Clifton council hears wide-ranging estimates on Pink House repairs; ARB chair offers to scope work pro bono

The Town Council on Nov. 12 addressed concerns about the Pink House condition and next steps for renovation, with a focus on safety and defining a limited scope of work.

Finance Committee Chair Hutto reported discussions with an architect contractor focused on siding replacement, foundation work and window replacement. Committee members and councilmembers emphasized safety as the top priority and noted the wide variance in preliminary cost estimates: Hutto said depending on scope costs could be about $200,000 and rise to as much as $800,000.

Councilmembers and the Finance Chair agreed the first priority is safety (flooring and foundation). CM Effros urged narrowing the number of moving parts and suggested engaging specialists for the most critical structural items. Citizen Geri Yantis and ARB Chair Royce Jarrendt said a scope of work and a structural engineer assessment are needed before soliciting bids.

ARB Chair Jarrendt offered to develop the scope of work and gather estimates pro bono, with the understanding Jarrendt would not bid on the work. CM Effros moved to accept that offer; Mayor Peterson seconded and the motion was approved by poll 6-0.

The council also noted a related CBA request to make the Town Office bathroom accessible when the Barn is in use; the CBA offered to pay for the renovation. Council agreed the previously approved Town Office flooring and painting work should continue while the accessibility request will be discussed in a future meeting.

Next steps are to have a scoped work plan and structural evaluation that will inform competitive estimates and any subsequent procurement decisions.