Town of South Hero
Meeting House – Preserve & Revitalize Project
Date: THURSDAY, Dec 5, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM In person at Town Office or via Zoom
Attendees: David Carter-Chair, Michael Carroll, Pamela Surprenant, Sue Arguin-Town Administrator,
Mary Harwood, Andy Julow-LCIEDC, Carol Tremble, Rebecca Arnold-Arnold & Scangas Architects
(via ZOOM), Jenna Lapachinski-Preservation Trust VT (via ZOOM), Sandy Gregg
Absent: Sarah Kjelleren, Terry Robinson, Beth Curtis
Public: None
Called to order at 3:00 by David C.
Architect’s Report: Rebecca Arnold – Arnold & Scangas Architects, Inc. (A&S) reported
No forward movement on preparing specs or architectural docs. In Wait mode to hear from National
Park Service.
Not heard from from KAS or Graham at State re: Brownfields status. Rebecca will reach out to
Jeremy-KAS.
Sandy G. will reach out to Greta Brunswick-NRPC re: their Brownfield program. Our case was on
their recent agenda so we should have an answer on this.
National Park Service (NPS) Review Status – Jenna Lapachinski-Preservation Trust Vermont
reported NPS, DHP, & NBRC all agree to the conditional release of the review and A&S will
submit the mechanical information when it’s ready. What this means is they will continue to
review the plans and report back to us…when they are ready. Also, it means they do not need
further drawings of the placement of the HVAC condensers on the west side of the building.
Bottomline: we are still in wait mode from NPS!
David C. asked Jenna L. to contact NPS and ask when we can expect to hear from them.
Financial Report: Kim Julow-Town Treasurer reported there is $225,243.31 in the account line for
the Meeting House (this include the obligated ARPA funds of $100,000 and the $150,000 voter-
approved funds). Yes, architect costs are now dipping into this reserve. Fund-raising continues to be
the highest priority!
Sandy G. asked Andy J. the status of the NBRC $500,000 grant in light of the election. Andy stated
the grant is good for 2 years out.
Andy J. also stated the project needs 100% funding to get a “Notice to Proceed” which includes going
out for bids. Brief discussion followed about perhaps changing the scope of the project and can it be
re-evaluated etc. Conclusion: Town, Andy J., Jenna L., and NBRRC need to meet to discuss
possibilities. Andy J. to set date (Zoom available).
Andy J.will ask NBRC if a letter from our Anonymous Donor with pledge info is acceptable as a legal
document and counts as funding.
Andy J.’s agreement with the Town is for a maximum of 10% of the NBRC grant amount or $10,000
over 2 years. Andy: Town needs a contract from you please, the SB has to sign.
Sue A. will invite Andy J. to be able to view NBRC Grant Management website.
Grant Status: Mary H. reported we are waiting for the NPS review.
Foundation Report: Fund-raising continues. Sandy G. reported the community request to match an
anonymous $10,000 grant by Dec 1st has been met. Way to go South Hero!
Publicity: Article “How Did a Volcano Impact South Hero” appeared in the recent Islander. We all
should keep reminding folks we run into around town about the history of the Meeting House.
Page 2
Old Business: Covered in above…
New Business:
Motion by Sandy G. to approve Harwood Consulting Invoice #286, 12/2/24 in the amount of $270.
Second by Michael C., the vote was unanimous. David C. will note on the invoice ‘approval to pay
from Town Consultant line’ and pass along to Town Treasurer, Kim Julow.
Michael C. asked what to do about keeping potential GCs interested in this project. David C. replied:
tell any potential GC at this point the Town is waiting for: 1. Environmental Assessment – depends on
when the Town gets letter from the State (Graham) or KAS (Jeremy) that outlines what the project
has to do regarding treatment of the lead test results; 2. NPS approval of architect’s plans; 3. NBRC
level of comfort and the “Notice To Proceed”.
Next Meeting: Thursday, Jan 9,2025 at 3:00 PM at the Town Office Meeting Room.
Adjourned at 3:53 PM: Motion to adjourn by Michael C.., second by Pamela S., vote was
unanimous.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sandy Gregg, Scribe