Committee authorizes clock/bell inspection and safety check of tower ladder

The Town of Hubbardston advisory committee authorized an inspection of the town clock and bell and asked the head of maintenance to assess ladder safety before any contractor work.

Members described the clock as out of service for about a year and a half and noted the bell and clock mechanisms require careful handling. The committee referenced Brian Tangway as the town’s official clock winder and agreed to invite him to inspect the mechanism and perform limited repairs if appropriate. One committee member moved to have Tangway assess the clock and bell and to report back with recommendations and cost estimates; the motion was seconded.

Committee members also directed Travis, head of maintenance, to inspect the vertical tower ladder and identify any rungs or small safety fixes required to allow a contractor to access the tower safely. Members discussed using a small historical-commission budget or the commission’s line item to cover modest costs; the transcript records agreement to follow up before authorizing expenditures beyond minor repairs.

Why it matters: the clock and bell are heritage assets; any work involves safety risks and must be coordinated with maintenance and the historical commission. The committee sought to balance preservation with cost control by ordering an inspection and a safety assessment before pursuing repairs.

Next steps: Travis will inspect the tower ladder and report back; if he confirms minor repairs are needed, the committee will permit Tangway or maintenance to proceed within an agreed small cost threshold or return with a cost proposal for approval.