Historical Commission minutes for Special meeting October 26, 2021
Present: Diane Provenz, Gail Gelburd, Thomas Ragusa, Celeste , Judi Mabee
Guests: Melva Eidelberg, Geoff Pigman, Lynne Geane, Hilary Harley, Stephanie Skinner, Patricia Richard, Terry Gould, Town Administrator Brandi Page
Called to order at 10:30 am
Gail made a motion to discuss new business first.
Members of the Historical Commission and guests took turns honoring the passing of Sonia Morrison Kobrin our co-chair of this commission. She was a dynamic leader, researcher, and advisor. Sonia was experienced in all aspects of construction and worked tirelessly to assist and report to the Town of Otis Building Department all the necessary information needed to continue the Commissions work. Sonia loved our town and had a vision to bring its history to life. She was dedicated and thoughtful and will be sorely missed as a member and friend.
Diane made a motion to nominate Gail Gelburd to become acting co-chair of this Commission. Motion was approved. A second motion was made to appoint Joel Myers as a member of the Historical Commission, and this was also passed. Because of his construction experience it is the commissions desire to have him appointed Local Project Coordinator. Paperwork for both will be completed and sent to the Select-board for approval.
East Otis Schoolhouse: Brandi was asked when we must respond to bids and were advised we had up to 30 days beginning October 20th. Diane advised the base bids came in higher than expected and we may have to wait till we have more money or reduce the scope to foundation and stabilization for now. Gail asked if we could ask the town to assist with $25,000 to get the lowest bid, but Brandi did not think that would work. Brandi advised that wouldn’t work – maybe we should scale down the scope to do the foundation and send out bids again – with no sub-bids. It would be advertised again with new drawings etc. There was a good mix at the last on-site meeting. Bid opening would be approximately 4-5 weeks. Diane made a motion to accept Brandi’s suggestion and reject the 2 current bids as written and plan a re-bid for early to mid-December. Motion was passed. A second motion to ask for additional funds ($30K) at the November town meeting was postponed. Stephanie suggested we explore other options before we go back to the town. Gail somewhat agreed, saying we need time to get work done and get a clear sense of what we need. Shouldn’t go back to the town till we know exactly how much we need. We should postpone asking until May. Celeste agreed Gail’s argument was reasonable and logical. Diane withdrew the motion. Diane recommended we check with LaRochelle since they were the lowest bid for the work at AME Church in Great Barrington.
Harmony Hall – Sonia sent around detailed analysis of the costs of restoring vs replacing Harmony Hall. Gail believed it shows it costs less to repair it (not restore it to 1890 condition) than replace it. It just needs work to make it more useable. Patricia said she and Sonia reviewed Select-board estimate on costs and believed it was financially better to renovate then tear down and replace. With ideas on future use there are grant monies available as well. Geoff also discussed with Sonia the context of St. Paul’s and Harmony Hall as to its importance to the heritage of Otis. It reflects who we are, both newcomers and old families. We should care about our identity. He also believes it makes more sense to renovate than replace it. We have the original and by creating a campus between Harmony Hall and St. Paul’s, it combines usage. Celeste believes the talk in town about a Rec/Community center will need to be faced. Some would like a town pool (Town of Lee estimated a swimming pool would cost 17 million if they put it in a new center. Diane said she heard another Berkshire town approved a 7-million dollar pool. This is something we cannot afford. The building is not in danger of falling down and OPT has shown is gotten over 100 donations already. Gail advised we should have a vision for the center of town – give them a reason to stop here.
Brandy advised the Select-board meeting tonight is informational only – there will be no vote and discussion will not be about use. Answering questions, Brandi said they will be comparing numbers for maintenance costs on new vs old building, and ADA compliance costs. The new building would be one story 1200 sq. feet. Current building would be 1800 sq. feet (2400 sq. feet minus 600 for lift to second floor) The Town doesn’t own any land outside of the footprint. Diane questioned where a gym would go in a 1200 Square foot building. Brandi said the Town is working with the Catholic Church about land behind the church regarding use for a municipal well. Tom would like to see figures on what the Town has spent on upkeep on Harmony Hall. Brandi advised it is a capital expense and not much has been used in the last 2 years. Celeste and Gail both said that we use the upstairs in Harmony Hall to do their archival work. There are many items of historical interest, and we need a place to work on it, If the library gets the grant, we could use the old building for our records. An educational grant would be available for that as well. The correspondence we are researching has value.
Library building – Waiting to see if they get the grant. Celeste said the reversion clause in the deed was removed so there is no use problem with using it for other purpose.
There will be a burial service for Sonia on her land – day and time to be announced. We would suggest a contribution to OPT can be made in her name, and something special will be placed in her honor
Meeting adjourned 11:49 am