Meeting House – Preserve & Revitalize Project – MEETING-NOTES
Date: WEDNESDAY, June 7,2023
Time: 9:30 AM In person at Town Office or via ZOOM (no Zoom attendees)
Attendees: David Carter-Chair, Rebecca Arnold-Arnold & Scangas, Sue Arguin-Town
Administrator, Mary Harwood, Teresa Robinson, Carol Tremble, Sandy Gregg.
Absent: Sarah Kjelleren, Pamela Surprenant, Michael Carroll, Beth Curtis, Linda Seavey.
1. Call to Order at 9:36 AM by Sandy G. (Chair-David C. arrived as soon as he could)
2. Introductions
3. Phase 1 Issues:
• Fire Escape: Rebecca A. presented a rough sketch showing exterior fire escape on the north
(back) of the building with a cover over it (otherwise the sides were open to the weather). In case
of snow/ice the stairs would need to be cleared or made safe. Projected length of use is 10 years
or until it is determined by the Town to require a change. Any change would require going through
the approval process with NPS.
• Ramp & 2nd means of egress from Community Hall: Rebecca A. presented a rough sketch
that along with the fire escape showed a back, north-facing, entrance/exit door with a ramp for
accessibility. The ramp had a covering only. In case of snow or ice it would have to be made safe
for use. Same projected use period.
• Bathroom(s) for events: David C. asked Rebecca A. to consider if one ADA bathroom could be
added beneath the interior left-hand stairway at the front door. Rebecca A. examined the area
after the meeting and will determine if this is possible. Otherwise, the Town would have to get a
variance from the State to temporarily (3-5 years) use porto-potties. This seems reasonable since
the 1816 building does not have any interior bathroom facilities. Another possibility is a shed with
composting toilet. How is that cared for?
• Conceptual Design: what are we submitting to NPS now that the original addition is off the
table?
Rebecca A. will provide a conceptual plan with the revised “access” addition. The main
1816 building does not change. Due date: by June 28,2023 or sooner if possible.
• Other
• Parking: handicap spaces will be located by the rear door for ramp access. General parking will
be planned in conjunction with the Town Park plan which includes 86 parking places.
• Landscaping: Minimal front entrance work is included with a main sidewalk from the street
sidewalk to front steps access (material to be determined), plus 2 side sidewalks (material to be
determined). Green areas per sketch design.
• 2nd Floor use: when and if Grannies relocate: Flex space, 2 rooms will remain, one
consideration is as artist booth rental space with area for work display.
• Retail use verses Assembly use: Fewer than 50 people is OK and requires no additional
planning. Greater than 50 people would require additional planning and might trigger sprinkling.
Be aware!
• 2nd heat source is needed as splits will not completely do the job for a comfortable working
space at or around 20 degrees F and lower. Add electric baseboard as solution. Solar panels in
1 of 2
the new Town Park on all roof tops will help toward mitigating electric costs for both the Park &
the Meeting House.
4. Facts per email from Jenna Lapachinski-PTVT:
A. When the project is 50% complete (refers to construction documents) we can we can reach out
to NPS for consultation on the conceptual design/project direction. Finishes and historic detail
handling must be described.
B. When the project is 75-80% complete we can submit to the NPS the NEPA worksheet and
plans/specifications for technical review.
5. Defining Contracts with A&S:
1st Contract = Bruhn portion of Phase !, plus all window removal.
2nd Contract = Finishing 1816 building: weatherizaion & finishings inside & outside. This
contract is expected from Rebecca – A&S based on A&S document March 30,2023
“Project Description” and “Project Information” Phase II – Restoration & Weatherization
of Existing Building. As soon as Rebecca gets this 2nd contract to David C. he will get it
signed.
6. Next Meeting – Tuesday, June 20,2023 at 3:30 PM
7. Motion to adjourn by Sandy G. and seconded by Mary H., vote was unanimous.
Adjourned at 11.30 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Gregg, Scribe
South Hero Meeting House Committee