October 20, 2009

Minutes of the Special Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 4:30 PM, at the Keene Town Hall. The following Town Board Members were present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council. Also present were: Lauren Murphy, Grant Administrator, Vince and Bill Jameson of Jameson General Construction and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

Mr. Ferebee called the meeting to order at 4:28 PM saying the Board had requested this meeting for discussion with the low bidder on the proposed Holt House Rehabilitation Project.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he was the most concerned, he said he felt there was a huge area for discretion. He said he had looked over certain areas not included in the specs, saying he had talked to Phonzie Smith, who looked over the electrical for one of the bidders, and who felt the electrical specs were deficient due to the lack of cavities in the wall.

He said the low bid was $157,000 and there was only $200,000 left, saying his concern was the extras that could go higher, saying this has happened already when the bid for the porch with roof doubled. He said he would like a guarantee that the entire project could be finished for under $200,000.

Mr. Jaques suggested that the electrical could be outlets in the floor.

Vince Jameson said a lot would be up to regulations enforced by the Town’s Code Enforcement. He said he is not here to get a lot of extras. He said he is willing to make changes in the scope of the project.

There was a brief discussion on whether or not Frank Slycord, the Town’s Building Code Officer, could perform electrical inspections.

Vince Jameson said for the electrical he would basically be fishing wires.

Ms. Murphy said their plans for electrical was to use floor outlets on the first floor and if there is ceiling lights they would run the lines under the second floor.

Mr. Biesemeyer said if he had his choice, he would have this building torn down and would not put a nickel into it.

Mr. Jaques said one of the things he would like to see would be more support under the fireplace.

Mr. Martin agreed that was his biggest concern and said he had seen no dry rot.

Ms. Murphy said footers with support could be put in under the fireplace.

Mr. Biesemeyer asked if anyone thought it was worth doing a site visit today. Everyone seemed to be agreeable at this time.

Mr. Martin spoke of a problem caused by oil that was on the floor.

Vince Jameson said they could match this coloration with the stain that will be put on.

Mr. Martin expressed concern with the foundation on the north side of the building, saying when they dig down he is afraid there may be a “short space” between the wall and the wall to the main room.

Vince Jameson asked if there is a problem with water in the basement saying he noticed it was not musty.

He was told there has been water inside, that that area is low and can flood.

Mr. Jameson said they can dig down and see what’s there.

Ms. Neville said she felt strongly that the fireplace is worth preserving and said she would like to see left over money put into support. She also said if there was still money left she would like to see wiring upstairs.

Mr. Martin said the building may be used 5 or 6 months a year for offices.

Vince Jameson asked if they would be using the upstairs saying he had noticed it was in real good shape. He also asked if the building would be heated all year and was answered no.

Ms. Neville said she thinks this is a great building and totally worth saving.

Mr. Biesemeyer said honestly he doesn’t think it’s a great idea to do this project.

Mr. Martin said it was great to have this building during the Town’s Bicentennial.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he would like to minimize the work, like only painting and new windows and put up another building for space.

Ms. Neville said she can see Marcy Field and this facility being used for future activities.

Mr. Jaques said he would like to see a small kitchen.

Mr. Biesemeyer again said he wonders how much this will escalate.

Vince Jameson again said they are not looking to get extra above the speced project.

Ms. Murphy spoke about trading changes.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he has seen both sides being a contractor and he feels some contractors take advantage of municipalities.

Ms. Neville said she thought there was some leeway in things like painting.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he thinks there is no use for the building.

Mr. Ferebee asked if anyone wanted to go to the building.

Mr. Jaques, Mr. Martin and Ms. Neville all said it was not necessary.

Ms. Murphy listed the items of concern being the oil on the floor, the footer for the fireplace and the north wall being carefully excavated.

Mr. Martin and Mr. Jameson chatted about the elevation, Mr. Jameson said they could check it.

There was a brief discussion regarding bringing water to the building.

Mr. Ferebee said that would be done by the Town and be used as part of the match.

There was a brief discussion about a hot water tank.

Mr. Ferebee talked about it being on demand.

There was some confusion about who would supply the tank.

Ms. Murphy said she thought someone had said the Town had a tank and had speced the project that way.

The service for the heater was also discussed.

There was a brief discussion regarding the septic location.

Resolution No. 189 – 09

Mr. Martin offered a resolution and moved its adoption. Be it resolved, that the Holt House Rehabilitation Project be awarded to the low bidder, Jameson General Construction, at the bid price of $157,950. This resolution was seconded by Ms. Neville.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee: Yes

Mr. Martin: Yes

Mr. Biesemeyer: Oppose

Ms. Neville: Yes

Mr. Jaques: Yes

Mr. Ferebee asked who wanted to be the Town Board Representative on the project to work along side of Lauren Murphy and Christine Francis.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he would do that.

The time frame for the project was discussed since this has dragged out and gotten a little late for the originally planned finish date.

Mr. Ferebee said there is a wedding planned there in July.

June seemed to be agreeable.

Resolution No. 190 – 09

Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption. Be it resolved, that all business having been transacted, this meeting be adjourned. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Ferebee: Yes

Mr. Martin: Yes

Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes

Ms. Neville: Yes

Mr. Jaques: Yes

The meeting was adjourned at 5:09 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

October 22, 2009

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson