Town of Brookline FY21 Program Budget

Public Safety l Building

Program Description
The Building Department was established to ensure public safety during construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of structures within town.  The Department reviews and issues permits for construction, repair, remodeling, and demolition, as well as certificates of occupancy.  Staff enforces by-laws and regulations related to zoning, building, plumbing, gas, electrical connections, fire safety, sprinklers, energy, demolition, and lodging houses.  The Department performs annual inspections of lodging houses, places of assembly, parking facilities, and common victualler locations prior to their license renewal.  The Department is charged with the repair and maintenance of all Town and School buildings and managing the daily operation of Town Hall, the Health Center, and the Public Safety Headquarters building.

The Department consists of the following six sub-programs:

1.  The Administration Sub-program provides administrative and clerical support for the Department.  The clerical staff performs the required office activities for the other sub-programs, including receipt of permit applications and fees, handling of citizen inquiries, preparation of permits, certificates, licenses, and payment vouchers for vendors.
2.  The Code Enforcement and Inspection Sub-program is responsible for the construction and maintenance of structurally sound and safe buildings, mechanical systems, and equipment as mandated by related codes, by-laws, rules, and regulations.  Work is initiated as a result of the application for a permit, complaints, department initiative, or referral and involves dealing with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, lawyers, owners, and tenants.
3.  The Repairs to Public Buildings Sub-program preserves and maintains Town-owned buildings other than schools, which total 45 buildings with an estimated value of $135 million.  Through periodic surveys and inspections, the Department determines the necessary repairs to preserve and maintain these buildings and establishes a preventive maintenance program consistent with the need.
4.  The Town Hall Maintenance Sub-program provides for the operation and maintenance of the Town Hall, the Stephen Glover Train Memorial Health Center, and the Public Safety Headquarters building.
5.  The Construction/Renovation Sub-program supports the Building Commission which, in accordance with Article 3.7 of the Town's By-Laws, participates in the selection of design consultants, reviews and approves plans and specifications, receives proposals, and maintains supervision of the Town's building program.  The Project Administrator and his assistant serve as agents of the Building Commission, working with various Town and School agencies for the study, design, and construction of new projects and for major repairs.
6.  The School Plant Sub-program provides for the maintenance and upkeep of all school buildings, of which there are 16 with an estimated value of $300 million. Through surveys and inspections and in conjunction with the principals, the custodial staff, and the Superintendent of Schools, a list of necessary repairs is established to preserve and maintain these buildings.
 
FY21 Objectives
  1. To assist the Select Board's Office all Town and School departments with the development of a balanced CIP Project list, including aggressive planning for school space needs.
  2. To work with Town Officials, the School Department and the MSBA for the Pierce School Eligibility Period process.
  3. To assist the School Department with the High School Expansion and Renovations to complete the construction phase.
  4. Work with the Fire Chief on long term plans for fire station upgrades and renovations.
  5. To work with the Police Chief to expand women’s locker rooms at the Public Safety Building.
  6. Work with users of all facilities and continue all efforts to make public buildings fully accessible.
  7. Investigate, explore and implement new technology and energy conservation measures for all buildings.
  8. Work with the Town Administration to install photovoltaic solar panels on Town and School properties.
  9. Continue to work with the Select Board,  Sustainability Program Administrator and appointed committees to advance energy efficiencies, programs and policies.
  10. To work with the Recreation Department on expansion plans for the Eliot Recreation Building.
FY20 Accomplishments
  1. Completed the Coolidge Corner School project, achieved LEED Gold status.
  2. Expanded the website including adding info about energy – usage and conservation efforts.
  3. Completed the renovation for the Coolidge Corner Library.
  4. Received approximately $250,000 in Green Communities Grant monies for energy conservation Projects.
  5. Completed upgrades and modernization on the Unified Art’s and Lynch Rec. elevators.
  6. Completed building envelope work at the Reservoir Gate House.
  7. Completed the roof replacement work for the Golf Course Clubhouse.
  8. Installed new Fire Alarm systems/panels at the Putterham Library, Coolidge Corner Library, Driscoll School, Old Lincoln School, Pierce Primary School and Lynch Recreation Center.
  9. Initiated an enforcement tracking process for Department staff to better track complaints (zoning, by-law, code, etc.) to gain compliance.
  10. Installed new radio fire master boxes in all Town and School Buildings.

Administration

Code-Enforcement

Construct/Renovation

Town Buildings Repair and Maintenance

Town Hall Maintenance

School Buildings Repair and Maintenance