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Historical society approves one dehumidifier after basement leak damaged items
Summary
The Merrimack Valley Historical Society authorized the purchase of one dehumidifier (not to exceed $300) to protect collections after heavy rains caused basement water intrusion and at least one item was lost to mold; the board amended an initial proposal for two units and carried the motion by voice vote.
The Merrimack Valley Historical Society voted to authorize the purchase of one dehumidifier, not to exceed $300, to protect museum collections after heavy rains caused a crack in the building's foundation and water intrusion in the basement.
Kelly, the society's director of tourism, told the board that recent storms flooded a basement room and left one item "very, very moldy" and unsalvageable. She recommended bringing dehumidifiers on site promptly to prevent further loss and asked the board to approve funding from the society's reserved funds.
A member initially moved to authorize purchase of two units not to exceed $600. After discussion about durability and cost, that motion was amended to a single unit not to exceed $300; the amendment was seconded and the board approved the amended motion by voice. The board discussed equipment options: one member recommended a commercial-grade Aprilaire unit that can cost about $1,400 and carry a longer warranty, while others noted retail Home Depot or Lowe's units are less expensive but tend to have shorter lifespans.
Kelly said she would send recommended unit options to the board for review before purchase. The vote concluded with the chair declaring the motion carried. The board did not record a roll-call tally during the voice vote.
The decision follows Kelly's report that storms also revealed several regular leaks and ongoing moisture problems in the older building; shelves and collections have been raised off the floor and staff have begun moving at-risk items to dry storage. Kelly said she had contacted the original contractor, Grant, to request a follow-up on the foundation and door issues and to check whether prior repairs remain under warranty. The board asked Kelly to provide potential dehumidifier models and prices for confirmation prior to purchase.
