Phelps electors approve new town buildings in unanimous vote

At a special town elector meeting held at Phelps School, residents voted 97-0 to approve resolutions authorizing the construction of a new library/community center and a new public works building.

Town Chairman Steve Doyen welcomed the crowd and explained the meeting’s procedure, stating, “I’d like to start with some other good news. We accepted a bid for the demolition of the hospital building. The bid was $336,000. We will be saving money with the concrete that is crushed into gravel. A twofold purpose. We’ll have gravel to use and enough gravel left to utilize in the future.”

Moving to the agenda, Doyen reported, “We got the $4.25 million grant for a new community center that will serve many purposes for our town. We might have to borrow up to one million to finish the project. It will be located right behind the current town shop. It will extend our current library to twice the size. There will be a kitchen, EMS training, telehealth services and many other services utilized in the center.”

Doyen also noted the need for a new public works garage: “Currently, we have $1.5 million of equipment that sits outside. Very tight spaces and low ceilings pose challenges for repair operations. The current building was built in the 1950s, has dated infrastructure, and requires constant repairs such as doors, roof, etc.”

The new garage will be located on Strong Road, featuring all equipment parked indoors, welding and repair bays, a wash bay, break room and office space.

Supervisor Steve Waier added, “According to a stipulation in the grant, we do have a year to build the community center. Also, the town is responsible for 20% of the project cost. And on another plus, we did get a $100,000 donation for the town shop.”

Supervisor Jeremy Ryan emphasized the importance of the investment, saying, “We’re at 17% of what the state says we can borrow. This building is an investment for the town that will last all our lifetimes. I know it is a huge commitment for the town, but we’re setting the town up for success down the road.”

The electors opted for a raised hand and stand vote, resulting in 97-0 approval for both resolutions. 

Doyen concluded, “I believe this will help our town move forward, and we are so thankful for the Gere Russell account.”