Representatives of the Tolland Historical Society asked the Town Council to meet with the society and grant permission for limited, lease‑guided repairs to the Boletown Jail Museum, a historic property the society has stewarded since the late 1960s.

Michael Esch, speaking for the society, said volunteers and the society have maintained the former jail as a museum since the town vacated parts of the property. He said the society has invested roughly $250,000 over decades to remove debris, repair plaster, repaint, replace windows and restore interior finishes. The group operates multiple museums, provides school programs and maintains archives, Esch said.

Esch listed immediate concerns he said require attention: a malfunctioning sump pump and dehumidifier that has caused concealed dampness and problems with supporting columns in a cell block; an exterior board and telephone equipment that appear to be pulling away from the building and pose a public‑safety risk; decayed porch piers and rotted windows on the south side; and flashing and water infiltration issues on the second‑floor porch. He said the society’s lease requires the society to maintain interiors while the town handles exterior elements, and that prior reimbursement requests for work were denied.

Esch asked to meet with council members or a subcommittee to identify what repairs the society is allowed to perform under the lease and to seek reimbursement within the lease’s guidance (he cited a historical authorization of up to $1,000 in reimbursement for some repairs). He also said he was prepared to do some qualified repair work himself but was not a licensed contractor.

Councilors and staff acknowledged the society’s long stewardship, described the museum as a community asset and said staff would follow up on meeting arrangements and the society’s written materials. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the society’s request was made during the public comment period and will require follow‑up by staff and councilors.