In the Great Hall…..

The Clinton Courant, February 5, 1884, reported roller skating In the Town Hall was the topic of the day. An application was made to the Selectmen to open the hall for skaters using skates just like those pictured here with leather straps and wooden wheels.  The Selectmen declined to give permission without a vote of the town because many were opposed fearing it would injure the floor for dancing. The article, in jest, suggested that might be a good thing.

Interested parties handed a petition with sufficient signatures to the Selectmen asking them to call a town meeting, which they did.  The citizens voted 19 in favor and 14 opposed at the January 29^th meeting.

The argument was brought forward that the floor will have to be pumice-stoned before they can skate on it, and that that will spoil it for dancing.  However, Mr. Dexter’s floor in Clinton was used several weeks before any pumice-stone was put on It, and people had no trouble in skating on it.”  The selectmen would surely not allow any pumice-stone on the floor, and that If they find that the little rollers are Injuring the floor In any way that they will close the hall.

The selectmen fixed the price of admission at twenty cents each and roller skating was enjoyed by many at the Sterling Town Hall from seven to ten o’clock Saturday evenings in the winter of 1884. The price did not include music, but the selectmen promised that if there is good attendance, they will furnish a hand-organ for a night or two. “They know where they can get one cheap, in the way of trade.”

It was an exciting evening. So much passion and controversy over this wonderful building. At the end of the evening the voters of Sterling spoke loud and clear. Do something and do it now! No more studies. Article 16 passed by majority which calls for needed repairs to the roof structure, removal of slate, underlayment and shingling with architectural asphalt which looks like slate and finishing the great hall with raised ceilings with open view from gallery to stage. We now get to relieve the structure from the heavy load it has been carrying for 125 years and add new vibrance and utility to our great Town Hall.

The 1835 Town Hall Committee sought an informal opinion from the Attorney General’s office on the legality of Article 18. The Attorney General’s Office did not provide a legal opinion because, as Nicole Caprioli from the AG’s office advised us, they do not involve themselves with municipal government issues. They are consumer advocates and the issue described would be “decided in the courts”.

It is why we sought clarification from a real estate attorney with a copy of the Ebenezer Pope deed and referencing this law:

Chapter 184 GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO REAL PROPERTY covers the provisions of this Deed stating: “Section 23. Conditions or restrictions, unlimited as to time, by which the title or use of real property is affected, shall be limited to the term of thirty years after the date of the deed or other instrument or the date of the probate of the will creating them, except in cases of gifts or devises for public, charitable or religious purposes. This section shall not apply to conditions or restrictions existing on July sixteenth, eighteen hundred and eighty-seven, to those contained in a deed, grant or gift of the commonwealth, or to those having the benefit of section thirty-two.”

His response was clear:

“The restriction is in perpetuity based upon the statute.   Moreover, I have the largest title insurance company in the state (and one of the brightest legal underwriters) telling me that they could not insure the title if the property is conveyed for private use based upon said restriction and statute. At this juncture, one need only forward your findings to a buyer’s attorney and if they are worth their salt, they will advise their buyer appropriately –that it’s a bad title and not insurable.”

On April 17, 2017 between 6:00pm and 8:30pm, the 1835 Town Hall Committee is hosting a Town Hall Open House. We open the doors to everyone, young and old to see first-hand our 1835 Town Hall.

Along with food and drink, we will have…

• Music performed by local jazz pianist Jürgen Kern who has recently published his first CD.
• Multiple and continuous video presentations on the History of the Sterling Town Hall and the History of Sterling.
• Tours of the Town Hall, visit the Jail Cell in the cellar used in the early years of this century and the Gallery overlooking the Great Hall.
• Picture for yourself the lectures, auctions, dances, performances, plays and meetings that took place on the stage of the Great Hall.
• Presentation on the four articles (15, 16, 17 & 18) appearing on the Town Warrant to be voted at town meeting May 1st.
• Displays showing the many uses of the Town Hall
• Displays showing the operating costs of the Town Hall
• Questions answered by members of the 1835 Town Hall Committee
• Some surprises

We hope you have a chance to stop in, say hello, enjoy some food and drink and have a look around.

Below is the exact wording of the articles as they appear in the Town Warrant for Town Meeting May 1, 2017.

Article 15.

