Peabody board OKs $250G in repair funds

PEABODY – The Peabody School Committee approved a hefty appropriation of funds Tuesday night that is likely to turn dreams of receiving state aid into reality.As suggested by both Mayor Michael Bonfanti and the city’s Purchasing Agent Dan Doucette, all six members approved an appropriation in the amount of $250,000 for the purpose of hiring a project manager to oversee the execution of extensive repairs at the Higgins Middle School. The position was a requirement set forth by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in order for the school to be further considered for financial assistance.But, not all members were too keen on the idea of dedicating such a large sum of money when budget cuts are soon to be coming around the corner.”I have some reservations,” said School Committee member Mike Moutsoulas, who chairs the new Planning Committee designed to create a restructuring backup plan in light of drastic funding restraints.”We can’t continue with the repairs without some help,” said Bonfanti, urging the committee members to approve his request. The city just recently paid $413,000 for a partial roof replacement. More work to the roof, as well as to the heating system, and technological upgrades are needed.School Business Manager Mike Musto agreed with the mayor.”We’re in a situation where we have to act,” he said. “There are major heating problems?We really don’t have a choice on this matter.”The $250,000 would only cover the manager’s duties for the first phase of the project. Doucette estimates that an additional $250,000-$500,000 would be needed when all is said and done.The 50-year-old school first filed a Statement of Interest back in July 2007. It faced a bit of a letdown when the request was placed on hold due to the state’s unstable economy, but all parties remained hopeful. Things began to turn around as MSBA officials maintained interest in the project and kept in constant contact with school administration. Their request for the speedy hire of a project manager has only increased the city’s confidence in receiving a financial package.The MSBA’s commitment to at least a 53 percent reimbursement for the entire project, which is estimated at $35 million, was also a good sign. The city would only be “on the hook” for less than half that cost, said Bonfanti.But, Doucette cautioned the Committee that if they don’t move fast, the Higgins will only move further down the MSBA’s prioritized list.”This is the best position we could be in with the MSBA,” said School Committee member Beverley Ann Griffin Dunne. “This is the best time to do it?It makes sense. I have the utmost confidence that we’re doing the right thing.”Having approved the request, Doucette said the next phase would be, pending the MSBA agrees with the Committee’s terms, to receive authorization to move to the design phase and hire an architect.”It’d be the beginning of another series of steps,” he said. “With the goal of getting 53 percent back.”