Committee weighs Rimmon Schoolhouse stabilization; resident proposes relocating it to Matthies Park

Members of the 250th Committee discussed an immediate plan to stabilize the Rimmon Schoolhouse’s exterior while deferring interior work to a later phase. "We are hoping to move forward with the schoolhouse and have the exterior all shored up – the interior will not be able to be done for this year, we are going to do it in phases," said Josepha Brusznicki, a committee member, describing Phase I work that would include roof, floor and foundation repairs and painting.

Lisa Daigle, who identified herself as a resident, presented a written proposal to move the salvaged historic frame to Matthies Park and reconstruct it as an open-air "Reading Pavilion" with preserved roofline, signage and shutters but an open interior to improve accessibility. "I put together a proposal for moving the schoolhouse and turning it into a reading pavilion," she said. The written proposal is attached to the meeting minutes.

Committee members noted the need to determine available funds before committing to major work. Kyle Brennan said there is a $25,000 set-aside for 250th projects in the current fiscal year and asked how much could be allocated to the schoolhouse; Betkoski said he was trying to reserve some of that money for stabilization and that other donors, including the Legion Club and businesses, might contribute. A separate contractor proposal from DiGiorgi was noted as being before the Board of Selectmen next week.

The committee advised Daigle to raise the relocation idea with the Schoolhouse Committee; no formal vote on relocation or funding occurred at the Feb. 4 meeting.