Look here for documents, articles and other pieces of information about the Isle La Motte Town Hall
Here is a repository of the history of the town hall, and files related to upkeep and moving proposals.
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Click on the links below to go to the relevant section of the page.
FAQs:
What have the two candidates for Select Board said about the Town Hall?
We received two letters from this year's candidates for the Select Board in the mail. They each said very different things about the move of the town office to the school. The information on this page is an attempt to determine which statements were accurate.
What are the costs of moving to the school or staying in the town hall?
The long and short-term costs of the move are still largely unknown. The board has said this themselves in public meetings. You can see it in the minutes (although some discussion was not included) from the 3/3/21 meeting. It is item 9 in the minutes. It was stated again during the 3/10/21 meeting (no minutes as of 3/22/21).
In order to remove at least one of the safes from the Town Hall to the school, a hole will need to be cut in one of the walls of the Town Hall. This was mentioned during the 3/10/2021 meeting (minutes not yet available as of 3/22/21). According to the Select Board in the meeting, they will use the side that had the garage door in it.
The board has stated that there will be free services donated to cover the moving cost, but have not provided us any contracts or agreements to describe what will be covered for free.
The rental agreement with the CIUUSD is to pay the $14,500 that we have offered in the past to reduce the "equalized pupil rate" and cover the costs of garbage, snow removal and lawn maintenance at a value of $5,500.
The cost for operating and maintaining the school building was almost $30,000 in 2019.
The cost for heating the building while it is empty is about $4,000. With students it was about $6,500. You can see the heating fuel bills for the school here: Heating Fuel Spreadsheet
The school district will pay the balance of the operating costs for the school during the period that the town leases the building before 2023.
What work did the Select Board state they would do before making a determination for a move?
"The Selectboard has started this effort with the hiring of a commercial building inspector to do a deeper evaluation of the current building. We may need to hire a structural engineer. We'll continue to gather more information and refine the data on the other alternatives so we can move forward with decisions." From the Select Board Report in the 2019 Isle La Motte Town Report
In the February 3 Select Board minutes, they indicated that they would not do this work, stating that it was too soon, possibly too expensive, and that the move of the offices to the school would be temporary.
Out of 11 requested records, most were stated as "does not exist." The requested records included:
Cost-benefit analyses for and against moving (including estimates of staff time for the move and other costs)
Inspections and analyses of existing Town Hall building that support the Board's statements that the building is in too poor shape to continue to occupy
Memoranda of Understanding (or contracts) regarding the exact terms of the free services offered
In the March 15 Select Board minutes, the Board read a letter from the Isle La Motte attorney, stating that the Select Board has power to move the town offices without bringing the question to a vote to the town. The vote coming up is an advisory vote.
What is the maintenance and repair history of the Town Hall?
The information here is incomplete, as it only contains documents starting in 2009, so the full history is unknown. From 2009-2015, the town budgeted an average of $17,000 a year for restoration and repairs/ operations and maintenance of the building. From 2016 to present, the town budgeted an average of $1,300 a year for restoration and repairs/maintenance of the building. The town left about 40% of the budgeted restoration & repairs/maintenance of the building unspent, about $55,000 total.
Have experts looked at the building to determine what work needs to be done?
Yes. There have been at least three separate assessments of the building. The first assessment indicates significant work to be done, and progressive assessments show a reduced need for work. 2019 assessment shows a need for new roofing, painting of the building, and replacement of some water-damaged woodwork.
What is the history of the $14,500 payment to CIUUSD?
CIUUSD study references the $14,500 as an asset that the district will receive as part of consolidation.
Various sources have shown that the origin of the $14,500 was a method to avoid a tax penalty from having a too-high per-pupil cost for the school, and put into the category of "community use of the school" to separate some facility costs from the total cost of the school budget.
"Rusty noted that $33,000.00 of costs have been shifted over to the General Fund budget; portion of utility costs, usage of school building etc. If the $33,000.00 remained in the School Budget, it would cost taxpayers $48,000.00 to be raised by taxes." The "General Fund" is the part of the town budget that covers non-highway costs. The town budget and school budgets are two separate budgets. Moving the $33,000.00 to the town budget reduced the school budget enough to avoid paying much higher taxes on the school budget.
