The discussion began with an analysis of the proposed window replacements, encompassing 60 main windows and 33 smaller ones. The selectmen weighed the benefits of vinyl versus aluminum materials. One selectman showed a preference for vinyl windows, citing their high quality, while another leaned towards aluminum. The final decision favored vinyl due to its extensive warranty and compatibility with existing town buildings, such as the library and old schoolhouse, which also feature white windows.

Cost was a factor in the debate. The board scrutinized the various price bids, focusing on one labeled as alternate four, initially misreported as $130,000 but later corrected to $138,000. This bid contrasted sharply with another option priced at $170,000, raising concerns about the bidding process. The board sought clarity on these discrepancies and discussed the financial implications of the project, including immediate savings post-installation.

The selectmen reached a consensus that replacing all 93 windows in one go was more efficient than a partial replacement. They shared their experiences with both vinyl and aluminum windows, noting potential issues such as vinyl warping under extreme heat. However, high-quality vinyl was considered to mitigate this risk effectively.

Color options for the windows were another point of discussion. One selectman strongly supported green windows, arguing they would complement the future painting of the building, expected within the next three years. This led to a broader conversation about the building’s color scheme and its impact on the window colors. Concerns were raised about the durability of paint on vinyl, with one selectman recounting negative experiences with painted vinyl surfaces. Factory-painting was considered an alternative, though it would increase costs by approximately $20,000.

Ultimately, the board approved a motion to replace all 93 windows with vinyl. The board acknowledged that further discussions about the color selection would be necessary, as this decision would tie into broader plans for the building’s maintenance and appearance.

The warranty for the windows was another important topic. The selectmen expected at least a ten-year warranty, with lifetime coverage for solid vinyl members being a notable advantage. They also discussed the inclusion of full screens to aid ventilation and prevent heat damage to neighboring properties from low E glass reflections.

The next agenda item was awarding the installation bid. Unicon was the lowest bidder at $122,500, lower than the next bid. The selectmen discussed Unicon’s reputation and previous projects, while also considering the need for a budgetary cushion to cover potential unforeseen costs during the installation.

The meeting then shifted to a change order for the fire station’s construction. The waterproofing bid had come in higher than expected, leading to a planned change order of $52,000. The board was assured this was within the construction budget and had been anticipated from the outset, so there were no surprises regarding budget overruns. The motion to approve this change order was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.