Hunter board hears multi-phase Town Hall complex update as bidding eyed for fall

The Town Board of Hunter received an update on planning for a multi-phase Town Hall complex at its June 10 workshop, where engineers and project staff outlined options for a new highway garage, a community center that could double as a shelter, and site infrastructure. Project presenters listed in the minutes included Greta Hansen and Jason Preisner of LaMonte Engineers; board members discussed phasing the work so the Town Hall portion would precede the highway garage.

Board members raised several cost and schedule considerations, including underground utilities, sewer and water connections, the length of any bond under Public Finance Law, shared-services grant opportunities, and an environmental review categorized as a Type I action. The board discussed targeting bidding in September–October and reducing the project size from earlier drafts while leaving room for future growth. The minutes note the highway garage has exceeded its intended lifespan and that renovated sections of Town Hall are approaching 25 years old.

"Where staff would ‘live’ during construction/renovations" was flagged as a logistical issue to resolve, and the board asked that large paper maps be delivered for further review. The board also recorded town landholdings related to the project, noting a 90-acre dump property not including the landfill site. The board voted to hold a separate Special Meeting devoted to reviewing architectural layouts; that meeting will be the only item on that agenda.