Irene Stewart, Sherry Smith, Donya VanBuren, Suzette Reiss, Mark Sisson, Peter Young, Beth Peterson, Laurie Ullman
Guest: John Forestieri
Meeting called to order at 7:02.
John Forestieri was our guest. Mr. Forestieri visited the Building Team to ask questions and clarify positions about the proposals the BT submitted to the Board of Trustees. (Mr. Forestieri was not acting as a representative of the Board.) He stated he has “trouble” with the proposals submitted by NE Custom Modular and Stacey Bishop, partly stemming from friction between Ms. Bishop and members of the Congregation. He asked if the BT considered that friction in our deliberations. The BT assured him that this was a matter between the two parties, but was certainly part of our considerations. Mr. Forestieri also stated he was concerned over a “lack of communication” between the Board and the BT, as well as the Board and the congregation. The BT noted this was an issue to be addressed by the Board of Trustees and not the purview of the BT. Mr. Forestieri noted that he felt the charge to the Board was to take the vetting materials provided by the BT and investigate them further prior to sending them to the voting membership. Mr. Forestieri read a text forwarded to him from a “contractor” from Stacey Bishop, which he felt should be accounted for in our considerations.
At the end of his allotted time, Mr. Forestieri retired. The Building Team thanked him for his comments and enthusiasm.
Minutes from the meeting of 8/25 were read and accepted. (Thank you, Donya.)
Laurie reported that she had spoken to the Southold Building Department. She noted that for every “4 seats” of public assembly, there should be one parking space; our project will require roughly 30 spaces. It is not necessary to use blacktop for parking. There are a number of permeable options available. It was also noted that there may be a need to alter the parking lot entrance/egress, depending on New York State codes, but we can’t know that until the site plan has been submitted and returned. Laurie also reported that “full basements’ are required to be at least 8’deep.
Sherry asked if we should inform the Board of our third proposal option; NECM with a local architect. The BT asked that Peter ask Stacey again if she would be willing to work with an architect of our choosing. Peter will also contact Tom Samuels to determine if he would be willing to act in that capacity. The BT also asked that the Board reconsider the number of proposals to be submitted to the Congregation, raising the number from two to three or more.
Sherry distributed a printout from the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations that noted East End Construction Services, Inc. (a firm Stacey Bishop heads) has been “dissolved by proclamation…June 29, 2016.” She noted that it was for non-payment of corporate taxes. Peter will ask Stacey for clarification in this matter. Sherry also questioned whether Ms. Bishop’s lack of a “builder’s license” is cause for concern. It was noted that the contractors she works with are properly licensed. Sherry will continue to investigate this matter, as well as Ms. Bishop’s use of the term. “Inc.”
After the “Information Sheet- Aug. 26. 2016” was distributed (containing the proposal outlines), Irene assigned the BT the task of finding pros and cons for each proposal and to bring them to our next meeting, as was asked of her by the Board of Trustees. At that time, the lists will be compiled, formalized and forwarded to the Board prior to their meeting on September 14.
Our next meeting will be September 8 at 6:30. (This will facilitate our completing the pro/con list and allow members to participate fully in the meeting without it becoming too late. This will be a one time event.)
Meeting adjourned at 8:32.