Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board hears engineer's report on Grange Hall; board weighs limiting public access while grants are pursued
Summary
An engineering review identified foundation and chimney-support concerns at the town's Grange Hall. DPW recommended limiting or temporarily closing public use until funding is secured; staff will consult town counsel and the insurance carrier and pursue grant funding (placeholder repair estimate ~$160,000).
Town officials told the Swanzey Select Board that an engineering inspection of the Grange Hall found foundation and support concerns that pose a potential safety and liability risk during heavy rains.
DPW Director Joe Russo reported that the engineer noted erosion risks and a compromised support under the building's basement chimney, describing a "pump jack" barely holding the chimney in place. Russo said the immediate danger of catastrophic collapse is low but recommended limiting or closing public use pending repair and further review. He said the most reliable long-term fix is to jack the building, install a new foundation and add drainage; a local contractor provided a placeholder budget estimate of about $160,000.
Board members and staff discussed enforcement and liability if the town continues to allow events in the Grange Hall. The code-enforcement officer also reviewed the report and called it concerning. The board instructed staff to consult town counsel (Cordell) and the town's insurer (Primax) about liability and to seek available grant funding (L-Chip and other sources); staff said evidence photographs and historical documentation were needed to support grant applications.
In the short term the board asked the Grange Hall committee to limit use and monitor the building; if counsel or the insurer recommends it, the town will impose a temporary closure. The board also asked staff to return with a clearer funding strategy and grant application materials.
