In January of 2009, the Consolidated Facilities Exploratory Committee (CFEC) released its findings.
The committee had been appointed in January of 2008 by the Board of Selectmen to assess the possibility of “creating a new Town of Milton facilities department by combining pre-existing and anticipated maintenance services that presently take place through separate departments within the town and the school department.”
In their advisory report, which can be found here, the committee stated:
” The Consolidated Facilities Exploratory Committee (the “Committee”) strongly urges the Board of Selectmen, in cooperation with the School Committee and other town boards and officials, to implement as soon as possible a consolidation of building maintenance, repair and capital planning support functions into a newly created town Facilities Department.”
Upon review of the report, officials decided to retain the services of an outside consultant to review the report and perform an independent assessment of the merits of a single facilities department. The consultant, Joseph Piantedosi, is the Plant and Facilities Director for the town of Andover. He met with appropriate town officials (e.g Mary Gormley, Superintendent of Schools, Bill Ritchie, School Facilities Director, Joe Lynch, Public Works Director, and others).
Mr. Piantedosi in turn wrote a report that was reviewed by the Committee and forwarded on to the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen. In his report he writes:
“In conclusion, I agree with the recommendation of the CFEC that a joint facilities organization would be beneficial for the Town of Milton. Most importantly there would be a single group that would be responsible for maintaining all Town and School buildings, as well as providing direction and oversight to a long term capital plan. Savings from any efficiency advancements can help offset the additional resources that will be required to accomplish these goals.”
You can find Mr. Piantedosi’s report here.
Tony Cichello, chairman of the CFEC, recently appeared before both The Board of Selectmen and The School Committee to update them and enlist their support. Both groups expressed some concerns. Beirne Lovely in particular voiced reservations. As a Town Meeting member, he said, “I am not sure I know what I am being asked to vote for.” However, he did voice support for the proposal in concept. “The devil is in the details.” One of these details will be dealing with the unions. Mr. Lovely was also uncomfortable with the fact that not all town departments appeared to be included.
Mr. Cichello explained that the immediate focus was on the town’s buildings, principally the schools, police and fire stations. The Cemetery and Park Commission’s responsibilities are more about landscaping and grounds maintenance.
School Committee member Lynda Lee Sheridan also pointed out that such an independent department would not necessarily save the town money. Rather it would make as efficient use of the funds as possible. Selectman Kathy Fagan made a similar statement to Board of Selectmen. Both Sheridan and Fagan sit on the CFEC along with Cichello. They are joined on the committee by School Committee member Chris Huban, Jeremiah Cahalane, Richard Williams, and Murray Regan.