CPC approves basement-renovation proposal; trustees prepare for town-meeting warrant and pay foundation repair invoices
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Summary
The Town of Hubbardston Community Preservation Committee (CPC) voted to approve a basement refresh proposal for the library to appear on the annual town meeting warrant (approximately $40,000); trustees also reported foundation repair warrants are prepared and expected to be processed in the next warrant week.
Trustees were told the Community Preservation Committee voted to approve the library's basement refresh proposal, which will be placed on the annual town meeting warrant in June, trustees said Feb. 6.
Trustees said the CPC vote was not unanimous: "Four people voted for it, one person against it, and one abstained," Trustee Connie said, reporting the committee tally. The proposal is described by trustees as roughly a $40,000 request for a basement renovation or "refresh" of part of the library space. The CPC chair consulted the state CPC office and determined the project is an acceptable use of CPC funds, trustees said.
Why it matters: If approved by voters at the annual town meeting, the funds would enable renovation work intended to create or refresh usable space in the library basement. Trustees discussed outreach and public information ahead of the vote and possible steps to secure public support, including coordinating with the town's finance committee and arranging speakers for the annual meeting.
Related capital work and finances: Trustee Christine Barbera reported that foundation-repair invoices have been received and warrants prepared for processing; the warrants will be submitted in the next warrant week. Trustees outlined available funds: "The foundation repair 2020 is $5,000, the foundation fund from 2019 is $8,000," a trustee said, and additional money will come from a library brick-repair account. Barbera said she prepared warrants and had multiple signatories to ensure processing during the next warrant cycle.
Trustees also discussed procurement and bidding. They said larger items likely will require formal bids and that Nate (town staff) will manage bid timing and procurement steps if the project is approved. Trustee Tom offered to check building-inspector details to determine whether a non-original interior wall is historic or removable; trustees noted CPC funding requires that historically contributing features remain intact.
Ending: Trustees said they will follow up with town staff, get cost or attorney estimates when needed, and plan outreach to inform voters ahead of the June annual town meeting.