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Select Board forms Old Town Committee to study reuse as renovations proceed at new town hall
Summary
The Select Board recruited volunteers and agreed to formalize an Old Town Committee to study reuse options for the old town hall (including possible sale, reuse or demolition) and received updates on asbestos abatement, accessibility changes and security cameras at the new town hall; the board also approved two one-day liquor permits and the ABCC seasonal form.
The Select Board on Jan. 5 agreed to move forward with community involvement in deciding the future of the old town hall, recruiting volunteers for an Old Town Committee to review reuse options.
Board members emphasized that the building is a community asset and that a range of options should remain on the table. Members raised concerns about the structure's lack of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and the likely substantial cost of any municipal reuse. One board member said the town was "very lucky" nothing serious happened before the move because of the building's ADA shortcomings.
Several residents and volunteers offered to serve on the committee; the chair noted volunteers including Joe and Ted and mentioned a local volunteer, Joseph Bill, with experience in small-business innovation. Board members asked staff to research indemnification or liability agreements for non-employees who may enter and work in the building during planning or preparation.
Separately, staff updated the board on the new town hall renovation: a $90,000 state grant has been secured, asbestos abatement for the meeting room is scheduled for two days, bids for a camera system are out, and some renovation accounts remain to spend. Staff recommended closing two small restrooms that are not ADA-compliant and using larger multiuse restrooms instead. The board also discussed exterior lighting and whether National Grid owns nearby poles before further action.
On routine items, the board approved two one-day liquor permits for the Scannock Valley Artisan's Art Show on Feb. 14–15 (noon–4 p.m.) and voted to submit the ABCC seasonal population-estimate form, which affects local liquor license quotas. The board also set a public hearing for Jan. 20 on an electrical upgrade at Bayberry and Colony and tentatively scheduled a tour for an out-of-town reuse committee on Jan. 14.
The meeting concluded with routine scheduling items and adjournment.
