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Garrett Park council authorizes sewer test pit, advances Town Hall renovation with $500,000 federal earmark
Summary
On Feb. 9 the Garrett Park Town Council authorized a $4,290 change order to locate the Town Hall sewer invert and gave design direction — selecting SLIP insulating panes and preserving two historic Main Hall doors — after staff said final sewer information is needed; the Town also secured a $500,000 federal earmark for the renovation.
On Feb. 9 the Garrett Park Town Council authorized Change Order No. 2 to the design‑development contract with Wiedemann Architects LLC, funding a test pit to locate the Town Hall sewer invert and confirm slope so the project team can determine whether a new sewer line is required to serve bathrooms and a rear kitchen. Councilmember John Stroud moved the change order, which Councilmember Phil Schulp seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Wiedemann Architects reported the sewer invert elevation was not available in public records and said the test pit would allow the team to confirm existing slope and plan either to reconnect to the existing line or design a new sewer run. Town Manager Barb Matthews said a camera inspection of the sewer line had originally been planned but could not be completed because a memorial service was being held at Town Hall; Maintenance Supervisor George Miller was exploring contracting a plumbing company to do the camera inspection.
The council also provided detailed direction to Wiedemann Architects on matters needed to move into the Construction Documents Phase. The firm recommended the SLIP (Slim Line Insulating Pane) interior energy panel to work with existing historic window shades, and the council supported that choice. After a site review, Wiedemann recommended retaining and restoring two pairs of existing historic interior doors in Main Hall with new hardware; the council expressed support for preserving those doors and replacing other nonhistoric doors.
On audio‑visual and security issues the council instructed the design team to preserve and re‑use the existing projection screen if feasible (a manually operated replacement is acceptable), specify a ceiling projector compatible with the screen, rely on the existing portable camera and monitor setup rather than installing fixed broadcast cameras, and pursue a new access control/keyless entry system to provide building access for facility renters. The council also directed that outlets be provided along the south wall of the Main Chamber and that conduit be run to facilitate future work. A design committee composed of Mayor Chris Keller, Garrett Park resident and architect Karl Miller, and Town Manager Matthews will resolve outstanding matters and deliver required information to Wiedemann within two weeks.
Matthews told the council that Garrett Park will receive $500,000 in federal Congressionally Directed Spending (FFY 2026), the maximum available under the Historic Preservation "Save America’s Treasures" authorization, to support the Town Hall renovation; the project is in the FFY2026 Minibus Spending Bill. She advised that Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires review of effects on historic properties and that the Maryland Historical Trust will provide comments that the National Park Service will consider as part of that review process.
The council approved the change order and directed staff and the design committee to provide the information Wiedemann requested so the Construction Documents Phase can proceed on schedule. The firm had also recommended including the Town's specified equipment in the general contractor bid documents.
