This week staff with the Town of Prescott provided a detailed assessment of some town owned buildings.
Director of Public Works and Infrastructure Dan Beattie presented a report on conditions and Treasurer Mathew Armstrong outlined the estimated financial cost of repairs. Repair costs were divided into three time periods, ranging from 2018 to 2022; repairs that are less pressing were put in the later time periods. Beattie’s presentation focused on building structure, architecture and designated substance surveys.
The town Tennis Club was found to be in need of an eaves trough extension, has a foundation crack, mold in the insulation and a code violation relating to the furnace. In general the club is believed to be in fair condition; with Beattie pointing out that the club’s biggest issue is under-use. He also pointed out that half the building was poured concrete and half was old stone, which is highly unusual.
Town staff has established that the stairs are the only pressing issue facing the Lighthouse. Beattie says they are too narrow and there is no handrail on the outside. He suggests restricting public access to the upper levels because, after taking some measurements, he established it would be nearly impossible to get stairs to go inside. It would cost around $35,000 to fix the issue by installing an exterior staircase.
The Marina was deemed to be in excellent condition with only minor repairs needed on the eaves troughs and water diversion. The Public Works building was also reported to be in good condition. The Walker House has only minor structural and architectural issues. Repairs to some walls, stairs, slabs and the foundation are expected to cost the town just over $40,000 in 2018.
Beattie says Town Hall is in fair condition but there are two issues that need to be addressed soon, including the already identified window replacement. Replacing the windows with appropriate glass will cost around $250,000 and the other suggested repairs add up to around $35,000. Also the concrete in the mechanical room cellar has deteriorated to the point that it has started being displaced.
The buildings with the most pressing problems are the Forwarder’s Museum, Water Tower and Leo Boivin Community Centre. Details on these can be found here, here and here. Mayor Brett Todd says the difference between Prescott and some other towns or municipalities is that they handle these issues openly, honestly and early.
