Building Committee Notes Jan 8, 2004
The building committee met on January 8 to continue working on a plan to renovate the town hall.
Axons Enterprises, Inc. of 208 Heritage Drive Waterbury made a presentation at the last meeting and followed up with a letter with references.
Jack Travers reported that on the “walk-around” they indicated we may not need as much new vault space as anticipated, given the trend toward putting land records on line in the next few years.
They were concerned about putting another huge vault on top of the existing one and indicated additional supports will be needed.
They estimated $300 per square foot to replace the building and about $60 to renovate.
Moving Forward: A vote was taken on the issue of moving on toward renovating the existing building. The vote was unanimous to move forward.
Mr. Travers indicated he would like to solicit presentations from 2 or 3 additional firms and the committee agreed. Some committee members want to look at other town halls to get some ideas of other firms that might be interested.
Whether to keep the oldest vault: Mr. Travers raised the issue of whether to retain the oldest vault which no longer meets state specifications. Consensus of the group was probably not. There may be a need for a very small vault in selectmen’s office for personnel records. A fireproof cabinet was suggested as a less expensive alternative.
Issues to be addressed: The group began a list of issues that will need to be addressed as the project planning moves along:
o Removing or covering asbestos.
o Putting a drop ceiling or a hard ceiling that would allow for storage space above.
Next Steps: The group began to identify the steps and goals needed to get this project underway. The next is to get architects in for presentations and estimates to do the working plans. Members suggested finding out who did the library for Cornwall. Clifford Cooper was suggested as someone who has done work for banks. O&G was suggested, but they tend to do larger projects. While committee members liked the original presentation, they want to get other estimates.
The next goal will be to have something drawn up by mid-March and ready for a town meeting or referendum.
