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Selectboard hears plan to insulate Brookline Meetinghouse annex; contract pending signature
Summary
Farnum Insulators presented a plan to insulate the Brookline Meetinghouse annex using a vapor barrier, spray foam and blown-in cellulose; the Selectboard noted the Vermont Arts Council grant requires completion by Sept. 1, 2026 and the contract awaits signature.
Selectboard Chair Mike DeSocio introduced Jeff Dunbar of Farnum Insulators, who described a proposal to insulate the Brookline Meetinghouse annex and answered technical questions. The board has approved the project and Farnum has signed a contract; DeSocio said the board has received the contract for signature and noted the Vermont Arts Council grant requires work to be completed by Sept. 1, 2026.
Dunbar described the planned work in detail: “JD described how the crawl space will be insulated using a 20-millimeter vapor barrier and foam and how the walls and ceiling will be insulated using cellulose.” He explained the vapor barrier will be turned up at the base of the foundation wall, closed-cell spray foam will seal the barrier at the foundation, and exterior clapboards will be removed and reinstalled with stainless steel fasteners after blow-in cellulose insulation is installed through 2 9/16" drilled holes. In response to a question from Kerry Bourne about moisture risk, Dunbar recommended maintaining interior temperatures between 45 and 50°F and said cellulose-filled cavities are less likely to condense moisture than empty cavities.
The Selectboard did not vote to reconsider the previously approved project; DeSocio said a motion to reconsider would be required to reopen the item. The board indicated it will review any public follow-up by email before signing the contract, and Farnum’s schedule must accommodate the grant deadline.
