CPC asks for full consultant report before moving on restoration funding for Southborough cemetery tower

Community Preservation Committee members on Oct. 16 heard an update on a proposed historic restoration of the cemetery bell tower and asked the applicant to return with a consultant’s report and detailed cost estimates before the committee considers funding.

Kevin, the project proponent, told the committee he had arranged a field inspection by a preservation contractor, Beacon Hill Restoration. After a multi‑hour lift inspection of the tower, the contractor reported “the tower was very solidly built,” Kevin said, but also recommended more in‑depth work to document original materials and the scope of repairs before the town solicits construction bids.

Kevin said the inspection raised the possibility that the tower may originally have been roofed in slate, which would raise immediate costs relative to asphalt or cedar. He relayed the contractor’s recommendation to scaffold the tower, repair wood elements and address historic mortar and repointing while the roof is replaced — an approach that would be more costly up front but likely more durable.

“Without getting into too much detail … the tower was very solidly built … it wasn't going anywhere and the substructure of the roof looked actually in quite good shape,” Kevin said, summarizing the contractor’s initial findings. He told the committee the contractor recommended a full written report with photos, history, repair recommendations and a biddable specification so the town can seek comparable contractor bids.

Funding the study and next steps Kevin said the consultant has offered to prepare a formal report and bid‑ready specifications but that the consultant requires compensation for that work; the project has not yet secured funding to pay for the report. Kevin said he had discussed the need for a report with the select board chair, and the chair signaled receptiveness to taking the request to the board.

Kevin also said the Cemetery Trust Fund could be an appropriate local source to help pay for stabilization work that directly benefits the cemetery — for example, repairs to adjoining cemetery walls and immediate site stabilization. He said he would approach the Cemetery Trust Fund and the select board for possible support and would bring a funded scope back to CPC when completed.

Historic documentation and grant options Committee members asked whether the project had the documentation needed to meet CPA historic preservation criteria. Kevin said that the forthcoming report will include material evidence supporting any claim about original roofing material and will provide the documentation CPC needs to assess eligibility under its historic preservation guidelines. He also said he would explore preservation grant opportunities but did not expect major private or state grants to be guaranteed; the consultant’s report will support any state or foundation grant applications.

Maintenance and oversight The consultant has proposed a maintenance schedule that would be included in the report; Kevin said DPW would be expected to carry out routine maintenance defined in that schedule and asked the committee to require such a maintenance plan as a condition of any funding. Committee members asked the applicant to provide: (1) the consultant’s written report and cost estimate; (2) a statement of site control (town deed); (3) evidence of conversations with the Cemetery Trust Fund; and (4) a recommended maintenance schedule.

Next steps Kevin said he would secure a fee proposal from the consultant, seek select board and Cemetery Trust Fund support for funding the report, and return when the written feasibility/specification report is available so CPC can evaluate project cost and CPA eligibility.