Plans for AECC roof up in the air
By John Zornow

The Newark village board met in special session on June 4 to discuss options available concerning the defective roof on the "new" Alex Eligh Community Center.

According to Mayor Fred Pirelli, his board convinced the Pike Co. of Rochester to strip and replace the existing roof. This resulted in an offer from Pike to install a new layer of shingles over the top only, plus do some other miscellaneous repairs.

Earlier this year, village crews discovered the poor roof job while doing maintenance chores at the center. The board was upset when photos revealed crooked shingles, poorly sealed caps, vents and skylights. A check by local roofing contractors led to a recommendation that the roof be entirely stripped and replaced. A new layer of shingles over the existing roof was considered an unacceptable solution.

The board voted 3-2 at the Thursday meeting to avoid legal confrontation with Pike and to accept the compromise.

Voting in favor of this were Trustees John Palermo and Norm VanDemortel. Not favoring the deal with Pike was Peter Blandino, who indicated that if this solution would not be acceptable on his own home, why would it be okay for Newark taxpayers and citizens? Trustee Tony Virts voted no because he felt that the roof was only visible from a plane, and was not a major issue.

Mayor Fred Pirelli broke the tie by voting to go with Pike's offer, subject to the following conditions:

In addition to the overlayer of new roofing;

1. Ridge cap: Remove and install a six-inch strip on both sides and replace cap.

2. Building ends: cover holes by mortaring them in.

3. Drip edge: Roll back shingles and install six-inch strip.

4. Soffit: check for proper attachment, remove existing insulation, and properly re-install new insulation.

5. Skylights and vents: Roll back shingles and re-caulk.

Additional stipulations:

1. There will be a one year-warranty on the installation.

2. This work will be further warranteed for five years as per the Pike warranty regarding the truss and roof system. This is for any damage caused by defects in material and workmanship.

3. Take care of damages caused by rodents that have entered the building through holes in the building. (The Community Center incurred $800 in expenses, due to wires damaged by squirrels.)

4. A licensed professional engineer shall certify that the roof system is able to handle the weight of two overlays, before the work is completed.

The village board is awaiting a reply from the Pike Company.

Local businessman Dick Colacino is not happy with the entire outcome. He arrived a few minutes late for the start of last Thursday's meeting. When the vote was taken to decide the roof issue, Colacino asked to address the board. Pirelli asked what Colacino wanted to talk about, and if it was the roof, the matter was settled. Colacino stormed out of the meeting.

Colacino owns Newark Electric and is a past Newark Fire Chief. He led the efforts to rebuild the Alex Eligh Community Center, after the building was declared unusuable and unsafe. He spearheaded a campaign to raise additional funds to add to the insurance money that was available to restore the 80-year-old center.

Colacino said that he got involved in the center project because the building was empty, and nothing was being done to provide an alternative center or fix the old building.

"I am disappointed and angry because the Mayor asked myself and others to meet with the Pike Co. to come to an agreement to fix the roof right." He added, "I was not even notified of the Thursday meeting. The Mayor has singled me out by not letting me speak at meetings, or limiting my time to speak."

What have village officials learned from this? Colacino says "Newark is known for accepting standards that are not up to par" and "finds it difficult to function whenever there is even a remote possibility that legal action may be necessary."

Colacino said that he has learned from this project. "Never again will I count on others to inspect a project that I am involved with." He added, "Government should lead by example - High standards, better inspection and code enforcement, and make sure there is a Clerk of the Works on all projects."

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