Minutes of Meeting

Draft minutes of meeting between

ad hoc citizens group and RQM representatives

July 15, 1998

PRESENT:

Mayor Christopher Clarke Region of Queens Municipality (RQM)

Councillor Harold Dobson RQM Fax 354-7473

Councillor Wayne Henley RQM Fax 354-7473

Brad Rowter RQM Fax 354-7473

Linda Rafuse Fax 354-2050

Yorke Tutty Fax 354-7395

Craig Chandler Fax 354-4985

Mr. Chandler opened the meeting my stating that the ad hoc group had concerns about the way in which the renovations were being carried out, and the intended methods and materials of reconstruction.

Mr. Clarke was asked if the Heritage Advisory Committee had been requested to review the construction plans. Mr. Henley and Mr. Dobson, members of the heritage advisory committee, responded that the committee has had only had two meetings, and was focussing on designating street scapes pursuant to the Heritage By-law. The committee had not been requested by council to review the plans, nor had any committee members raised concerns. The committee is also on summer break.

Windows

Mr. Clarke confirmed that the existing windows are to be replaced with thermal pane windows as required by the Department of Justice. The new windows have already been purchased and closely resemble the existing windows. Mr. Tutty suggested preserving the existing windows once they are removed. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Rowter were receptive to the idea. Ms. Rafuse suggested that maintaining the existing windows was greatly preferable to preserving them. Mr. Tutty and Mr. Chandler concurred.

Mr. Clarke indicated that revisiting the decision to replace the windows was impractical, due to the fact that the project is the culmination of approximately two years of negotiations with the Department of Justice and Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). He felt that it would be difficult to make such changes at this point. Both provincial departments and RQM are contributing financial support to the project.

Ms. Rafuse raised the point that DTPW owns and maintains several heritage buildings throughout the province, and has staff who deal specifically with such buildings, including the Perkins House. DTPW has the expertise to incorporate heritage features into renovation projects.

Columns

Mr. Chandler asked if changes were intended for the four columns that support the pediment on the front of the building. Mr. Rowter stated that rot was found at the base and tops of some of the columns, and they were to be completely removed and replaced. The methods and materials of replacement are not yet known.

Ad hoc group members expressed concern that the removal was unnecessary and that the inherent craftsmanship and historical value of the columns were not being considered. Methods were focussing on demolition and replacement rather than preserving features such as the columns, as well as the ornamental details on the frieze and cornice.

Mr. Rowter stated that it would be very difficult to replicate the columns due to the unique construction. He further stated that this project was the only chance to ensure that all structural and building envelope repairs were carried out, and that removal of features such as the scored wooden boards on the facade was required to locate rotted materials. It was noted that no rot was located beneath the facade cladding (boards).

Mr. Tutty expressed concern that decisions regarding the renovations may be motivated by financial constraints rather than by propagating the value of the Court House as an institutional heritage building. He suggested that the building is of great importance to the people of the county, and that the community would be supportive of a modest increase in expenditures to ensure that the aesthetic and historical value of the columns was maintained.

Mr. Clarke suggested that many people favour the construction of a new building, and that most would consider the building adequately restored as long as the renovations maintain the same style and general outward appearance of the building.

Mr. Chandler asked if RQM had received a letter from Wayde Brown of the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs offering architectural assistance. Mr. Clarke indicated that they had, and that Mr. Rowter had briefly been in contact with him.

Mr. Clarke stated that it was RQM's intention to use wood to recreate the columns. As the columns are hollow, and constructed of timber panels, the possibility of repairing the panels and installing a structural support in the column interior was discussed.

ACTION: Mr. Rowter will contact W. Brown (NSDHMA) to request architectural consulting services regarding the columns.

Cladding

Mr. Chandler indicated that he had previously been advised by Mr. Rowter that a composite Styrofoam/acrylic panel system was being considered for the exterior of the building. Mr. Rowter said that this system was being considered for the entire exterior of the building. Mr. Chandler asked if reinstating wooden shingles and facade boards was being considered, and Mr. Rowter indicated that it had not been considered to date.

ACTION: Mr. Rowter will contact W. Brown (NSDHMA) to request architectural consulting services regarding options for cladding.

Wheelchair Ramp

Mr. Clarke raised the issue of the Department of Justice's requirement for a wheelchair access ramp at the Court House. Mr. Rowter explained that the ramp could not be made to access the front entrance due to the step up to the front door. Access through the rear door was not permitted by the Department of Justice as it would require modifications to the interior layout. The current plan calls for an additional door to be installed on the east side of the building to allow wheelchair access. Charlie Ritchie of DTPW is currently designing this addition.

Mr. Tutty expressed concern that a generic type of ramp may be designed by DTPW. He added that, while wheelchair access was very important, an architect who specializes in heritage buildings may be able to make the addition blend with the building style. Mr. Clarke indicated that Mr. Rowter would pursue this concern with DTPW.

ACTION: Mr. Rowter will investigate this issue.

Interior Alterations

Mr. Rowter indicated that no layout changes would be taking place. Removal of 20^th century materials, including "beaverboard", would be taking place, as well as installation of gypsum wall board in some areas.

Minutes prepared by:

C. Chandler

July 20, 1999

Distribution

All in Attendance

W. Brown, NSDHMA

D. Trask, NOVA Scotia Museum