The old high school’s fate was the centerpiece of the meeting, with the committee members and public weighing in on the future of the structure. With the school committee having vacated the premises, there were three primary options on the table: demolishing the building and keeping the land for future use, mothballing the property, or considering a long-term strategy to relocate Town Offices there. The implications of each choice were scrutinized, particularly concerning the costs involved and the building’s importance as a community asset.

Insurance costs in the event of vacating the building were a matter of concern, although a definitive quote on potential increases was not provided during the meeting. The idea of marketing the renovation of the building for future municipal offices was suggested, with a proposal to repurpose parts of it for storage while using other sections for town offices. A member of the public highlighted the historical significance of the old high school, touting it as the most ADA-compliant building in the town and emphasizing the cost implications of delaying its maintenance.

The financial ramifications of the various options were a point of contention. While some members were hesitant to recommend any substantial spending without public consensus, others pointed to the potential long-term benefits of swift action. The possibility of alternative uses, such as housing and rentals, was also discussed.

The meeting extended beyond the old high school to include broader considerations of municipal facilities. The cost of relocating buildings, including the schools and the Sheriff’s Office, was discussed. One attendee praised the committee’s diligence but implored them to consider the restoration and strategic planning for Central Village and its old buildings. They suggested that revitalizing these structures could provide resources and revenue by putting them back on the tax roll and addressing housing needs for the town’s elderly population.

Clarity from voters was noted as a critical need for deciding the town’s direction concerning the old high school’s use. Concerns were raised about the financial impact of moving, with several committee and community members discussing the need for upgrades, accessibility, parking, and modern equipment. The debate included the cost of rehabilitating the old building versus the expense of demolition and new construction. Issues of structural integrity, ADA compliance, and the potential for borrowing funds for the project were also brought into the conversation.

In terms of generating revenue, the committee discussed developing a strategy and the possible formation of a subcommittee. A motion was made to recommend that the select board establish a campaign to fund the renovation of a building for municipal use. The debate included the need for a strategic plan for renovation and the sale of existing buildings to alleviate costs. The committee had previously recommended repurposing the old high school for municipal purposes, but there were challenges in formulating a non-binding question to capture this recommendation.

The committee decided to draft a letter to the select board regarding the motion and to assess the value of certain municipal buildings. The meeting, which was conducted in a hybrid format, concluded at 7:24 p.m.