WESTFIELD – Construction of the Council on Aging senior center could begin in late July following the vote of the City Council last night to give final approval to the $7.5 million bond to finance the long-awaited project.
The council voted 10-0-1 to approve the bond package, with At-large Councilor David A. Flaherty recusing himself because of his business relationship with Forish Construction Inc., of Mainline Drive, the firm which submitted the low bid for construction of the two-story, 20,000-square foot facility on Noble Street.
Forish Construction submitted the low bid of $6,184,541 and a combined price of $6,324,625 for the construction and six alternates.
The bond approved last night includes a contingency of about $500,000, money which would not be used except to address unanticipated problems during construction.
The City Clerk’s Office will publish a legal notice of the approved bond which initiates a 20-day appeal period. The city has already notified Forish that they are the apparent low bidder and will issue authorization to proceed with construction after the close of the 20-day appeal period, which is estimate around July 20.
The City Council recognized Council on Aging Executive Director Tina Gorman and allowed here to speak during the council’s consideration of the bond. Gorman said that last year 180 volunteers contributed 22,197 hours, “or the equivalent of 11 full-time positions.”
“We are a frugal lot,” Gorman said. “We understand the importance of living within our means. The participants and staff at the Council on Aging have spent many years making do with very little.
“We believe that we have earned a building that will be accessible and provide privacy for confidential issues; rooms for programs designed to promote physical, psychological and emotional health and wellness; and adequate parking.”
At-large Councilor Brian Sullivan asked for a show of hands of supporters of the senior Center project packed into the City Council Chambers, and smiled when a forest of arms sprung into the air.
At-large Councilor James R. Adams commended Gorman, the Council on Aging staff and building committee for the efforts put into developing a facility designed to meet the needs of the city’s senior citizens.
“This is a well, well thought out building,” Adams said. “It should be no surprise to anyone that this will be one of the best senior centers in the region.”
Matt Placzek, who served on the City Council several decades ago, reminded the council members that time marches unceasingly forward and that “you will be one of us one day,” adding that “it’s about time” the city constructed a new senior center.
