To The Editor:

The Building Committee, consisting of  Westerlo Town Board members plus two residents, met on Sept. 2; Councilwoman Amie Burnside was not present. We, in the gallery, were once again faced with the original “do not speak” command.

It’s still hard to believe how five of us (gallery individuals) would slow down the committee’s process. A mixed message of poor manners and dictatorial actions, in my opinion, is still being sent by our representatives due to this statement.

The Westerlo voters, supposedly, will be given the opportunity to vote for an $887,000 town hall renovation project on the November ballot.  Not included in this dollar amount is approximately $403,000 for loan interest and an additional $80,000 that was previously allocated for basement asbestos abatement (removal of asbestos by specially trained individuals). Does this ballot cost include the removal of any other asbestos  elsewhere in the building?

Do the math. I come up with $1,370,000 without the — “oops” — dollar amount that could have been accidentally forgotten to be included. Phew!  So what is the factual final dollar amount that really should be disclosed and appear on the ballot vote?

Good news! The committee, which has put in a great deal of time, tossed around ideas about having the public ask questions in reference to the project. It was mentioned that it could be desirable for these same individuals who would “ask” these questions, to "put" their names with the questions. It reminded me of a tracking device or Column A goes with Column B.

Then, the most knowledgeable or competent individual from the committee selection, would answer that particular question.  Great idea — possibly.  To help get the committee’s idea on the right track, here go my questions and my name is at the end of this letter.

What is the cost and procedure in reference to all the deteriorating brick and concrete on the entire building?

 Has all the wood inside and out been tested for lead paint, rot, mold, and mildew? Cost please, and could these findings create a domino effect?

 Has the septic system (which seems to be two) been investigated in reference to its current  proximity and will it have to be relocated and what dollar costs pertain to it? Will it be new?

 What is the cost for all new paving, landscape, and labor for the entire project?

 There has been, in my opinion, years of neglect and damage caused by rain, ice, snow, and wind, which has contributed to rot on fascia boards, columns, and wood items in general.  Poor or no gutters are also evident, so what’s the plan and the cost?

 Does the roof still leak? The inside of the main meeting room still displays stains from leaks.  I believe “three meeting rooms” are planned for the new building. In this same meeting room where town board meetings are held, the extremely warped hardwood floors, were referred to, by me, as a speed bump.

It was temporarily fixed with plywood. This temporary fix appears to be rotting and now where the old speed bump was there now are those road safety cones.  Ironically, it is in keeping with the road theme.  Is the main support (floor or wall) rotted?  So how much in cost?

 What are all the rules, requirements, legalities, etc. that pertain to municipal accessibility for people with handicaps?  Are heated walkways required as ice deterrents plus roof (porch like) covers?  How many, how much?

 Will the plan for a new exterior construction of a basement staircase interfere with nearby water tanks? How much? Explain.

 It has been stated in the past and recently that the town’s highway workers can handle repair work during their down time.  Is this in their contractual agreement or job description?

 What will be the new cost of insurance coverage for this renovated building?

 If I understand correctly, a new line item will be added to the budget for building maintenance.  Where has it been all these years? Does the General Fund already allow for that? Why not tighten up the budget or watch expenditures?  How much and who will perform the maintenance?

 Will the public be informed by the town board through submissions of “written” detailed expenditure lists that have been copied and made  available to everyone at town board meetings?  Please do not use just voucher numbers; I think that is so lame.

 What is the plan and cost of exterior lights, wiring, labor, and the total electrical package for the renovation?

 Can our low-income families with multi demands, farmers with large tracts of land, area businesses, commercial enterprises, and you and I, afford this project?

In my opinion,  these questions and lots more should have been answered before the 11th hour. I still see many carts before many horses.  In closing, I have given the building committee the opportunity to complete its idea. I would like the committee to answer factually and publicly, via your newspaper,  all of my questions.

The committee had a splendid informative idea of the public asking questions. This could provide a great service to all the people it represents.  I believe it could be extremely valuable to give our community all of the answers to my questions as a starter.  I look forward to reading the Westerlo Building Committee’s answers in The Altamont Enterprise.

Very sadly, when the old school was sold to the town, at that point it was no longer a school.  The fact is: It became a memory.  With new proposed renovations, ceilings will be dropped; walls installed; great expenses incurred; and, the way I see it, pretty much of a metamorphosis will take place and yet, bygone years will still be gone.

Unfortunately, time takes a toll and mistakes will always occur, but ask yourself, “Who or what, if anyone or anything, will be sacrificed when you cast your vote?”  It is your tax dollars, not the committee’s, and by all means ask your own questions.

Anita Marrone

Westerlo