Hubbardston trustees authorize $29,020 from Clark fund and additional church funds for mold abatement; staff to solicit contractor quotes

Trustees reviewed mold-abatement estimates and contractor procurement steps for a planned lower-level renovation of the library and approved two related actions: funding for immediate remediation and directing staff to solicit itemized quotes for broader rehabilitation.

Trustees were told insurance would not cover mold remediation. A remediation estimate from DM Plastering (scope includes contained removal and wall repairs) was discussed. Trustees voted to use $29,020 from the Clark account and the remaining required balance from the Church fund to pay for mold abatement; trustees said they expect to review final invoices before payment and to move additional funds if necessary.

Separately, trustees approved a motion directing staff (identified in the meeting as Chris B.) to solicit itemized quotes from general contractors for lower-level work. Trustees reviewed procurement thresholds discussed at the meeting: good-faith quotes are acceptable under $10,000, three quotes are recommended for $10,000—50,000, and a formal RFP is required at or above $50,000. The board discussed flooring options (resilient, water-resistant surfaces), electrical work sequencing and the need to coordinate permits with the building inspector.

Trustees asked the director and staff to coordinate contractor communications and to provide trustees with contractor names, itemized estimates and a recommended funding plan prior to beginning work. They also discussed mold abatement timing and the potential to bundle remediation with other capital repairs to reduce overall cost.