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Select Board votes to repair Scott's Hall and retain cupola after fire damage
Summary
Following fire-related damage to Scott's Hall, the Select Board voted to proceed with repairs and keep the building's cupola after hearing structural, historical and cost details from public services and the historical commission.
Bob Salter, Department of Public Services, updated the Select Board on restoration work at Scott's Hall and recommended moving forward with repairs while retaining the building's cupola.
Salter said contractors had removed insulation, dried interior spaces and replaced a hot-water heater after the building sustained fire and water damage. He told the board some mold and rotted boards were uncovered during repairs and that the insurance adjuster is awaiting the town's decision on the cupola before completing estimates. "I would personally like to see the cupola removed," Salter said, describing the cupola as a recurring water trap and a source of additional repairs.
Members of the Historical Commission attended the meeting; one representative, identified in the discussion as Mister Dixon, provided material for the board's review and urged preservation where feasible. A resident speaker argued the cupola has historical value and should be retained.
Board members asked about shingles, lightning protection and whether the cupola sits on top of or is integrated into the roof structure. Salter said the shingles beneath the cupola are original in places and that removing the cupola would likely be followed by reroofing with asphalt shingles because matching original materials is difficult.
Select Board members then considered a motion to instruct the Department of Public Services to proceed with repair work and keep the cupola on the building known as Scott's Hall. The motion was approved by roll call; members present voted in the affirmative.
During the public exchange, the historical commission clarified the building is not currently in a state or federally protected historic district and therefore the Select Board has authority to decide the building's restoration approach, though the commission recommended preservation if feasible. The board directed staff to proceed with repairs consistent with the decision and to work with the insurance adjuster and historical commission where appropriate.
Salter estimated the building might be usable again in about six weeks, depending on bidding and scheduling of remaining work.
