According to reliable sources, OPA is considering the construction of a larger dedicated Board of Directors meeting room. Such a boardroom replacement is long overdue.

The idea is to incorporate the board meeting room in some way on the east side of the existing administration building, possibly with a breezeway between the two buildings. The general room layout provides a dias for board members and staff, along with a podium for public comments or other presentations, similar to the Worcester County Commissioners meeting room.

These sources also say the structure would seat 150 audience members using chairs. However, planners will hopefully consider fixed bench seats as used at the county. It is important to have this room dedicated to board meetings, town hall meetings, and other such large-gathering events related to the management of OPA, not for card parties, pancake breakfasts, or other such community group functions.

A dedicated board room will allow for the installation of a high-quality audio/video system, perhaps a 100% outsourced setup similar to the excellent system used by the county. No need to reinvent the wheel. It is likely OPA would also want to include live streaming, but the board should consider eliminating live streaming and just make video available for viewing shortly after the meeting. Again, this is what the county does. Board meetings are not live contact-sport events, contrary to what some may believe. Watching live is not critical in any way.

Sources say the general idea is to do the architectural design in conjunction with that of the new firehouse and then contract out the construction of both buildings to one builder in the same sort of process used so successfully to save money when building the new golf clubhouse and cart barn.

Initial high-level cost estimates range from $450,000 to $650,000 with funding to come from replacement reserves and not require any assessment increase. These estimates also include about $120,000 in a required sprinkler system. The expectation is to see both the firehouse and new board room constructed in fiscal 2025/2026.

While the new firehouse will need an OPA contribution of $4 million, or more, and most likely require a referendum approval vote of the OPA membership (depending on a number of issues), the board room addition will not require a referendum as it is under the $1 million referendum-triggering threshold.

Association members will be hearing more on all this in the near future.

Let's hope our new board under the leadership of OPA president Rick Farr gives this boardroom project its full support.