Town of Pittsfield
Town Hall Citizens’ Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes, May 13, 2019
5:00 p.m. Town Office Building Basement
Present: Ann Kuendig (interim chair), Dave Larkin, Ray Colton, Doug Johnstone (part of the meeting), Carl Oertel, Jeremy Rayner, Glenn Reinauer, Sarah Gallagher
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
The minutes of the April 23 meeting were approved by a motion from Ann, seconded by Carl.
Ann reiterated the idea that the committee be divided into two subcommittees, one to research building needs and options, and one to do community engagement to seek public input on the building, its current uses and desires for future use.
Jeremy reported on the building inspection conducted on April 25. It was the collective opinion of those present that the building is in generally good shape for a building of its age and construction. A collar tie had come loose due to the sinking of a post. Jacking the floor and adding columns in the basement would fix the spring in the floor. It could be that the added rigidity of the north wall following the installation of spray foam insulation affected the rest of the building.
Doug reported on his findings when he did repair work on the north wall. He agreed that the building is generally in good shape with no evidence of severe water damage or insect infestation. The back corner near the chimney did have evidence of water with some rot, but this was repaired. There was no insulation in the walls, so this was added to the north wall along with the spray foam in the attic space and cellulose in the ceiling. The plan at the time was to proceed with the work needed over time, one wall each year, though this did not occur. He agreed that the floor could be stiffened with the addition of columns and perhaps the rafters could be sistered. He noted that the chimney was added after the building was built. The question of removing the chimney and installing a power vent instead was raised. Doug suggested the floor be addressed then continue with a phased plan of repairs for the rest of the building. The water issue in the basement could be easily remedied.
Dave questioned the idea of spending any money on the building when we already have a substantial fire truck loan, sand shed project, and now road repairs from the flooding. There was discussion about replacing the shingle roof with standing seam to help reduce the snow load.
Chris Benda from Criterium was on the phone to answer questions concerning the report. He talked about what he observed in the building, the ridgepole connections failed, there is racking of the roof system in one direction, bracing has detached, truss ends not visible due to spray foam. When ceiling insulation was added, the snow doesn’t melt as easily, thus increasing the snow load and causing sag and movement. While a standing seam roof would help, as the finish deteriorates the snow doesn’t slide as easily thus increasing the load. He recommends the addition of columns in the basement and felt it might be best to remove the roof system and start over. His firm could provide sketches for the basement work and he estimated about 10 hours of work at $175/hour. He reminded that because it is a public building, it must meet all codes for same.
Jeremy wondered about getting a second engineering opinion; the group felt the result would be the same.
It was felt that the chimney should be removed or repaired; it is a safety issue. A mason had estimated $1500 to attach the chimney to the building and repoint. Ann will contact the mason and will also ask Steve Martin about the possibility and cost of a power vent.
The group will come up with a list of all projects which need to be addressed in the building to create a comprehensive scope of work. Glenn will do some estimating. Sarah and Ann will develop a brief survey to begin to gather community opinion on building options and uses.
Next meeting: Monday, June 3, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. in the basement of the Town Office building.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. upon motion from Ann, seconded by Jeremy.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Gallagher
Approved by: s/ Ann Kuendig Date: June 3, 2019
Town Hall Citizens’ Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes, May 13, 2019
5:00 p.m. Town Office Building Basement
Present: Ann Kuendig (interim chair), Dave Larkin, Ray Colton, Doug Johnstone (part of the meeting), Carl Oertel, Jeremy Rayner, Glenn Reinauer, Sarah Gallagher
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
The minutes of the April 23 meeting were approved by a motion from Ann, seconded by Carl.
Ann reiterated the idea that the committee be divided into two subcommittees, one to research building needs and options, and one to do community engagement to seek public input on the building, its current uses and desires for future use.
Jeremy reported on the building inspection conducted on April 25. It was the collective opinion of those present that the building is in generally good shape for a building of its age and construction. A collar tie had come loose due to the sinking of a post. Jacking the floor and adding columns in the basement would fix the spring in the floor. It could be that the added rigidity of the north wall following the installation of spray foam insulation affected the rest of the building.
Doug reported on his findings when he did repair work on the north wall. He agreed that the building is generally in good shape with no evidence of severe water damage or insect infestation. The back corner near the chimney did have evidence of water with some rot, but this was repaired. There was no insulation in the walls, so this was added to the north wall along with the spray foam in the attic space and cellulose in the ceiling. The plan at the time was to proceed with the work needed over time, one wall each year, though this did not occur. He agreed that the floor could be stiffened with the addition of columns and perhaps the rafters could be sistered. He noted that the chimney was added after the building was built. The question of removing the chimney and installing a power vent instead was raised. Doug suggested the floor be addressed then continue with a phased plan of repairs for the rest of the building. The water issue in the basement could be easily remedied.
Dave questioned the idea of spending any money on the building when we already have a substantial fire truck loan, sand shed project, and now road repairs from the flooding. There was discussion about replacing the shingle roof with standing seam to help reduce the snow load.
Chris Benda from Criterium was on the phone to answer questions concerning the report. He talked about what he observed in the building, the ridgepole connections failed, there is racking of the roof system in one direction, bracing has detached, truss ends not visible due to spray foam. When ceiling insulation was added, the snow doesn’t melt as easily, thus increasing the snow load and causing sag and movement. While a standing seam roof would help, as the finish deteriorates the snow doesn’t slide as easily thus increasing the load. He recommends the addition of columns in the basement and felt it might be best to remove the roof system and start over. His firm could provide sketches for the basement work and he estimated about 10 hours of work at $175/hour. He reminded that because it is a public building, it must meet all codes for same.
Jeremy wondered about getting a second engineering opinion; the group felt the result would be the same.
It was felt that the chimney should be removed or repaired; it is a safety issue. A mason had estimated $1500 to attach the chimney to the building and repoint. Ann will contact the mason and will also ask Steve Martin about the possibility and cost of a power vent.
The group will come up with a list of all projects which need to be addressed in the building to create a comprehensive scope of work. Glenn will do some estimating. Sarah and Ann will develop a brief survey to begin to gather community opinion on building options and uses.
Next meeting: Monday, June 3, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. in the basement of the Town Office building.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. upon motion from Ann, seconded by Jeremy.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Gallagher
Approved by: s/ Ann Kuendig Date: June 3, 2019
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