The meeting also highlighted the committee’s deliberation on numerous ongoing projects. One issue is the library roof, where leakage around the chimney and ridge has yet to be addressed by the contractor. Discussions centered on the potential use of silicone sealant, with members voicing skepticism about its effectiveness, particularly regarding moisture entrapment and potential brick fracturing. The need for three bids on the roofing work was reiterated, with several potential contractors being considered.

Another topic was the historic commission’s proposal to erect a gazebo over a renovated signboard. The committee did not support this proposal, citing concerns that the gazebo would overpower the signboard. During a presentation to the select board, an idea was introduced to install plexiglass panels on the gazebo sides for winter protection. This suggestion was met with skepticism due to practical concerns, such as attachment issues and potential visual obstructions from light reflections. Additional issues raised included ventilation and cleaning challenges within the panels.

The committee also addressed the condition of the dam keeper shed, where materials have been ordered for roof repairs. Volunteer Dave Moer will assist with the project, with logistics confirming that materials will primarily be transported over town property. Parking issues at the dam, particularly a recent incident involving cars parked against no-parking signs, were briefly discussed. This raised concerns about adherence to safety regulations near the dam, a topic previously debated by the committee.

In addition to these projects, the committee explored the state of various architectural features, particularly roofing. They identified a lack of drip edge along a lower rear roof, leading to rotting trim. The committee agreed to prioritize this as a high-priority issue. The chimney, cleaned five years ago, was also discussed, with ongoing monitoring suggested instead of immediate action.

The committee’s attention also turned to issues with the town hall doors, noting the back door’s failure to close properly and the front door’s difficulty in opening. Suggestions included installing a more robust, handicap-accessible door. Additionally, there was a review of building documentation, focusing on the format and inclusion of historical data. Members emphasized the importance of preserving historical information digitally without overwhelming printed reports.

Heating the Old Town Hall was another topic, with prior system failures prompting consideration of alternative solutions like mini-split systems. The discussion weighed the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of mini-splits against traditional heating, emphasizing the need for humidity control to preserve records.

The idea of repurposing spaces within the Old Town Hall, such as converting bathrooms and kitchens into storage areas, was also explored. However, tension existed between maintaining a climate-controlled environment for records and ensuring comfort for those accessing the space. The old library’s potential use for storage was mentioned, though departmental interests in the space presented challenges.