This note is to provide background on important recent developments at the Clubhouse and the actions taken by the SWC Board to ensure your safest possible stay.
For the past year, the board has been working toward replacing the Fire and Smoke Alarm system. All of the commercial alarm companies we contacted required a recent fire safety inspection prior to contracting with us. To this end, we asked the Waterbury Fire Department (WFD) if they would conduct the Fire Safety inspection and they agreed to do so.
Several years ago, the WFD inspected us and classified us as Residential and those codes were used to evaluate the house. At that time, we corrected all of their concerns by building a fire escape, providing fire doors in the main stairwell and other work. Since that time, VT and local townships have adopted new codes reflecting the surge of Short Term Rentals. WFD now feels our occupancy more closely fits that definition. We were inspected using those new codes and had deficiencies on items that were previously compliant under the old classification. An example of this change is we are now required to have a fire rated hood and suppression system over a kitchen range.
The SWC Board reviewed the findings and unanimously decided the work which affects life/safety and our use of the house for season 25/26 should begin immediately. The work that needs to be done, but not for life/safety will follow the rules of membership notification.
Please know you will have a safe clubhouse for this season. While some work had to be completed within 30 days, other work may take place through the winter and provide some inconvenience at various times. All work is being done with all applicable permits and inspections, and the house may have been reinspected by the WFD possibly by the time you read this note.
Thank you in advance for your patience. If you would like to know more specifics about the scope of findings and corrections, please contact SWC President Karen Simmons at 518-361-8836.
Enjoy your winter!
Bill Schaefer on behalf of the SWC Board
