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Board discusses RFP and preservation support for town—s old church
Summary
Select Board members reported on a preservation-group meeting about producing a broad RFP to attract potential lessees or buyers for the town—s old church. The preservation contact offered fee-for-service support and said their usual hourly rate was about $140; a firm initial cost was not provided.
A Select Board member updated the Oct. 7 meeting on outreach to a preservation organization about the future of Buckfield—s old church. The board discussed drafting a broad request for proposals (RFP) to attract parties interested in leasing or owning and rehabilitating the structure.
The board said a preservation contact (identified in discussion as Brad) proposed fee-for-service support to help draft and amplify a community-facing RFP. The consultant indicated a typical hourly rate of about $140 but did not provide a firm initial-cost estimate during the meeting. Staff said Brad would compile potential funding avenues and prepare documentation to accompany an RFP to help prospective lessees or owners identify funding sources.
Board members discussed limited municipal capacity and community interest. Staff noted that nonprofit ownership and partnerships with municipalities tend to open more funding avenues but said Buckfield currently lacks a motivated nonprofit partner and broader community interest has been limited in recent years. The board plans to continue outreach, including attending a local preservation meetup on Dec. 8, and to request the consultant—s written cost and funding-avenue summary for consideration alongside an RFP.
On building condition and immediate needs, board members said there is no running water and only one electrical outlet in the structure; they recommended modest winterization actions such as adding plastic sheeting behind existing cardboard coverings. No formal action or funding appropriation was made at the meeting.