From the minutes in the 2018 Town report
Article 11: Will the legal voters of the Town approve the sum of $14500.00 to the Isle La Motte School for community use of the school building?
Community member had discussion: "When was the last calculation done of how much per equalized pupil? And asked if there is any impact on tax rate."
Rustam Spaulding had discussion: "This would be better asked in the school's meeting."
School Board Minutes (p 97 of 2018 Town Report)
Community member had discussion:"With a Consolidated District, do you know if you guys are going to be looking at reassessing the request of town funds of usage of the building?"
Jane Zera had discussion: "We are not there yet."
Relevant links:
Do other towns pay their school districts for "community use of facilities?" (includes emergency shelter use)
Only one school out of 15 surveyed: South Hero, currently pays a "community use of facility" fee.
One school, Belvidere (ILM school used the architect's plans from this building to save money) has been closed for ~5 years (they do have 2 days of preschool at the school), and is the town's emergency shelter, and the town does not pay a facility use fee.
Do other towns pay their school districts for "community use of facilities?" (2021)
What is the situation with the Town Hall's septic?
The septic system was replaced in 2009, and was specifically designed for yearly pumping. The estimated costs of pumping when the system was purchased was $1,200, and the actual cost to the town has been consistently around $600.
COVID restrictions and inability to open Town Offices?
People 16+ will be eligible to receive the vaccine by 4/19/2021: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine
Building restrictions for COVID are 1 person per 100 feet. Board has suggested that there's 600 feet of open space in the building (which is listed as 2,464 square feet). This allows 6 people at one time. https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/business/stay-home-stay-safe-sector-specific-guidance#municipalities (this shows the guidance for municipalities)
Information about public meetings--https://accd.vermont.gov/news/update-new-work-safe-additions-stay-home-stay-safe-order#meetings-of-public-bodies (information about public meetings are 15.1 at the bottom of this document)
The number of town offices that are open are a minority. Approximately 15% of the 153 town offices on this page: https://sos.vermont.gov/municipal-division/laws-resources/covid-19-response/
More discussion about COVID and town office reopenings:
Does the school have a sprinkler system?
The ILM fire chief has stated to two separate people that there is no sprinkler system in the school--it does not have the necessary infrastructure for a sprinkler system. The CIUUSD took photos of the fire suppression system in the kitchen, but it is not a sprinkler. Further communication with them indicated no paperwork about a sprinkler, nor any sprinkler hardware.
This document includes images of fire suppression cannister, as well as a screenshot of Mary Catherine Graziano's email exchange with Michael Clark, superintendent of the CIUUSD, describing the location of the fire suppression system:
What are the differences between the School and the Town Hall?
Both town and school are situated on a slab
The school does not have a sprinkler system (Board has stated it's in the kitchen)
The school's square footage is 8,008 square feet
The Town Hall's square footage is 2,464 square feet
Town Hall's condition listed: Fair/Average
School's condition listed: Very Good
Town Hal's value: $107,900
School's value: $957,000
Listers' Property Assessments & Valuation of ILM school and Town Hall (2018)
Is the Town Hall a historical building?
Yes, it is on the Historical Registry, and it is also eligible for grants for restoration and building upgrades.
Where can I see the old budget numbers and town reports?
Available Documents:
History of $14,500 payment
2009 Report- Town Budget: 01-7 Other / line #01-706.00 Town Use of Facility...….$6,820 (incorporated into the budget)
2010 Report - Town Budget: 01-7 Other / line #01.706.00 Town Use of Facility...….$10,000 (incorporated into the budget)
2011 - $13,000 approved at 2011 Town Meeting as Article 15.
2012 - $14,500 approved at 2012 Town Meeting as Article 15.
2013 - $14,500 approved at 2013 Town Meeting as Article 14.
2014 - $14,500 approved at 2014 Town Meeting as Article 14.
2015 - $14,500 approved at 2015 Town Meeting as Article 13.
2016 - $14,500 approved at 2016 Town Meeting as Article 12.
2017 - $14,500 approved at 2017 Town Meeting as Article 12.
2018 - $14,500 approved at 2018 Town Meeting as Article 11.
2019 - $14,500 approved at 2019 Town Meeting as Article 5.
