Committee approves legal review and outreach steps; open house contingent on Primax insurance

At its June 24 meeting the Board of Selectmen Advisory Committee voted to submit the draft RFP for the Original Daland Memorial Library to David Sturm, Chair of the Zoning Board, for zoning input and then to town counsel for legal review before public release. The motion to proceed with those reviews was recorded as passed; the transcript does not record who moved or seconded the motion.

The committee discussed marketing and outreach: a multi-channel plan (social media, press releases, feature stories) plus distribution of 500 postcards with a QR code was proposed, and the Select Board budget can cover the approximate $101 cost for postcards. The committee also agreed to establish a dedicated landing page on the town website and a committee-specific email address, and to obtain new photos and possible drone footage for the RFP materials.

Building access for prospective proposers — including a proposed open house — is contingent on insurance coverage. Committee notes say the Primax policy may have lapsed because the building is unoccupied; John Quinlin, the Selectman representative, was assigned to clarify the insurance terms promptly. The interior may require removal of bolted-down stacks to allow safe inspection.

Committee members raised concerns about engaging a real estate agent or listing the property on MLS, noting potential implications about committing to a sale and attracting undesirable proposals. No decision was made; the group will invite a commercial real estate expert to explain options and confirm whether an MLS listing would obligate the town to a sale.

Next steps include finalizing edits requested for zoning and ADA language, confirming insurance, ordering marketing materials, and preparing to deliver recommendations to the Select Board by Nov. 2. A public hearing will be co-scheduled for later in November.