WETHERSFIELD - Emerson Williams Elementary parents have been expressing concern regarding the condition of the gymnasium’s floor, so its replacement is among the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects in Town Manager Jeff Bridges’ proposed budget.

       The work-which also includes the replacement of the school’s cafeteria floor-is expected to take place next year and cost $150,000. The total CIP budget for 2015-2015 is $905,000.

       â€�"That was a big topic in the community, so that’s on there,” Bridges said during a brief budget presentation given at the Town Council’s April 6 meeting.

       The Council will had its final budget hearing at on April 20, and the Board will know its full expenditure on May 15.

       Martin Malicki, a Wethersfield resident who spoke at a couple of fall Council meetings, pointed to the condition of the floor’s composite tiles, which he said are coming apart. He says that there are spots along the floor where they are missing completely, and that it presents a danger to students utilizing the space.

       The floor’s mastic has also been found to contain asbestos, although without it being friable-airborne and powdery-it is not supposed to pose a health hazard.

       Superintendent of Schools Michael Emmett said during the fall that he does not think the asbestos is friable, but that the floor replacement-and the abatement that will occur in the process-should be made a top priority in the budget session.

       At that time he was also setting his sights on replacing the cafeteria floor.

       â€�"If I’m going to enclose and contain, I’d be foolish not to include the cafeteria,” Emmett said in the fall. â€�"It’s much more cost effective than doing contain and abate twice.”

       As for the gym floor, it’s the only one in the district that isn’t hardwood.

       â€�"It is a tile floor on a concrete base,” Emmett said. â€�"It’s certainly not conducive to being a quality gym floor.”