Preservation committee urges engineering RFP after 1st Meeting House inspection

Mike Stahl, a member of the 1st Meeting House Preservation Committee, told the Select Board the building’s foundation is “a loose, loose laid field stone” with “no mortar to speak of” and described timber damage from a past fire and the 1938 hurricane, active mold and signs of powder-post beetles. He recommended the committee draft a request for proposals (RFP) for engineering services to assess structural needs before the town pursues funding.

“ I personally recommend that a draft RFP for engineering services to perform an assessment of the structure be contracted for,” Stahl said. Betty Ann Sharp, a subcommittee member, added the group is pursuing a MassHistorical Commission grant that is a 50/50 reimbursable match and said additional funds may be available to supplement the town’s Community Preservation or CPC/CPA funds. Board members asked whether the building should be closed; Stahl and Sharp said the building is still being used for events and that an engineering assessment would clarify safe occupancy limits. The board did not direct immediate closure; instead, members said they would consider an RFP and funding options before changing use restrictions.