other vital Fire Department equipment will be move, re-installed, and put back on line as quickly as possible.
Will additional vehicles need to be stored outside? Chief Vien stated that one, non-essential, gas truck will be outside.
Is $29,000 enough or will the committee be coming back for more to cover overages and unexpected problems? The budget request has a 50% overage provision built in although the probability of completing the project should be less given the amount of projected volunteer labor, both skilled and unskilled.
Is this a temporary fix? Selectman DeBold said yes but acknowledged that these fixes usually last years; in this case three to five years.
Citizens were inquisitive asking many guarded questions. There was no opposition to the proposal and, at 8:30, the selectmen voted unanimously to appropriate up to $29,000 from the Town Facilities Capital Reserve Fund to renovate and expand the Police Department in its present location. Amen
....And The Work Begins
Last week
 The first task toward renovating the Police Department was construction of the Sally Port in one of the bays. This required cutting trenches into the concrete floor for drains. Here Mike Paveglio takes measurements.
Thank you Kidder for donating time, tools, and materials to get this job done!
 Framing for the Sally Port is shown in this photo. When finished, this "room" will allow a cruiser to enter the building into a secure location.
Friday, Feb 27, 2009
Mike Paveglio and Chief Clarke used their own trucks to get materials for the next phase - new stairs.
Saturday, Feb 28 2009 - New Stairs
A view of the original stairs leading from the basement to the first floor. Door in back leads to garage bays where Sally Port is being constructed. The stairs and walls have been removed so that new stairs can be constructed straight down to the exterior wall.
Thank you, Ed Hayes!
Local carpenter, Ed Hayes, is loaning time, equipment and expertise to help this project along.
John and Pat hold the lumber while Ed makes final measurements for installing new stairs. Pat and Jason Weir work to frame in old doorway leading to garage bays.
By Sat afternoon, new stair stringers and landing were in place.
Friday, March 6
 Blocks are being laid for construction of the two holding cells. In background is new location for the air compressor.
 Progress on the holding cells by 2PM. Dave Kenneally examines his handiwork - is he thinking OOPS!
In the next room, volunteers were busy moving, heating, plumbing, electrical and telephone utilities.
Chief Clarke donates yet another day off to help bring this large voluntary effort along. Not sure if he is doing plumbing or heating, but he does look confident
Friday, March 20
 Work on the holding cells progresses slowly. David Kenneally is doing all the block work along with some volunteer "gofers". Shown here is the left of two adjacent cells being built in the back of the Sally Port. Earl Weir is constructing barred doors to be installed soon. Each cell will have a commode specially design to prevent prisoners from flushing contraband.
 Ed Hayes shown here snaking wire out to the holding cells. A lot of wiring, including a main panel, needed to be moved to retrofit the space. Heating and ductwork are being moved at the same time. Consequently, changes are not so obvious or dramatic while this work gets done.
 Drains are now in place for the new bathrooms. No longer will the Police Department have to share only one bathroom with both prisoners and the general public. The public bathroom will also be handicap accessible.
Friday, April 3
 The Police Department renovation continues with plenty of supervision! Utilities have been moved and framing of the visitor bathroom, utility room, and staff bathroom are nearly complete. Next move is to bring in the sheet rock.
 The holding cells continue to "rise". Door framing and door courtesy of Allen Mayville.Wiring being installed in the new visitor bathroom. All work being done so far is in space "loaned" by the Fire Department. When complete the PD will move here temporarily while the existing space is renovated.
Friday, May 8
 Phase I, which was conversion of a vehicle bay under the Fire Station to a Sally Port, booking room and holding cell is nearly complete.
Viewed here is the Sally Port which will hold police operations until renovations are completed to the former PD space in Phase II.
The door in the rear of this photo leads to the booking room and beyond that is Chichester's version of Hotel Vegas:
Donna also got caught up in this mess and has taken up temporary residence in the Booking Room. She still has the same great view (four walls) but gets to breathe in the aroma of fresh paint.
The old office area is ready for a make-over in Phase II which will address the more serious safety and privacy issues plaguing the Department.
Friday, July 10
 The Police Department renovation continues and major changes are becoming apparent. David Kenneally has completed the cement block partition separating the foyer from the PD interior. This partition will ensure employees working inside a safe environment.
David has volunteered many hours of time to build this and other cement block walls in this renovation.
Donna walks through the future lobby of the PD. Along with others, she is volunteering time to see this project become reality.
Chief Clark, coordinator of the building project, spends many of his off duty hours making sure things are getting done with minimum of cost.
Interior walls, sheetrock, and taping are complete and ready for paint.
Bib Gagne, a tireless volunteer, takes a moment to reflect on progress. Unseen, are prisoner volunteers who will do a massive paint job today on interior walls.
Can you guess the color scheme?
Flooring is next...
| 
