Commission outlines $25K–$35K restoration plan for Thompson House, defers large trough replacement

Commissioners reviewed maintenance and capital accounts for the Thompson House and discussed an itemized restoration estimate presented by a commissioner summarizing work by Chris Thompson.

Staff said the commission’s operating budget is $7,500 (with $5,000 committed as a cash match to a design‑guideline update), and Thompson House maintenance and capital accounts are drawn from two accounts — approximately $30,000 for building maintenance and $50,000 for capital — with utilities charged against those funds. The staff member advised that the Board of Trustees governs Thompson House funds and must approve expenditures.

A commissioner presented a line‑item estimate from restoration carpenter Chris Thompson. The package total was described as likely between $25,000 and $35,000. Critical, near‑term items listed included a stone sill repair ($2,100), flashings ($1,500), repointing and brick repairs ($6,500), and pantry‑ceiling work ($5,600). The large front horse trough, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, was recommended for deferral to a later phase.

Commissioners agreed that weatherization and structural repairs should come first and that an electrician should review the building before any work that would close up interiors. Staff reminded the group that procurement rules may require a new bid process and trustee approval before contracting Chris Thompson or others for the additional scope; the commission agreed to prepare a scope of work and forward it to trustees for inclusion on a future meeting agenda.

Next steps included drafting a scope of work for the prioritized repairs, recruiting an electrician to scope any required electrical work, preparing competitive solicitations if required, and obtaining trustee approval prior to spending Thompson House funds.