Town of South Hero
Old White Meeting House Committee
Build Sub-Committee
Town of South Hero
PO Box 175
South Hero, VT 05486-0175
www.SouthHeroVt.org
May 1,2025
Location: Town Office Meeting Room
Attending: Michael Carroll, Russ Stratton, Mike Welch, Carl Frenning, Doug Patterson, Sandy
Gregg-Scribe
Absent: None
Public: Anne Zolotas – Selectboard, David Carter – Selectboard & Meeting House Committee
Called to order at 1:30 PM by Michael C.
Continued discussion about the Meeting House Project:
Sandy G. reported that both Preservation Trust Vermont via Jenna Lapachinski and Vermont Historic
Preservation’s Caitlin Corkin – Grant Administrator have weighed in that if the building were to be
moved only once onto a new foundation built immediately behind the current footprint of the building
all historic grant funding would be negated both now and in the future.
Doug P. asked why the building could not be jacked way up and the new foundation build
underneath? Michael C. answered that no contractor he spoke to would do the work under those
dangerous conditions as it would have to be raised too high to be safe.
PRIORITY: General discussion included the continuing question about does the Town continue down
the path of Historic Preservation or not?
If the Town chooses NOT to do Historic Preservation: The 1816 Old White Meeting House will
NEVER be eligible for historic preservation grants from the National Park Service (through
Preservation Trust VT), Preservation Trust VT itself, and/or the State Dept of Historic Preservation.
This means that potential grants to repair the slate roof will not be available, nor would any other type
of restoration grant funding be available say to repair siding, windows etc. Note: these types of grants
usually require some sort of Town match, usually ~10-20%. Further, if the Town chooses NOT to do
Historic Preservation any future routine maintenance would have to come out of the Town Budget that
is funded through taxpayers.
If the Town chooses to proceed with planned Historic Preservation all the grant funding previously
mentioned in A. above would be available (yes, some of it is on a competitive basis and requires the
Town match as stated). Also, grants save taxpayer’s money.
Anne Z. asked how long can the Town do “nothing”? TASK: Sandy G. will ask Northern Borders about
this as it pertains to the $500,000 Catalyst Grant the Town has received.
Question asked when does the “racking” of the building happen: Answer: Michael C. stated it
happens before it is moved this is per expert contractor advise. Racking = squaring of the building.
Sandy G. asked who makes the final decision on which route to take on this project…Historic
Preservation or not? The answer is the Selectboard.
Brownfield: KAS’s Jeremy Roberts has heard from Graham Bradley at the State (PhD
Hydrogeologist|Hazardous Sites Manager, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources | Department of
Environmental Conservation Waste Management & Prevention Division, Sites Management Section).
Jeremy emailed, “The next step will be for us to prepare a work plan / cost estimate for the requested
additional sampling / investigation work. I’ll plan on putting this together in the next week or so and
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send it to you for review.” Sandy G. has followed-up with Greta Brunswick at NWRP about possible
funding available to cover this new round of testing ground water for lead.
Anne Z. asked how long can the Town do “nothing” about the lead contamination? TASK: Sandy G.
will follow-up with Graham Bradley at the State.
4. Funding Discussion:
Michael C. stated the project should continue as if the NPS Bruhn Grant is not available.
• Sandy G. asked that TASK: David C., Anne Z. Kim Julow-Town Treasurer, Sue Arguin
Town Administrator, Sandy G. meet to go over in detail exactly what Town services will be
done, how they are valued etc. Sandy G. explained this has to be reported in the NBRC Match
Funding Declaration. This form is available through Sue A. from the NBRC Grant portal. Anne
Z. was given a sample hard copy. Task: Sandy G. will arrange for this meeting.
Anne Z. reported standing seam roof estimated at $1,200 per 100sf, includes installation on prepared
roof. Does not include removing existing roof or disposal. Also, Anne Z. reported that hard slate has a
life span of ~ 200 years with routine maintenance if needed. And, soft slate has life span considerably
less (no estimate given).
5. Next Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM at the Town Office (confirmed).
Submitted by,
Sandy Gregg – Volunteer Scribe
Home Contact: Phone- 802-372-4565 or email- [email protected]