Central to the meeting was the discussion on the Old Town Hall’s structural condition, particularly the crawl space and the foundational posts, which have shown signs of rot. The foundational concerns are compounded by the building’s wood frame construction and the temperature fluctuations affecting the old stone supports. The committee discussed various solutions, including a vacuuming approach to clear dirt from the crawl space, which would allow for a more thorough inspection without the high costs quoted by some contractors. Members also considered conducting a personal inspection, with some expressing comfort with the confined conditions of the crawl space.

In addition to the structural concerns, the committee discussed ventilation issues in the attic, noting that the lack of heating in the building might prevent moisture accumulation, thus reducing the risk of mold growth. A plan was proposed to cut a small hole in the roof above the heated vault area to inspect insulation, with members suggesting different tools and methods to ensure minimal damage to the structure.

Meanwhile, the committee reviewed the recently completed roof replacement at the Dam Keepers facility, highlighting the installation of a new medium gray metal roof over the existing asphalt shingles. The project was deemed successful, with positive feedback on the roof’s appearance from both the lake and the road. This project prompted a discussion about updating priorities, as the roofing work had moved from a “High” to a “Monitor” status. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate historical records while removing unnecessary comments from project notes.

Attention also turned to the fire department building, where maintenance issues such as wiring, lighting, and carbon dioxide detectors were addressed. The need for grounding protection in the basement and the future replacement of lighting with LED options were discussed. In addition, carbon dioxide detectors were prioritized due to the potential for alarm malfunctions, with the fire chief suggested as a contact for determining the most suitable system. The practicality of integrating high-tech monitoring solutions, such as systems linked to a town official’s phone, was debated, with some members favoring traditional systems.

The committee also considered the recruitment of new members, particularly following the departure of Steve Suin. Phil Parker, a retired local resident with relevant skills, was identified as a potential candidate. The committee discussed the process for his appointment, which would require a recommendation to the select board. Additionally, the need for an odd number of members was highlighted to facilitate decision-making, with a preference for a five-member committee.

The meeting further included a proposal for future projects by Russ Wilson, who was suggested to assist with maintenance issues such as replacing ridge shingles on the fire department building and addressing rotted siding. The committee expressed no objections to proceeding with these repairs.

Discussions also touched on the new library meeting room expected to open in the summer of 2024 and its potential impact on the town hall’s improvements. The committee considered the possibility of using the library for hybrid meetings, which led to further debate on the aesthetic needs of the current meeting room. The conversation included a suggestion to spray-paint heating pipes to blend with the ceiling, though it was acknowledged that such cosmetic projects should take a back seat to more urgent infrastructure needs.