By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – Capital planning expenditures will be the subject of several articles at a Special Town Meeting that will be held Monday, Oct. 17.
One of the largest of those expenses is an HVAC system replacement for the town's library. But at the time of the warrant printing, the amount needed was not yet known.
Town Manager James Malloy said at the Board of Selectmen's meeting Sept. 27 that an estimate was obtained earlier this year for $360,000. But after further review, it was determined that the entire system would need to be replaced and that the estimate would cover only the costs of the units.
The town is now in the process of obtaining estimates for the operating costs for different levels of service for the entire system, he added. Those estimates should be in by the selectmen's Oct. 11 meeting.
Other capital expenses that will be requested include a plow truck for the Department of Public Works; a vehicle for the Building Department's administration; and a replacement truck for the School Department.
Also in the warrant is a request to approve $2.2 million for the town's ongoing sewer extension project. According to Malloy, the project has been in the design phase for the past few years and is now ready to proceed to the next stage. This portion of the project will connect the municipal sewer system to several of the town's roads, including Fox Lane, Belknap Street, Crownridge Road, Lee Ann Circle, Spring Road, Morse Street and Adams Street. It will also include incidental existing sewer pump station improvements as well as construction and engineering services associated with the project. Certain parcels of land may also be purchased, accepted as a gift or taken by eminent domain under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 79 in order to complete this portion.
The Special Town Meeting will start at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Westborough High School, 90 West Main St.