The commission’s deliberations on the historical society building’s restoration were a focal point of the meeting. The discussion was robust, weighing the merits of traditional materials against modern alternatives. The proposal to use Boral, a manmade product, sparked a debate among commission members, with cost being a primary concern. Despite Boral’s lower expense compared to cedar, the commission members leaned towards authenticity and adherence to preservation guidelines, which ultimately swayed the vote towards red cedar siding. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining the building’s historical character while also acknowledging the necessity of insulation and the possibility of making changes without altering the building’s external appearance.

In addition to the siding, the commission addressed the deteriorated condition of the building’s windows. The proposal to replace existing windows with custom historic windows from Marvin was met with discussions about technical specifications and aesthetic considerations. The new windows, designed to mimic the original ones closely, would feature insulated glass and a metal skin on the exterior to prevent rot, while the interior would remain wood. The prospect of enhanced energy efficiency was a favorable point for members, as it would not come at the cost of altering the building’s historic look. The commission voted in favor of the custom windows, with specific details such as green grids on the outside and wood to match the interior being part of the approved design.

Another matter addressed was the application concerning a house in West Hampton, which had undergone extensive interior gutting due to damage from chimneys and water. Since the application pertained only to the exterior, which raised no preservation concerns, the commission chair concluded that a meeting or vote on this issue was unnecessary. This swift resolution allowed the commission to dedicate more time to the topics of the historical society building.