JACKSON OLD LIBRARY COMMITTEE
MINUTES JANUARY 17, 2016
SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS RESTORATION
ATTENDING: : Margie Furlong, Alicia Hawkes, Mary Howe,
Marilyn Rodes, Ellie Spiers, Kathryn Karlsson
A special meeting was called to discuss the restoration and repair of the exterior of the Old Library Building
>1. The building belongs to The Town of Jackson
>2. The building does carry historical designation
>3. The repair estimate for the exterior is $29,000. If this repair is not carried out, the building will be unable to be restored and will disintegrate. No changes to the exterior are allowed because of its historical designation
>4. Discussion about taking issue of restoration to Selectmen on Feb 3,2016 or going through a Town Warrant to be presented at the Town Meeting on March 9th, 2016. It was decided that presenting the case to the Selectmen would be a better route, since the Town of Jackson owns the building and is ultimately responsible for it’s upkeep. The Jackson Old Library Management Committee is advising the town about the condition of the building.
>5. Alicia presented her research into the history of grants and trust fund allocations for the maintenance of the building.
In 1930 Georgia Wentworth established a fund of $10,000 for maintenance of the (Old) Library. Some of the interest on this a/c was tapped in 1988 for repairs etc
Bill Proctor in 1987 donated $1,000 for maintenance of the building.
Over the years there has been repair and renovation. Insulation in the attic, shingles repaired and repainted, ramp construction, repainting, installation of a new stove in 1994,
new carpeting, furniture upgrade. etc.
In 1997 The Eddie March Trust of $120,000 was established, with percentages going to the church, the ???? and the Library which at that time was the current “Old Library”.
All these funds should be considered and maybe there is money available through these generous donor sources.
Many other changes have been made with more repainting, a new door 2004 etc.
The New Jackson Library opened in 2010 and maybe some funds were diverted to that building, we do not know but will try to find out. There may be funds available.
The Capital Reserve Fund should also be asked about.
>6. Many thanks to Alicia Hawkes for unearthing this information, and to Margie Furlong for all her work with estimates and the Selectman’s Office etc.
Next regular meeting : February 7th, 2016 at Old Library, 4pm
Submitted by Kathryn Karlsson
| 
