TOWN OF BRADFORD
TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE
FORUM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013
10:00 – 12:00 NOON
KEARSARGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – BRADFORD
Opening Remarks:
Harry Wright, Selectmen gave the opening remarks at the Forum which was attended by about forty interested individuals. Harry Wright introduced Joe Campbell, North Branch Builders, the Construction Manager, Dave Drasba, Architect from Rick Monahon’s office, Eileen Kelly, ChairTown Hall restoration Committee, Jeff Taylor, Consultant for Community Planning and Economic Development and Jim Bruss, Bruss Construction, consultant to the project. Also recognized were State Representatives, Barbara French and Geoffrey Hirsch.
Jeff Taylor introduced himself stating he was pleased to be here again and was first here to work on a Charrette about fifteen years ago. Mr. Taylor also stated that he has always enjoyed working with old buildings and has known and worked with Rick Monahon, Architect for the past twenty years or so. A little over a year ago was the beginning of the process with much shared, gathered information on restoring the town hall. The last thirteen months the committee has worked hard and accomplished a lot of work pertaining to the Town Hall Restoration. At this time, Jeff Taylor introduced Eileen Kelly, Chair of the committee.
Eileen Kelly, Chair thanked everyone for coming and listed the names of the committee members, as well as the Rural Heritage Connection as being an important apart of the group in the combined efforts. Rick Monahon, Architect worked diligently and has been an integral part and was very energetic in the process. He was recognized for contributing much more work then he was paid for. It was also stated that Rick was credited with not only obtaining a Construction Manager with a guaranteed maximum cost figure, but with the understanding local, capable workers will be used whereever possible. It was pointed out that this is the best time for Bonding with low interest rate, consequently being cost effective. When the Bond is passed at Town Meeting, it was estimated that the opening of the Town Hall could be the end of 2013.
The Selectmen and the Budget Committee each voted unanimously to recommend Article Four on the Warrant.
Dave Drasba, Architect brought in updated plans from what Rick Monahon had first produced. Since he works from the same office that Rick Monahon did, he has been involved in the background of this endeavor. At this time, Mr. Drasba gave a powerpoint display of what, where and how the process will be carried out with end results. This included starting from the basement and working towards the second floor and all areas in between. He was very adamant that it would all be to code and include present historic features as they are already there. This will also include a new septic, well and heating system. The total square footage on the first floor will be 4250. The front stairs will remain there and do what ever is necessary for them to be within code. Space will be added on the second floor to provide two handicapped bathrooms. The total seating capacity for the second floor auditorium is 220 with up to 80 for the stage area. The tin ceiling will be restored on the second floor. All electrical and heating will be new throughout the building.
Joe Campbell, North Branch, Construction Manager presented the project schedules. They have been involved with many municipal projects for over fifty five years and are confident in their projections. After the March 13, 2013 Town Meeting, they will be doing more fine tuning of drawings for mechanical, electric and design, followed by approval and final pricing. Mr. Campbell advised any money not spent goes back to the town. He also reiterated that any capable local contractors will be used for the project.
Discussion ensued, and it was pointed out that the Police Department would add substantial cost to the project had it been included in the plans at the Town Hall, because it does not belong in that building due to the nature of police work. It was also stated that a couple of additional parking spaces will be added from what is already there as well as the thirty spaces in the Church yard, thus not being an issue.
A question arose as to the old vault at the town hall and it was stated that the only “old historic value” is the door as the rest of it was not fire proof. It was strongly recommended to preserve the door.
Questions and Answers
Back stairs were questioned as being functional as they are, why new ones? Dave Drasba stated that the back stairs need verification with the State as to be compliant with code. Another question was where the well would be drilled which was shown on the power point. It was stated that there will be a cistern for the sprinkler system.
Another topic discussed was the feasibility of also using the down stairs meeting room as an overflow, which will accommodate 60 people as an addition to the upstairs 300 for large meetings. Other questions included the interior walls being insulated to which the reply was yes. The lighting on the stage areas will be a separate specialty project per Dave Drasha. The pellet boilers were discussed and it was stated that they need service annually and the commercial/industrial one is different than a home pellet system. The amount of ash would be about a small waste can full every 3 to 4 weeks as well as it being fully automatic. Another question was air conditioning which has not been included at this time. An outside generator was also discussed.
John Pfeifle addressed the new committees to be formed, addressing Main Street with the town hall being a cornerstone and a town property committee to promote infrastructure increasing property values in Bradford.
Eileen Kelly reminded everyone that there will be a group attending the Brunch at Appleseed Restaurant on Sunday, March 10 from 8:00am to 12:00 noon and any and all are invited.
Eileen thanked everyone for attending this informative meeting.
Refreshments were available for one and all.
Meeting adjourned 11:50am.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary