Flood Recovery Frequently Asked Questions:
Please note as we discover more information we will be adding/changing/modifying questions and answers. This project is a "work in progress". Thank you.
Why do we need a Congregational Meeting?
Our by-laws do not allow for any expenditures other than those approved at the annual meeting.
What are we voting to approve?
The Board is asking the Congregation to approve:
Will the Congregation approve for flood recovery expenditure the insurance reimbursement and whatever grants and donations are made to the UCM Flood Recovery Fund?,
the withdrawal of up to $135,000 from the Long Term Invested Fund to be designated for the Flood Recovery Account. With the understanding if there is a balance in the fund at the end of the recovery the monies will be returned to the LTIF.
What is the Flood Recovery Fund?
The ET authorized setting up a separate account at Northfield Savings Bank where monies from grants, insurance, donations, etc. is deposited. This fund will be used to pay all flood related recovery expenses. This fund, while it will be listed on the UCM Balance Sheet, is not part of the 2023/24 Operating or Capital Budgets.
Does our insurance cover any of our flood losses?
We are not insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. We had very limited coverage with our insurance company, Church Mutual, and there is some confusion over the coverage which we are attempting to resolve.
How much of the building was flooded?
Water initially entered the basement of the building through various seams below grade. It did not enter through the basement windows. The entire basement was flooded. The water level eventually reached 2-3 inches on the first floor (Vestry and Offices). But because of the slope of the floor, approximately ⅓ of the Vestry floor (towards the Main Street entrance) did not have any water covering the floor.
Do we have an estimate of how much damage there was?
The FRuuT team has been recording the estimates for repairing the damage (both structural, equipment and items). They are still collecting information. As of August 16th the total is approximately $171,000 but there are still many unknowns and that figure will probably increase.
What is the condition of the basement now?
As of August 2, the basement has been pumped out; all mud removed; all items removed (with the exception of the old heating system and ducts); and professional dehumidifiers installed. The ductwork is being removed beginning August 21st.
Is the removal of the old heating system and ductwork still scheduled for late August?
Yes, the work is still scheduled to begin August 21st.
What is the status of mold in the building?
A major priority when a building is flooded is to dry the building out as quickly as possible to limit the amount of mold growth. Estimates for mold remediation are being obtained.
How much damage has been done to the building?
Basement:
All but a few items were destroyed by the water and mud.
Electrical panels that had been in the basement have been moved to the first floor.
The oil tank remained chained down in place. The venting pie was high enough above flood water, but will be extended even higher.
The following is a summary of items destroyed in the basement.
The elevette: Options for replacement and location are being considered.
The blower for the organ: Options location are being considered.
The hot water heater: Options for replacement and location are being considered.
Holiday Fair; LSE; Community Lunch and Women’s Alliance items stored in the basement
Three Community Lunch refrigerators and chest freezer were destroyed
All the Community Lunch food and supplies stored in the basement pantry were destroyed
Tools, extension cords, cleaning supplies
First Floor:
The water level was 2 -3 inches deep in the Vestry, Toddler Room, Fireplace Room, Kitchen and Offices for about 12 hours.
The hardwood floors may need to be replaced – still waiting for them to dry
Two feet of drywall in the office wing have been removed to evaluate water damage and speed drying.
There is mold in the staff bathroom, copier area and kitchen island cabinet.
Second Floor:
No damage other than the organ blower which had been in the basement has been destroyed. A replacement and a location are being investigated.
What is the status of the kitchen and Community Lunch?
The kitchen had a couple of inches of standing water. The extent of the damage to the kitchen is still being determined and the flooring may need to be replaced.
Four out of five of the churches which provide lunches during the week in Montpelier experienced severe kitchen damage. A group involved in organizing meals during Covid are working to determine if a centralized kitchen/meal location can be found to replace individual kitchens. This option is very early in the discussion process.
Where has mold been found in the building?
Various locations on the ceiling of the basement under the original building. The bathroom/copier area in the office wing. The stairway to the basement from the first floor.
Are we bringing in professionals to deal with the mold?
To date volunteers have been doing most of the recovery and cleanup. We have had two mold remediation companies visit the building. They both recommended that the building continue to dry out prior to doing any additional work.
How long will it take to reopen the building?
At this time it is not known when we can completely reopen the building. Various options are being considered to determine when various parts can be opened safely.
Where are the staff working?
Staff are working remotely and the best way to contact them is via email.
How much will all of this cost?
The FRuuT Team is keeping track of all damages and repairs that are necessary along with cost estimates to repair/replace the damages. We are keeping track of estimates for repairs/replacement. As of August 16th the estimate is $171,000
How much money has been donated to the Flood Recovery Fund?
As of August 5th we have received a grant from the UUA for $50,000; insurance payment of $10,000; and donations from individuals totaling almost $45,000. We continue to look for grant funding opportunities (accessibility, historic building restoration, etc.).
What has been done in the past to help protect our building from flooding?
In 1906 the building was raised several feet and placed on the granite blocks. Several years ago the dirt floor of the basement was leveled and a concrete floor installed. At the same time the basement walls were insulated. Both the concrete floor and the coating on the walls helped facilitate pressure washing the basement. The heating units (two forced air and one hot water boiler) were relocated during the Air Quality Project to 2 feet above the Vestry floor, per flood regulations. New sump pump was installed to help pump out water in the basement but it was not designed to handle the amount of water entering the basement.
The original building was built in 1865 with a new addition added in the 1980s. Who are we working with to make sure we preserve the historic nature of our building as well as ensuring there will be less damage the next time it floods?
The Vermont Preservation Trust has visited the building and will be sending in experts with experience in historic building preservation - engineers, architects, etc.