January 18, 2007
The Killingworth Town Office Building Study Committee held a meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Richard Leighton, Code Official, was present. Mr. Annino noted the lease on the modulars runs out in four years and their life time is estimated to be 10 years. He asked how long they would last and whether anything would have to be done to them. Mr. Leighton noted these units are made to DOT specifications so they can be taken over the road. There can't be any structural changes because the integrity of the unit holds the roof up. Mr. Leighton's biggest concern was that the roof top units are too heavy. He said the units are starting to show their age. The units really cannot be modified inside. Mr. Leighton noted he would not recommend putting a lot of money into these units. The units are on 24” piers. It was felt the units would last about 5 or 6 years beyond the 10 years.
Ms. Tunney asked about the viability of the existing building. Mr. Leighton noted it would take some serious money to fix up the building. The bathrooms would have to be redone.
Ms. Tunney asked if the Bosco building could be turned into two apartments for volunteer firemen, etc. Mr. Leighton noted to renovate that building would cost about $300 a square foot, compared to $175 a square foot to build a new duplex. He indicated there was currently no plumbing, no insulation, no heating system in that building. Mr. Leighton reviewed codes and that a building remains under the code in effect when it was built, unless there are renovations or additions, then it falls under the current code. Mr. Leighton also noted when the occupancy classification is changed (from residential to business), the current code applies.
There was discussion about making the Bosco building a single family residence. Mr. Leighton noted there may also be the need to do abatement for lead, depending on the use.
There was discussion as to whether or not there was a bonding issue. Ms. Tunney noted there could be a revenue, but no profit. It must break even. There was also discussion as to who would manage this property if it was turned into a viable project.
There was discussion about fixing up the big barn and using it for agricultural purposes. He felt the house would have to be condemned in a couple of years and taken down if something isn't done with it at a cost of approximately $7000 to $9000.
Chairman Lally noted she would distribute copies of the detailed report prepared by Mr. Leighton to each of the members.
Back to the existing modular units and Mr. Leighton's comment about the weight of the roof top units, there was discussion about putting in a new system either underneath the unit or outside and do new duct work to both structures having one central oil system. It was noted the electric heat in the new section is very expensive. Mr. Leighton suggested two separate heating units with additional zones, one for the new building and one for the existing building. It was also recommended that the windows in the existing building should be changed. Ms. Tunney noted the insulation in the existing building was okay.
There was discussion about possible reconfiguration of the existing building and moving offices, particularly if the Probate Court moves out.
Chairman Lally thanked Mr. Leighton for attending this meeting and professional advice.
It was noted for the record those in attendance were Gwenne Lally, Jim Lally, Louis Annino, Steve Hollander, Hilary Kumnick, Capt. Phil Evans and Arlene Tunney. Selectman Fred Dudek was also present.
The Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. Ms. Tunney noted the minutes stated she was going to draft a proposal as to what could be done with the meeting room and other areas of the Town Hall. She noted she was just going to investigate and examine the options. Motion by Kumnick, second by Annino, to approve the December 14, 2006 Minutes as noted. SO VOTED. Motion by Annino, second by Evans, to approve the minutes from the last meeting noting that Ms. Tunney was present and Mr. Lally was not. SO VOTED.
Chairman Lally noted a communication was received from the Town Clerk advising that there is no extra room in the upstairs vault. The Probate Court records are currently kept in the Town Clerk's vault. She also recommended the upstairs vault area could be better inventoried and utilized. Mr. Annino noted there is also a lot of historical data stored in the upstairs vault.
There was discussion regarding expansion of the Town Clerk's Office space and possibly expanding the vault down stairs. Hilary Kumnick volunteered to investigate this item.
Chairman Lally noted Capt. Evans has reviewed and evaluated the lease agreement for the modular units.
There was discussion regarding the employee survey, what the questions should be and what the timeframe. Copies of the previous survey will be distributed for everyone to review. Chairman Lally noted the intent should be what does an employee do in his/her particular space versus how much space is needed. Mr. Hollander will spear head this effort to find out what people do in their space and what is needed.
Ms. Tunney noted she did a walk through of the building and reviewed some possible available space in the server room, the kitchen and the land use office.
Chairman Lally asked that the electronic infrastructure information be passed along to the committee once received. Selectman Dudek noted that process has begun.
There was discussion about moving around various offices.
There was further discussion regarding the life time of the modular units and what should be done about them.
There was discussion regarding the Town Centre Plan.
There was further discussion regarding the questionnaire/survey.
There was discussion about reappointing members.
