Town of South Hero
Meeting House – Preserve & Revitalize Project
Date: THURSDAY, March 27, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM In person at Town Office or via Zoom
Attendees: David Carter-Chair, Michael Carroll, Pamela Surprenant, Mary Harwood, Sue Arguin- Town Administrator, Sandy Gregg.
Via ZOOM: Rebecca Arnold-Arnold & Scangas Architects, Andy Julow-LCIEDC, Paula Bagger, Jenna Lapachinski-Preservation Trust VT (PTVT)
Absent: Sarah Kjelleren, Terry Robinson, Beth Curtis, Carol Tremble,
Public: Came in at 3:12: Russ Stratton – Build Committee, Gregg Tuite
Recording began at 3:07
1. Called to order at 3:08 by David C.
2. Architect’s Report: Rebecca Arnold – Arnold & Scangas Architects, Inc. (A&S) reported:
• One week delay getting all docs & specs completed. They will be emailed to Michael C. for distribution to the Committee by Friday April 11,2025.
• From our Feb 20,2025 meeting: Specs Info:
A. Invitation to Bid: Bidders will be required to pay for architectural docs & specs either hard copy and/or electronic copy.
1. Bidders will be asked for lump sum bid.
2. April 11,2025 deadline for bid docs specs.
3. Friday, April 18th at 9:30 AM required Pre-Bid conference & site visit at the project site.
4. May 9,2025 deadline to receive bids at the Town Office by noon.
B. Info for Bidders:
5. Bidders buy either electronic and/or hardcopy, non-refundable. Comes out of project reimbursable.
6. Bids will be addressed to “David Carter”-Chair.
7. Contract #1 – Paul Bruhn Grant Funding: Foundation & Stabilization ($100,000).
8. Contract #2 & #3 – NBRC requirements ($500,000, reimbursable), include BABAA.
C. Project Directory: Names of those in each project position with contact info. Will be supplied by General Contractor and Build Committee.
9. Attachment A – Paul Bruhn Grant
10. Attachment B – NBRC Grant Agreement
11. Attachment C – SAT Grant Agreement (Update 3/27/25: NO SAT Funding-per Welch)
12. Attachment D – BABAA
13. Owner Rep – Michael Carroll
14. Summary: Owner installs equipment (security cameras, TV monitor). Historic Park Service required signage will be handled by the Town. (Update 3/27/25 Fire Extinguishers are direct Town cost)
• Rebecca A. suggests we contact General Contractors, as many as possible, to give them a heads up this project is coming. Tasked to Build Committee.
• Michael C. stated the bid docs and bid process will give the Town a better idea if the project estimate is reasonable. End Feb 20,2025 notes.
3. Updates – Jenna L., Preservation Trust VT:
David C. informed everyone that the Town received a letter from Senator Welch’s office that the Town will not receive the Save America’s Treasures Grant for $400,000 due to the fact that congress passed a 2025 budget without any Congressional Discretionary Funding (CDF).
Jenna L. stated that we need to check with NBRC immediately to see how this impacts the Budget & Scope of that grant. TASK: Andy Julow will contact them immediately and set up a ZOOM meeting. TASK: Sandy G. will draft a Narrative RE: Amendment to Change Scope & Budget and run by Mary H..
Jenna further stated the Section 106 report that the Bruhn Grant requires is done and paid for by PTVT and that NBRC will accept the same Section 106 report. Should the Town change course and NOT do an historic project the Town will likely incur additional costs to create a new Section 106 report. It is just the way it works.
Discussion followed around questions from a few members of the public about how doing an historic project impacts the budget and is it worth it?
Jenna L. stated that a slate roof will last 150 years with some routine maintenance. Our project does call for both the slate and cedar shingles to be removed. Roof repairs done as needed. Slates tested and reused with nails that will not rust. Restored windows will last as long as new windows and our project calls for storm windows to be added for efficiency. An historic project will produce a building that will be here for generations provided there is a maintenance plan in place and no more deterred maintenance.
