Town of South Hero
South Hero Meeting House – Renovate & Adaptive Reuse Project
Date: Monday, May 16,2022 – Steering Committee in person at the Town Office & on Zoom
Call to Order: 2:00 PM by David Carter, Chair
Attendees on ZOOM: Emily Klofft-NRPC, Linda Seavey, Sarah Kjelleran
Attendees in person at Town Office: Rebecca Arnold-Arnold & Scangas, David Carter-Chair, Pamela Surprenant, Mary Harwood – Town Consultant, Michael Carroll, Sandy Gregg- PC, (Ross Brown briefly)
Absent: Carol Tremble, Beth Curtis, Terry Robinson, Robin Way
1. Introductions
2. Rebecca Arnold-Arnold & Scangas – Presented 2nd round of conceptual plans
• Sandy G. and Mary H. both asked about the building being designed to be net-zero. Rebecca A. responded she would need to know that ASAP. There was brief discussion by the group and Rebecca was given the go-ahead to design to be net-zero as much as possible considering it is an historic building.
• Plans were talked about and after some go-around about the width of the north-side entrance door and should it be 42” versus 36” it was decided that the 36” door, being ADA acceptable as described by Rebecca A., would remain 36”.
• Rebecca A. stated that the front Lobby must remain open and clear. No flammables can be stored in the closets.
• The use by the Grannys of the second floor north lobby was discussed as a possible place for book sales. The Fire Marshall would have to approve. One suggestion was to use movable book carts that could be wheeled out there during open hours and then wheeled back into the locked large sales rooms.
• Mary H. asked about where the HVAC equipment would be placed especially the AC condensers.
• Rebecca A. stated the HVAC system would be in the basement. The placement of the condensers would have to be determined in cooperation with the MH Committee and the HVAC contractor, having said that, there are ways to camouflage them to soften the visual impact.
• Paving, Lighting, & Landscaping: are NOT factored into any costs for the building itself. That will be determined when a real-time site plan is done by someone other than A&S.
• This round of plans were given the nod to move forward. Actual construction might see some very minor tweaks as issues arise but would not affect the over-all scope of the project just potential cost.
• Rebecca A. stated she would forward the plans to Lyssa Papazian so Lyssa could finalize her Section 106 Report due for the Bruhn Grant.
• Rebecca said the next phase for her would be producing the Construction Documents. That should take 4 months. Normally the project would allow 1 month for “Request for Proposals” (RFP) however, this being under a Bruhn Grant the RFP itself has to be approved and that can take 3 months! Then after NPS approval we would go out for RFP (allow 1 month).
• A new contract with A&S to go to construction documents needs to be written, approved etc. David C. is in charge of this. Also, Lisa Ryan will be asked if we have to go out again for an RFP on this.
• David C. said a shovel ready date would be best for Sept 2023.
• Questions for Lisa Ryan:
1. Does this project required Act 250 approval?
2. Do we have to go out for another RFP for “construction documents”? Or can we just move forward with A&S?
3. Next Steps? (Note: Mary H. set up a Zoom call for Friday, May 20th at 10:00 AM with Lisa R., Rebecca A., Lyssa P., Mary H. and Sandy G.)
• Construction issues to anticipate: supply lines, experienced labor availability, weather of course.
• Sandy G. asked about using steel beams where they would not be seen. Rebecca will factor in when doing the construction documents.
• Sandy G. also asked about using good quality standing-seam on the addition as it will outlast many rounds of asphalt shingles.
• Questions for Bob Neeld:
• How long to allow for Phase #1 Foundation & Stabilization? 3 months? 4 months?
• What is the sequence of jacking up the building?
3. Vermont Community Development Board Contract Extension Request
• On behalf of Ross Brown, Selectboard Vice Chair & Municipal Authorized Official (MOA) for this grant, Emily Klofft composed a letter to VCDB requesting an extension to September 30, 2022 to complete:
• Finalizing concept design
• Cost Estimate
• Architectural rendering (not construction documents)
• Civil & Structural Engineering Review
• Section 106 Review
• HUD Environmental Record Review & Phase 1 ESA
PRIORITY: Ross B. has not yet confirmed that he signed and sent the letter. Sandy G. following up.
4. Funds & Financial Reports:
• Town Treasurer reports not available
• Private funds raised to date (Little Green Light database) = $27,7730
• Motion by Sandy G. to approve Harwood Consulting Invoice #169 in the amount of $600 and Seconded by Michael C. Vote was unanimous.
5. Grants Updates & Fundraising:
• Mary H. reported she submitted for Congressional Appropriations and has not heard back yet.
• David C. stated that with the completed plans and a list of Donor Sponsorships opportunities can move forward with confidence with one-on-one or even small cocktail chats to present to enthusiastic South Hero supporters. We would have all summer right up to Sept 2023. The opportunity stills exists to fund the whole project and move forward with construction of the whole project. This would reduce the burden on the Grannys of having to move in and then out again for the next build phase.
6. Old Business
Community Cheers & Cheers Events; Community Outreach & Involvement
• Dates & Time: Monday, June 27th, 4-6 PM at The South Hero Meeting House
Monday, Aug 22nd, 4-6 PM at The South Hero Meeting House
• Tables for: Set-up 3:00 PM. Participants provide their own tents, signage etc.
2. This Committee – with most recent plans, Next Steps, Comments/suggestions Box etc.
3. SH Rec Commission share with SHLT – proposed plans for Rec Park, new trails etc.
4. Planning Commission – Town Plan Outreach & Community Engagement
5. SnowFarm Vineyard – Wine tasting & sales – confirmed
6. Two Heroes Brewery & Public House – Beer tasting & sales – confirmed
7. Kids activity table – Sarah K and Heidi Chamberlain (confirmed).
8. Granny’s Attic open for sales/ willing to lead tours of the interior of Meeting House, old school evidence. etc.
9. Oh, and CHEESE! – Sandy G. Mary H. will contact Cabot and Ben & Jerry’s for single servings item.
10. Traffic control: Sandy G. will talk with Fire & Rescue.
11. Live Music- contracted
12. PR campaign : Sandy G., Mary H, and Sarah K.
• Sarah provided 1st Draft of Ad/flyer. Sandy G. will email her with the comments/suggestions from the group.
Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market – Tabling dates/times: Behind St. Rose of Lima, Keeler Bay
Need volunteers to be there with Sandy G. and engage the public.
Tent: Mary, can I borrow your tent?
Table: Sandy G. has one
Chairs: BYOC
• Wed., June 22nd 3-6
• Wed., July 13th, 3-6
• Wed., Aug 17th, 3-6
7. New Business: None, we have enough going on!
8. Public Comment: None
9. Next Meeting: Monday June 6,2022 at 2 PM at the Town Office or via Zoom (Emily Klofft)
10. Adjourned: 3:43 PM
Respectfully submitted by,
Sandy Gregg, Scribe