Historic commission asks Carbondale to fund part‑time gardener/historian for Thompson House gardens

Eric Goud, chair of the Harvey Yale Historic Commission, urged the Carbondale Parks & Recreation Commission on Dec. 10 to back a proposal asking the Board of Trustees to fund a part‑time gardener and historian for the Thompson House Heritage Gardens.

"This garden is truly unique to Carbondale," Goud said, adding that longtime volunteer Sue Gray will retire and the program needs dedicated, knowledgeable staff to continue educational activities and preservation work. The Historic Commission cited town ordinance chapter 16.1 as part of its mandate to preserve local cultural and historic resources.

Commissioners and staff discussed possible approaches to staffing and funding. Parks staff said the role could be administered through the parks department, though they also described the position as potentially subcontracted because it requires specialized historical gardening knowledge and instructional ability. Staff noted they have a job description developed by Sue Gray that could inform hiring or a consultant scope of work.

Goud asked the commission to cosponsor the effort and signaled the Historic Preservation Commission would bring a formal agenda item to Parks & Rec soon so the trustees could consider budget allocation. Commissioners suggested first having department directors (parks and preservation) meet to define options and cost estimates before an agenda request to trustees.

The commission did not take a vote; the item was recorded as an upcoming agenda request and staff were directed to discuss internal options and funding pathways.