A significant concern raised during the meeting was the discovery of water intrusion in the West Street building’s basement. An investigation revealed a issue with the building’s drainage system. Approximately 2 to 3 feet from the building, a cast iron pipe transitions to clay with an inch-wide gap. This defect necessitates replacing a 50 to 60-foot section of the pipe to prevent further water damage. The committee emphasized the urgency of this repair and discussed conducting a prompt inspection to assess the water flow effectively. Suggestions were made to use volume testing rather than pressure for evaluating the drainage system’s efficacy.

Concurrently, the committee explored the logistics of addressing potential mold issues resulting from water intrusion. Damaged sheetrock in the basement is slated for removal to prevent mold growth, with a member set to coordinate the submission of a work order for this task.

Equally pressing were the discussions surrounding fire safety systems for the renovated building. The committee deliberated on the necessity of an additional water tank to support the fire department’s supply, weighing whether it was essential or a wishlist item. Emphasis was placed on upgrading fire alarm systems and egress lighting throughout the building, with particular focus on ensuring detection capabilities in both occupied and unoccupied spaces. Members debated the prudence of investing in detection systems over pumps and tanks at this stage, given the building’s future usage considerations.

Further dialogue centered on the implications of fire protection engineering specifics, including the pressure requirements for tank storage and pump systems, with a focus on future expansion compatibility. The committee acknowledged the need for a detection system capable of identifying specific zones to comply with building codes. Discussions also involved logistics concerning the building’s entry points and emergency exits, with the main entrance identified at the north end of the building. The placement of fire panels and Knox boxes for fire department access was debated, ultimately concluding that key safety features should be positioned to align with the main traffic flow.

Another topic was the handling of potential hazardous materials, particularly in relation to soil and brick removal. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of further testing, with a member questioning previous decisions on soil testing. The possibility of dangerous materials leaching into the soil necessitated urgent attention, with the committee recognizing the need to address these environmental concerns before the design phase proceeds. Prior testing from 2015-2016 was referenced, indicating that if the soil was confirmed clean, no issue would arise. However, the potential risk of additional costs, possibly amounting to $500,000, was noted if hazardous materials were detected.

The meeting also touched on architectural updates, including the issuance of an ad service to cover incurred costs related to HVAC system engineering calculations. The potential impact of a change in code on these calculations was acknowledged, emphasizing the need for project adaptability. Progress on a pump station was affirmed, with plans for fieldwork coordination underway. Additionally, discussions about the timing of window abatement were tied to the overall renovation goals.

Lastly, the committee discussed the public water supply reactivation, with members eager to expedite communication with contacts to avoid delays. The meeting concluded with deliberations about shifting to bi-weekly virtual meetings to facilitate ongoing communication and project adaptation, alongside a motion to adjourn after reaching a consensus on future steps.