2019.07.01 CIUUSD begins operating under consolidated budget FY2020.
2020 - $ 0
Town Meeting and School Board minutes from 2018 discussing the $14,500 payments as part of a school tax solution:
Town Meeting Minutes (p 41 of 2018 Town Report)
Article 11: Will the legal voters of the Town approve the sum of $14500.00 to the Isle La Motte School for community use of the school building?
Community member had discussion: "When was the last calculation done of how much per equalized pupil? And asked if there is any impact on tax rate."
Rustam Spaulding had discussion: "This would be better asked in the school's meeting."
School Board Minutes (p 97 of 2018 Town Report)
Community member had discussion:"With a Consolidated District, do you know if you guys are going to be looking at reassessing the request of town funds of usage of the building?"
Jane Zera had discussion: "We are not there yet."
Mary Catherine Graziano's Records Request and Town's Response, (March 7, 2021)
Out of 11 requested records, most were stated as "does not exist." The requested records included:
Cost-benefit analyses for and against moving (including estimates of staff time for the move and other costs)
Inspections and analyses of existing Town Hall building that support the Board's statements that the building is in too poor shape to continue to occupy
Any fire suppression system records or specs for the Isle La Motte Elementary school
Memoranda of Understanding (or contracts) regarding the exact terms of the free services offered
Third-party consultations you've done to assess the various options for siting the Town Offices
Specific plans for which parts of the Isle La Motte Elementary School building the town plans to occupy
Third-party assessment of the building's heating system, including how to close off rooms without damaging the building
Isle La Motte elementary school building plans
School's Heating system specs
Maintenance records for the Town Hall
Any other document utilized during the decision-making process, specifically any documents used to support claims made by the select board that aren't covered by the documents listed above.
Do other towns pay their schools for the use of their building? (2020)
Only one school out of 15 surveyed: South Hero, pays a "community use of facility" fee.
One school, Belvidere (ILM school used the architect's plans from this building to save money) has been closed for ~5 years, and is the town's emergency shelter, and the town does not pay a facility use fee.
Url to open in another tab: Spreadsheet of regional schools & town use fees
Town Hall Renovation, Repair and Maintenance Budget & Actually Paid History (2009-2020)
We did not spend $54,617.51 of our budgeted Renovation & Repair/Maintenance during this period.
For six years (from 2016-2021), we have budgeted $0 for Renovation work.
For 2016-2021, the total amount of funds allocated for upkeep, renovation and repair of the Town Hall is 12% of what we were budgeting from 2009-2015.
Preliminary Spreadsheet of all budgeted and "actually paid" amounts for Renovation and Repair/Maintenance of the Town Hall (inform Mary Catherine if you see any errors in this document.)
Numbers came from the Town reports from between 2009-2020
ILM Town Budget (Draft) 2021
Url for opening in another tab: ILM Town Budget (Draft) 2021
E-mail from Michael Inners 2/26/21
Answers questions about CIUUSD Articles of Agreement, proposed rental agreement, school bond status (paid), and the custodial and maintenance costs for the school in FY 2019, also linked.
Url for opening in another tab: Michael Inners 2/26/21 e-mail
File for download:
Url for opening in another tab: FY19 ILM Maintenance & Operations
File for download:
CIUUSD Board Meeting, January 2020
Discussion of ILM Town Offices moving to ILM school, includes lease discussion--"Michael Inners indicated a lease would only be needed should the town vote for the move. This is still an ongoing discussion, but looking to see if the board is willing to execute a formal lease should the town pass it. Amy Thompson motions to approve the letter of intent."
(Discussion is on Item 14)
Letter of intent is not appended to minutes, but the letter was later provided by Michael Inners.
Url for opening in another tab: Town Proposal
File for download:
CIUUSD Act 46 Study and Articles of Agreement, ~2019
Areas of interest to the Town Hall discussion:
Mentions the timelines for when the town can sell the school. (p 49 of the whole document, p 31 of the sub-document)
Mentions the regular $14,500 payment in the assets list. (p 51 of the whole document, p 33 of the sub-document)
Url to open in another tab: CIUUSD Act 46 Study with Articles
File to download (beware, it's a big one)
Town Hall Volunteer Committee. Response to Isle La Motte Selectboard Charge, Volunteer Committee Members: Barbara Callahan, Peter Brzozowy, Sam Gibson, Linda Fitch, Sylvia Jensen, December 2019
Reviews the costs entailed in three options for the town--upgrading existing building, razing existing structure and rebuilding, and moving to the school
URL for opening in another tab: ILM Town Hall Report
File for download:
Isle La Motte Town Hall Assessment. Jan Lewandoski, Owner: Restoration and Traditional Building, 2019
Covers the current condition of the building, areas of improvement, and costs of those improvements.