Sandy G. asked who makes the final decision how to proceed? Answer: the Selectboard. General discussion followed with comments made including, “Does the Town really want to kick the can down the road again with this project? We are so close to raising the funds needed despite not getting the SAT grant. This is an investment in the Town-owned building for the next 200 years.”
Jenna L. reminded all that any contracts should be run by the Town Attorney.
Jenna L. reminded all that Aug 31, 2025 ends the timeframe to spend the Bruhn grant funds. Some extension might be available through Jenna with enough warning.
David C. invited Jenna to visit here to discuss details of the project. Date set for in-person meeting Thursday, April 10th at 2:30 PM, South Hero Town Office. Rebecca A. is also invited.
The goal is still to go out for bid with the historic architectural docs and specs. TASK: Michael C. will coordinate Bid Process with the Build Committee.
4. Town Financial Report: $223,073.31 (includes designated ARPA funds & voter’s $150,000).
5. Grant Status:
• Mary H. reported that she is still awaiting word from one local Foundation. The SHF is also in negotiations with another possible funder.
6. South Hero Foundation (SHF) Report: SHF wishes to thank all Donors in support of preserving the 1816 Old White Meeting House and making it usable for generations to come. Call 802-372-4565 or email Sandy G. for details how you can donate or visit: wwww.SouthHeroMeetingHouse.org . The SHF has reached the targeted amount of $70,000 to donate to the Town for this project. Further, the Anonymous Community Challenge Grant match of $25,000 has been met thus ensuring $25,000 from that grant.
7. Publicity:
• Thank you to Paula Bagger for volunteering to be a ‘Social Media’ person for the cause.
8. Brownfields: KAS’s Jeremy Roberts presented the 2nd round of soil test results. These results along with a report prepared by Jeremy will be sent to the State for review. The Town can expect to hear from the State in 2 weeks after receiving that report with recommendations for how to proceed.
Jeremy R. stated where there is grass now, and results for lead higher than accepted by the State, soil will have to removed down to 18” and replaced with clean soil. If the entire area is covered with asphalt, thus encapsulating the lead, the asphalt cover would seal off the lead. Estimated cost of dispersal is $80 – $200 / T. Alternative when digging to 5 ft for foundation is to stockpile the soil on site, have it tested,
Sue A. asked if the Town Highway crew could do some of the work. Jeremy R. replied if they have hazmat certification they could. Sue A. will follow-up with John Beaulac.
David C. asked is this is unusual when working with an old building. Jeremy answered, “No.”
David C. asked if the Town did nothing and just walked away would the State require the Town to do anything? Jeremy answered, “Yes, the State would expect you remediate the lead.”
Reminder: The Town will have to contract with the Remediator and it would be funded with monies not designated to go towards the Meeting House Project.
9. Build Committee: No report
10. New Business:
• David C. will be meeting with Robin Way in 2 weeks to further discuss the best possible scenario for the Granny’s Attic group to continue their good work.
• Gregg Tuit stated the historic building project seems to have become overly complicated. Can’t the building just be stabilized and the Granny’s Attic group returned to the 2nd floor?
• General brief discussion followed that pointed out the intricacies of historic preservation and that it produces a building that will last generations with routine maintenance. (This was covered withe detail under #3.) Gregg seemed to appreciate the responses. As to the future of Granny’s Attic, David C. stated there is a plan that cannot be shared yet with the public but will be discussed with Robin Way for Robin to present to the Grannies. Further, David said getting the Grannies to agree to a plan has been challenging. Their Board is challenging to work with. The Board wants the Town to give them a lot worth $330,000 so they can operate 120 hours a year. That is not practical.
• 2 handouts will be emailed to attendees by Sandy G.: ‘Navigating Uncertainty in the Federal Funding Landscape’, and ‘Vermont Tariff Resources’. Have fun reading!
11. Next Meeting: Thurs, April 10,2025 at 3:00 PM at the Town Office Meeting Room or via ZOOM
12. Adjourned at 3:59 PM: Motion to adjourn by Sandy G, second by Michael C., vote was unanimous. Recording ended.
Respectfully submitted by Sandy Gregg, Scribe