The Brooks House, a historical property, was at the center of the meeting, with the members discussing the best approach for its sale. The conversation revolved around whether a Request for Proposals (RFP) or a public auction would be more appropriate, drawing parallels with past property sales like the Luther Burbank House. Concerns were raised about ensuring that potential buyers were adequately informed about the property’s availability to prevent an unsuccessful sale.

A performance bond was proposed as a means to secure the town’s interests, safeguarding against situations where a property might fall into disrepair post-sale. This measure, if implemented, would require buyers to commit to the property’s upkeep, thereby aligning with the commission’s preservation goals. One member recounted a past instance where inadequate sale conditions led to years of neglect, ultimately resulting in the city reclaiming the property. This historical precedent underscored the discussion’s urgency and complexity.

Efforts to engage the community in the Brooks House sale process were also discussed. Members suggested reaching out to local business figures to gauge interest and gather insights on potential sale methods. However, there was caution about approaching private business owners to avoid misleading them regarding the property’s status.

In addition to the Brooks House, the meeting touched upon the activities of the Lunenburg Municipal Building Design Committee. The committee, which oversees the preservation efforts for Town Hall and the Ritter building, has received a proposal for architectural services. However, a second proposal arrived too late to be considered, and the circumstances around this delay remain unclear.

The accepted architectural proposal is within budget, and the firm has garnered positive references, though it is not particularly distinguished. The committee plans to evaluate the firm’s historic preservation expertise in upcoming interviews, given the project’s estimated budget of $15 million. This budget includes upgrades to Town Hall, the Ritter building, and modifications to existing spaces.

The Ritter building projects, specifically window replacements and roof and gutter repairs, were discussed with an emphasis on prioritization. One member highlighted the need for urgent gutter repairs, noting that no bids have yet been posted for Town Hall, which remains a critical concern. The closing date for the Ritter building project bids is set for November 27.

Another topic of discussion was compliance issues concerning a property on Main Street. The commission considered sending a written notice to the owner to encourage adherence to architectural preservation bylaws, citing the town’s limited funding as a challenge.

The meeting briefly addressed the master planning process, which is currently experiencing delays in consultant engagement and plan reviews. A new chair for the master planning committee is expected, and a third survey related to the master plan has been introduced. This survey aims to gather input on objectives like affordable housing, business development, and historic preservation. The approval timeline for the master plan is anticipated for late 2025, with uncertainty about presenting it at the annual town meeting in May.

Finally, scheduling for the next meeting was discussed, with December 5th or 19th being potential dates, contingent on room availability. The possibility of a Zoom meeting was also considered if necessary.