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Date: 12/29/2015
WILBRAHAM – The town recently published four requests for proposals (RFPs) to purchase or lease space for the Senior Center as well as the Parks and Recreation Department, respectively.
Town Administrator Nick Breault told Reminder Publications the town’s lease with the Scantic Valley YMCA Family Center for the space where both departments operate out of expired in October and is currently on a month-to-month basis.
“With the expiration of the lease, the town is obligated [due to procurement laws] to conduct an RFP for the bid process to either continuing leasing or to lease or purchase [another space],” he added. “It’s good practice for the town.”
The senior center consists of 3,840 square feet and $75,000 was paid annually to the Y to utilize that space. The total yearly cost of renting spaces for the senior center as well as Parks and Recreation was $90,000.
Breault said the YMCA had proposed to increase the annual costs if both parties sought to renew the lease.
“There was [a] proposal from the YMCA for increase in the lease price, but currently under our month to month situation no increase has been in place,” he noted.
The Senior Center Feasibility Committee ranked 758V Main Street – a 7.26-acre parcel that the Wilbraham Seniors have committed to purchase for $139,000 – as its top location for the home of a new senior center in October.
“It may be a long-term solution [or a] short-term solution,” Director of Elder Affairs Paula Dubord said regarding the town purchasing space for the senior center.
The RFPs were published on Dec. 16 and the town will accept bids until Jan. 28, 2016. The RFPs state a minimum of 3,500 square feet is needed for the senior center and 1,600 square feet for Parks and Recreation.