Url for opening in another tab: ILM Town Hall_Lewandoski
File for download:
Select Board Annual Report in 2019 Town Report (2019)
Letter to voters in 2019 Town Report--details Select Board's plan for evaluating the choices the town can make re: the Town Offices.
URL lnk to a scan of the letter: 2019 Select Board Annual Report to ILM Voters
Listers' reports for ILM Elementary School and ILM Town Hall, 2018
Includes information such as:
Both town and school are situated on a slab
The school does have a sprinkler system (Board has stated it's in the kitchen)
The school's square footage is 8008 sf
The Town Hall's square footage is 2,464 sf
Town Hall's condition listed: Fair/Average
School's condition listed: Very Good
Town Hal's value: $107,900
School's value: $957,000
Url for opening in another tab: ILM School Property Value Assessment
Url for opening in another tab: ILM Town Hall Property Value Assessment
Structural and Energy Work Completed at the Isle La Motte Town Hall By Scott Newman*, Preservation Trust of Vermont, 2012
Discusses the energy efficiency work and structural work done to the Town Hall in 2011
Url for opening in another tab: Structural and Energy Work Completed
File for download:
Preliminary Diagnostic Report on the Town Hall by Thomas F. Keefe, Architect Keefe & Wesner, Architects, PC 2008
Analysis of restoration and remediation needs for the Town Hall
Url for opening in another tab: PTV_ILM Town Hall Report 2008
File for download:
ILM Town Hall Septic Plans 11/17/2008, Amended permit 1/9/2009
Septic system analysis and plans created in 2008. Amended permit based on updated plans. Can be located at the DEC webpage here: https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/WWDocs/DirectoryDisplay.aspx?P=68508
From the Site Plan document:
"These plans are being submitted to acquire proper state and local permits for the replacement of an existing in-ground wastewater disposal system that has failed. The existing wastewater disposal system is connected to the town of Isle La Motte Office Building. The system has been showing signs of failure and the town has been getting the septic tank pumped. During the last pumping of the septic tank the steel tank imploded and the town had a portable toilet placed on site for now. The proposed replacement system is a pair of 1,000 gallon precast concrete holding tanks. Floats will be installed in the new tankage with visual and audible alarms in the event that the tanks fill prior to scheduled pumping. A water meter will also be installed on the water service to allow for the recording of actual water usage. The existing steel septic tank shall be pumped out, removed, and properly disposed of. All new tankage will have access risers to the surface and anti-flotation collars. The Town Office is only open 4 days a week and it is anticipated the actual flows are substantially less than 300 gallons per day. If it is found that the flows are around 300 gallons per day and pumping of the holding tanks becomes more expensive than anticipated by the town this system may be converted into a pretreatment system with pump station and bottomless sand filter disposal unit if a proper amendment to this holding tank permit is acquired"
The Site Plan is a full blueprint of the work to be done.
URL link to open in a new tab: Town Office Sanitary Site Plan, 2008
The Sanitary Details are a blueprint of the system installed
URL link to open in a new tab: Town Office Sanitary Details, 2008
Updated Permit:
URL link to open in a new tab: Amended Permit, 1/9/2009
File for Download:
Full record of Septic Permit Documents (ww-6-1815) 7/11/2008
Page 8 states the size of the system, average use, and the estimated cost per year of pumping out the system ($1,200). Can be located at the DEC webpage here: https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/WWDocs/DirectoryDisplay.aspx?P=68507
Full compilation of documents around the septic system
Url to open in a separate tab: ww-6-1816 documents
Plans for initial system:
Url to open in a separate tab: ww-6-1816 plan
File for download:
ILM Town Hall DEC Septic Permit (2007)
2007 permit for wastewater system.
URL to open in another tab: ILM Town Hall DEC Septic Permit
File for download:
Isle La Motte State Historic Register
Town Hall Building is #3 on the list
URL to open in another tab: Isle La Motte State Historic Register
File for download:
Town Reports (2009-2020)
Comments