Town of South Hero
Meeting House – Preserve & Revitalize Project
Date: MONDAY, November 11, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM In person at Town Office or via Zoom
Attendees: David Carter-Chair, Michael Carroll, Pamela Surprenant, Mary Harwood, Carol Tremble,
Rebecca Arnold-Arnold & Scangas Architects (via ZOOM), Sandy Gregg
Absent: Sarah Kjelleren, Terry Robinson, Beth Curtis, Jenna Lapachinski-Preservation Trust VT
Public: None
Called to order at 3:02 by David C.
Architect’s Report: Rebecca Arnold – Arnold & Scangas Architects, Inc. (A&S) reported
KAS update: Rebecca A. will contact Jeremy Roberts to see if he has received any letter from the
State about our project (Graham Bradley).
Rebecca informed that Wed at 10:00AM there will be a Zoom with Jenna L.-Preservation Trust VT,
Caitlin Corkins – VDHD (VT Dept. of Housing & Development), Mary H. and Sandy G. to discuss the
NPS concerns about placement of the Heat Pump mechanicals outside on the east side of the
Meeting House. Rebecca will contact Dubois & King with any questions coming out of that Zoom.
A&S will start working on specs that Rebecca knows will not change as a result of NPS feedback.
This is based on her experience.
Slate Roof follow-up: Rebecca asked about this issue. Michael C. replied he asked Miles about it and
had met with him on site. They had measured a complete slate that had come off in a wind event and
cut into the dirt… it was complete. Slate measures 24” tall and 14” wide. They are large and VT gray.
The committee will solicit public contributions in case anyone has stock-piled this size/color. Rebecca
also asked when in the process will the slates be removed? Michael C. responded before the building
is moved to avoid further breakage. The slates will also undergo a “ring test” when the slate is held
dangling and tapped lightly with a hammer and if it rings it is still solid. If the sound is a thud sound it
is compromised. Pretty cool, huh, we learned something!
National Park Service (NPS) Review Status – Jenna Lapachinski-Preservation Trust Vermont
Jenna was not present. The Town has not received any update from the NPS. We are still
waiting for them to provide feedback on the 75% architectural documents. Sandy G. will contact
Jenna L.
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, costs are now dipping into this reserve. Fund-raising continues to be the
highest priority!
Grant Status: Mary H. reported we are waiting for the NPS review. Mary reported she talked with
Rep. Balint’s office and they assured her that getting the 2025 Federal budget passed before the
holiday break is a major priority for the VT congressional team…cross your fingers folks it may be a
bumpy ride. $400,000 Save America’s Treasures grant funding is riding on it! There is preliminary
grant application work that can be done and Mary will get on it. The Town wants to be ready to submit
the grant promptly if funding is approved as it is a “first come first served” deal.
Foundation Report: Fund-raising continues. Sandy G. reported the community request to match an
anonymous $10,000 grant by Dec 1st has been disappointing. Only $1,000 has been raised so far to
meet this match challeng. Continued outreach to get this matched will be forthcoming.
Page 2
Publicity & tabling: David C. shared the article he and Michael have been working on; “How Did a
Volcano Impact South Hero”. Sandy G. will type up the article and email to this group for feedback.
Old Business: KAS Contract for 2nd round of testing is on hold until the Town hears back from the
State (Graham Bradley). Rebecca will ask both Jeremy & Graham for a status.
New Business:
• Brownfields – no update…waiting on the State
Next Meeting: Thursday, Dec 5,2024 at 3:00 PM at the Town Office Meeting Room.
Adjourned at 4:00 PM: Motion to adjourn by Sandy G., second by Pamela S., vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sandy Gregg, Scribe