It was noted the most viable option for the Bosco property would be for agricultural purposes. There was discussion about getting a grant writer.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Richard Leighton, Code Official, was present. Mr. Annino noted the lease on the modulars runs out in four years and their life time is estimated to be 10 years. He asked how long they would last and whether anything would have to be done to them. Mr. Leighton noted these units are made to DOT specifications so they can be taken over the road. There can't be any structural changes because the integrity of the unit holds the roof up. Mr. Leighton's biggest concern was that the roof top units are too heavy. He said the units are starting to show their age. The units really cannot be modified inside. Mr. Leighton noted he would not recommend putting a lot of money into these units. The units are on 24” piers. It was felt the units would last about 5 or 6 years beyond the 10 years.
Ms. Tunney asked about the viability of the existing building. Mr. Leighton noted it would take some serious money to fix up the building. The bathrooms would have to be redone.
Ms. Tunney asked if the Bosco building could be turned into two apartments for volunteer firemen, etc. Mr. Leighton noted to renovate that building would cost about $300 a square foot, compared to $175 a square foot to build a new duplex. He indicated there was currently no plumbing, no insulation, no heating system in that building. Mr. Leighton reviewed codes and that a building remains under the code in effect when it was built, unless there are renovations or additions, then it falls under the current code. Mr. Leighton also noted when the occupancy classification is changed (from residential to business), the current code applies.
There was discussion about making the Bosco building a single family residence. Mr. Leighton noted there may also be the need to do abatement for lead, depending on the use.
There was discussion as to whether or not there was a bonding issue. Ms. Tunney noted there could be a revenue, but no profit. It must break even. There was also discussion as to who would manage this property if it was turned into a viable project.
There was discussion about fixing up the big barn and using it for agricultural purposes. He felt the house would have to be condemned in a couple of years and taken down if something isn't done with it at a cost of approximately $7000 to $9000.
Chairman Lally noted she would distribute copies of the detailed report prepared by Mr. Leighton to each of the members.
Back to the existing modular units and Mr. Leighton's comment about the weight of the roof top units, there was discussion about putting in a new system either underneath the unit or outside and do new duct work to both structures having one central oil system. It was noted the electric heat in the new section is very expensive. Mr. Leighton suggested two separate heating units with additional zones, one for the new building and one for the existing building. It was also recommended that the windows in the existing building should be changed. Ms. Tunney noted the insulation in the existing building was okay.
There was discussion about possible reconfiguration of the existing building and moving offices, particularly if the Probate Court moves out.
Chairman Lally thanked Mr. Leighton for attending this meeting and professional advice.
It was noted for the record those in attendance were Gwenne Lally, Jim Lally, Louis Annino, Steve Hollander, Hilary Kumnick, Capt. Phil Evans and Arlene Tunney. Selectman Fred Dudek was also present.
The Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. Ms. Tunney noted the minutes stated she was going to draft a proposal as to what could be done with the meeting room and other areas of the Town Hall. She noted she was just going to investigate and examine the options. Motion by Kumnick, second by Annino, to approve the December 14, 2006 Minutes as noted. SO VOTED. Motion by Annino, second by Evans, to approve the minutes from the last meeting noting that Ms. Tunney was present and Mr. Lally was not. SO VOTED.
Chairman Lally noted a communication was received from the Town Clerk advising that there is no extra room in the upstairs vault. The Probate Court records are currently kept in the Town Clerk's vault. She also recommended the upstairs vault area could be better inventoried and utilized. Mr. Annino noted there is also a lot of historical data stored in the upstairs vault.
There was discussion regarding expansion of the Town Clerk's Office space and possibly expanding the vault down stairs. Hilary Kumnick volunteered to investigate this item.
Chairman Lally noted Capt. Evans has reviewed and evaluated the lease agreement for the modular units.
There was discussion regarding the employee survey, what the questions should be and what the timeframe. Copies of the previous survey will be distributed for everyone to review. Chairman Lally noted the intent should be what does an employee do in his/her particular space versus how much space is needed. Mr. Hollander will spear head this effort to find out what people do in their space and what is needed.
Ms. Tunney noted she did a walk through of the building and reviewed some possible available space in the server room, the kitchen and the land use office.
Chairman Lally asked that the electronic infrastructure information be passed along to the committee once received. Selectman Dudek noted that process has begun.
There was discussion about moving around various offices.
There was further discussion regarding the life time of the modular units and what should be done about them.
There was discussion regarding the Town Centre Plan.
There was further discussion regarding the questionnaire/survey.
There was discussion about reappointing members.
It was noted the most viable option for the Bosco property would be for agricultural purposes. There was discussion about getting a grant writer.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
