Beacon Falls committee advances Rimmon Schoolhouse rehabilitation; lead-removal cost raises concern

The Museum and Rimmon Schoolhouse Committee met May 28 to review plans to stabilize and rehabilitate the historic Rimmon Schoolhouse, confirm contractor arrangements for Phase One work and discuss how to handle lead-contaminated materials discovered in testing.

Josepha Brusznicki, a member who called the meeting to order, summarized prior decisions that the building be rehabilitated in place and that Phase One focus on structural stabilization, a new roof and subfloor work. The committee said the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance previously approved a procurement waiver to award the work to DiGiorgi Roofing and Siding and that the town's Finance Department prepared and executed a purchase order on March 18, 2026. The committee reported a site walkthrough with Lance Blackwood of DiGiorgi to review anticipated work.

Committee members said the construction permit was issued May 6, 2026, but that the contractor later requested a change order before beginning work. On May 11 the contractor reportedly provided a quote for a lead-waste dumpster to a town contact; the committee described the quoted amount—about $16,000—as cost-prohibitive and said the committee chair had not received the quote directly. Committee members flagged that expense as a scheduling and budget risk if additional lead-handling costs are required.

The committee reviewed lead-testing results using X-ray methods. Members said testing found lead above the applicable threshold on certain exterior areas, the front doors, the interior door and the interior wainscot; other materials including plaster or sheetrock and the floor were not identified as lead concerns. An asbestos test returned negative. To address lead risks, members discussed preparing a lead debris removal and encapsulation plan, using approved encapsulating paint for interior and exterior surfaces where appropriate, covering windows before interior spraying, and identifying clapboards that may require special handling.

The group approved a pre-construction documentation plan to capture photographs, video and drone imagery for a before-and-after record, and discussed placing a simple sign at the site to announce the project and identify DiGiorgi as the contractor. The committee also agreed to remove and preserve certain historic interior elements before work begins, including the building sign, two original slate chalkboards, the interior door and hardware, and the two front doors and hardware; shutters were to remain during exterior work to protect windows.

Members discussed treating the deteriorated chimney by removing it down to the roofline so the roof can be fully sealed without complex flashing, while preserving the option to include a nonfunctional replica stove or pipe for interpretive use in the future. Because no town staff member was identified for day-to-day project management, the committee said it will monitor progress, answer contractor questions and coordinate site visits approximately once per week after work begins.

On funding, members noted prior discussion of transferring approximately $19,999 to the schoolhouse project and a $5,000 contribution from Parks and Recreation. The committee said the FY 2027 budget includes $15,000 for the project and that members will seek grants, donations, donated services, sponsorships and possible support from the Matthies Foundation to cover additional needs.

The committee set a tentative follow-up meeting toward the end of June to coordinate on scheduling and next steps. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.