TOWN OF BRADFORD
TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Eileen Kelly, Chair opened the meeting at 7:09pm with Sandra Wright, Audrey Sylvester, George Cilley, Harry Wright, Beth Downes, Dick Keller, Marcia Keller, Kathy McKenna, Caryl Walker, Michele Halsted, David Halsted, Beth Rodd, Ann Eldridge, Jim Bruss, Bruss Construction, and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Eileen Kelly, Chair took a few moments to speak of what Rick Monahon, Architect had done for the town before his passing, and we all miss him very much. Eileen went on to say a close friend of Rick’s had told her that Rick chose his projects well as he knew the value of the buildings he could restore as well as the people involved. Also, Jim Bruss has been invaluable to the project for which the committee thanks him.
Presentation to Selectmen:
Last Monday night, Eileen Kelly, Chair gave an overview of Town Hall History as well as the Renovation Plan as it stands right now. The request of the Committee was for the Selectmen to vote to recommend the Article for the bond at the figure given, where we are right now, in the hopes as we continue to work on it to reduce it lower. The Selectmen voted unanimously to recommend this bond.
Last Tuesday night, Eileen Kelly, Chair introduced Joe Campbell, North Branch Construction, who is the Construction Manager to the Budget Committee. Eileen handed out sheets showing line items for the Budget Breakdown.
The Budget Committee voted unanimously to recommend this bond.
The following is all a work in progress:
Jim Bruss made recommendations thus far and several information sheets were handed out to the members, one being the Standard Estimate Report. This report contains sixteen divisions: General Conditions, Demo & Site, Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry, Thermal/Moist, Doors & Windows, Finishes, Specialties, Furnishings, Conveying System, Mechanical, Electrical and Allowances.
It was suggested that since there is more work to be done, we should not accept the Guarantee Price quite yet.
The next sheet looked at is the Value Engineering Sheet showing the Scope of Work Deletions Sheet. It was stated that these are cuts being worked on, not necessarily permanent at this time, and is open for discussion, and all sixteen items were discussed.
Michele Halsted questioned from the beginning, since the building is on the National Historic Register, that we adhere to the U S Dept. of Interiors Standards for Restoration. Are we still working towards this to which Jim Bruss advised absolutely. One suggestion was to procure a “Letter of Intent or Proposal from Froling Energy” or other Biomass Specialists prior to Town Meeting.
Assumptions and Clarifications, a list of forty one areas of concern was the next handout gone over by Jim Bruss and the Committee. Many questions and responses from all the reports were gone over. Again, this is all a work in progress and not finalized at this time.
Some other topics discussed were:
Windows-triple track
Elevator
Air Exchange
Air conditioning
Signage-by code, some required
Furniture
Hours for work schedule.
Old Safe-Final resting place of door?
Pictures and artifacts needing to be removed from the building, and by whom, stored where?
Mechanicals
Stairs
Sprinkler System
Windows – Need to be discussed with North Branch re: using existing casings.
Use of volunteer craftsmen.
Generator discussion
Clarification of spray foam at 1” rather than 3”.
Paving
Landscaping
Retain stone shelf on the foundation
Wainscoting
Hardwood floors.
Roof – Need more specificity. Need to know what is to be replaced.
Rick Monahon’s office is still going to be the Architect’s used.
Inviting voters to attend the Forum scheduled for February 23, 2013, from ten am to twelve noon at the BradfordElementary School.
Michele Halsted is checking to see what feedback for level of support could be expected in Concord from the NH Preservation Alliance and LCHIP group. This will be used as a foundation for thoughts about how much could be raised outside of the bond. .
Jim Bruss was thanked by the Committee for all his efforts he’s put into this project.
With the support of the Selectmen and the Town’s Liability Insurance, Kathy McKenna is continuing to check at the Elementary School regarding baby sitting during town meeting, a non-partisan endeavor. Teacher or Staff member, as baby-sitters and custodian will need to be paid, and an amount which will be from donations will be estimated soon.
Article in BradfordBridge offering free babysitting services for town meeting.
Notice in BradfordBridge to offer rides to town meeting.
Beth Downes will be working on two places in town for promotion of Town Hall Restoration a couple of weeks prior to town meeting.
Lorraine McLeod has information and pictures on Facebook, please check on it and comment.
Another thought was to have “Open House” at the town hall so anyone who has not seen the upstairs of the town hall will have that opportunity. The 23rd , after the Forum was suggested as a good date.
Harry Wright stated a frequently asked question is “ What’s in it for me? And the response could be:
Value to town, tourism, increase in property value, access to beautiful upper level for wedding receptions, ballroom and square dancing, art shows, stage shows, holding town meetings, preserving a sturdy historical building already owned by the town.
(Secretary’s addition: Remember Brunch at Appleseed on Sunday, March 10 between 8:00am and 12:00noon)
Next meetings scheduled for: Thursday, February 21, at 7:00pm
Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 7:00pm
There being no other business to come before the Committee, meeting adjourned 9:45pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary