Council approves immediate repairs for William Percey Homestead and plans grant applications for larger work

Council members on Sept. 24 approved immediate repairs to the William Percey Homestead cabin and discussed a longer-term plan that will require grant applications.

Roger Campbell presented the item, reporting that water seeping into the floor is destroying lower logs and that drainage/grading options or metal flashing may be needed. For immediate needs (ridge repair, fascia replacement, gutter down spout, threshold repair and caulking), estimated material cost was $400 and labor $400; the Crawford Area Fund had raised $380 toward the work and Council Member Brent Gebbie volunteered to contribute $420. Council approved the short-term repairs.

Council discussed scope and cost for larger work: replacing chinking on the south side (estimated at about $3,200), replacing or protecting two broken flagpole lights (quote requested from Country Electric), and applying spray sealant to the entire cabin. The minutes record plans to solicit quotes from multiple contractors (4 Seasons, Danielson Construction, Ty Watson) and to apply for Dawes County Tourism Improvement grants in the June/July 2025 cycle and an additional Tourism Improvement grant in April 2025 for continued chinking work.

Why this matters: The homestead is a local historic asset; approving short-term repairs and pursuing grant funding preserves the structure and clarifies a timeline for more extensive restoration.

Next steps: Staff or the new committee will obtain contractor quotes, submit grant applications in the specified 2025 windows and return to council with funding recommendations.