The meeting opened with the committee’s chair announcing that members Anna Cook and Jeff Quackenbush would be absent, leading to the postponement of a presentation from Bert Fernandez of the historic commission regarding the gazebo project. This delay did not prevent the committee from delving into the proposal’s merits and drawbacks.

Several committee members expressed skepticism about constructing a gazebo to protect the signboard, which had already undergone numerous repairs. One member questioned the logic behind building a new structure for protection, pointing out that regular maintenance might be a more reasonable approach. Concerns were also raised about the gazebo’s design, particularly its ability to shield the signboard from wind, rain, and snow. The committee agreed that the proposed gazebo might still leave the signboard exposed to the elements, undermining its intended purpose.

Further, the discussion touched on the aesthetic and spatial implications of adding a gazebo near the memorial. One member voiced worries about creating a crowded appearance. The committee did not reach a final decision on the project.

In other business, the committee received an update on the elementary school’s maintenance projects. A replacement for a leaking hose bib was completed, and progress was made on exterior painting. The contractor maintained a consistent 16-inch spacing for all fasteners and was expected to finish the courtyard work pending favorable weather conditions. The committee noted the successful completion of various maintenance tasks, including painting emergency doors within the courtyard.

The committee also tackled the uniform painting of several school sheds, emphasizing the need for consistency in their appearance. Members discussed logistical considerations, such as volunteer coordination and the condition of the existing sheds, which require inspection and possible repairs before painting. The committee agreed to organize the painting of four sheds on the west side of the school building, with a motion passed unanimously. The idea of utilizing a cordless paint sprayer recently acquired by the highway department was floated, along with repurposing leftover paint for the project.

Attention then shifted to the Dudleyville Dam’s scheduled removal and its potential impact on road access. The committee discussed plans for public signage to inform residents of road closures and inquired about the equipment used for the dam removal, particularly its effect on accessibility.

The committee also engaged in a technical discussion about electrical systems and grounding rods. There was uncertainty about the minimum requirements for ground rod depth, with members suggesting various depths and weighing the cost implications. Concerns were raised about the risks posed by tall trees to electrical systems and the feasibility of using different grounding methods.

Maintenance work on the school’s gutters was also reported, with a member noting the efficiency of cleaning the gutters in about 15 minutes. The recent heavy rains had caused the nearby lake to rise significantly, prompting questions about potential leaks inside the school building.

The topic of plumbing services was discussed, with praise for DF Plumbing’s efficient and cost-effective service for a recent faucet installation. The committee highlighted the importance of prioritizing local businesses for such services. The plumbing work included installing a new access door to facilitate future repairs and addressing a long-standing leak.

The committee proposed documenting recent school facility improvements through photographs and aerial footage. There was consensus that sharing images with the community would be beneficial.

Lastly, the committee reviewed ongoing maintenance of the school and surrounding areas. The highway department had completed patching various road surfaces, with plans to address the school’s parking lot delayed by rain. Concerns about water runoff and erosion at the school’s entrance were raised, leading to suggestions for restoring a swale to manage water flow effectively.