Fund Major 1835 Town Hall Repairs

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds, the sum of $610,000.00, or any other sum, to fund the roof and interior repairs to the Town Hall including the architectural design, project manager, construction, and all items and services related to the roof replacement and structural repairs, electric wiring and interior insulation and ceiling finish; provide design and connection to a septic system; provide design and installation of a wheel chair lift to make the building and second floor accessible and compliant with the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board; repair/replace the front columns; and design and install sprinkler system for the 1835 Town Hall; and that any premium received by the Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §20, thereby reducing by a like amount the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs. Said sum to be expended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee with the advice and consent of the Board of Selectmen, with any unused funds to be returned to the town upon completion of the project, however, no amount shall be borrowed or expended hereunder unless and until voters approve excluding the amounts required to repay any borrowing pursuant to the vote from the limitation on total property taxes contained in Chapter 59, Section 21C of the General Laws (also known as Proposition 2 ½); or take any action in relation thereto.

Submitted by: Board of Selectmen
Recommendation: Board of Selectmen defers to town meeting.
Recommendation: Finance Committee does not support spending the full amount this year, but recognizes this is a phased project and that it will be appropriate to spend this amount over a period of years. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article only if the project is financed as excluded debt.
Recommendation: The 1835 Town Hall Committee does not support this article.
Summary: The Sterling Town Hall, built in 1835, is the oldest Town building in Sterling and one of the most important to our culture, history and heritage. Constructed on property donated to the Inhabitants of Sterling for the public use, it has been the center of our community for 182 years and in 2011 was reaffirmed by voters our Community Center. It is used as a Community Center for civic, organization and private meetings and events and it is home to the Recreation Department which uses every square foot for many children and adult programs. The slate roof dates back to the addition of 1893 and is badly in need of replacement. In 2005 and 2012, engineers provided structural recommendations and plans for roof replacement. This project includes architectural design project management, structural repairs, sheathing and underlayment, architectural asphalt shingles, insulation, finish carpentry, interior ceiling and walls, architectural elements sealed and stained, painting, electrical wiring and lighting. The wheel chair lift is required to bring the building up to code and is a requirement triggered by even modest renovations. The septic system upgrade is necessary to meet anticipated used plans and the existing columns are in need of repair. A sprinkler system is also recommended by the Fire Department. This list of repairs and renovations will return the building to its former stature and use. This article is intended to show the long-term cost of preserving the building without any grant funding.
REQUIRES 2/3 VOTE

Article 16.

Fund 1835 Town Hall Roof Repairs Only – Fully Funded

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds, the sum of $298,000.00, or any other sum to fund the roof repairs to the Town Hall including the architectural design, project manager, construction, and all items and services related to the roof replacement and structural repairs, electric wiring and interior insulation and ceiling finish for the 1835 Town Hall, said sum to be expended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee with the advice and consent of the Board of Selectmen, with any unused funds to be returned to the town upon completion of the project; or take any action in relation thereto.

Submitted by: Board of Selectmen
Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen defers to town meeting.
Recommendation: The Finance Committee supports this article with the conditions that the funding source will be raise and appropriate, quarterly progress reports will be provided by the 1835 Committee, and that the 1835 Committee will aggressively pursue grants and fundraising for all future projects. The Finance Committee recognizes that the potential total project cost is $610,000.
Recommendation: The 1835 Town Hall Committee supports this article.
Summary: The Sterling Town Hall, built in 1835, is the oldest Town building in Sterling and one of the most important to our culture, history and heritage. The slate roof dates back to the addition of 1893 and is badly in need of replacement. In 2005 and 2012, engineers provided structural recommendations and plans for roof replacement. This project includes architectural design project management, structural repairs, sheathing and underlayment, architectural asphalt shingles, insulation, finish carpentry, interior ceiling and walls, architectural elements sealed and stained, painting, electrical wiring and lighting. This article will provide funds to complete the roof repair/replacement work entirely. This article would make the second floor “usable space.” This article would require further financial investment in the 1835 Town Hall, sometime in the future, in order to comply with state and federal accessibility laws due to the amount of funds expended. This project is the preference of the 1835 Town Hall Committee for fiscal year 2018. This article will be moved “No Action” if the town votes affirmatively on Article 15.

Article 17.

Fund 1835 Town Hall Roof Repairs Only – Partial Funding

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds, the sum of $150,000.00, or any other sum to fund the roof repairs to the Town Hall including the architectural design, project manager, construction, and all items and services related to the roof replacement and structural repairs for the 1835 Town Hall, said sum to be expended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee with the advice and consent of the Board of Selectmen, with any unused funds to be returned to the town upon completion of the project; or take any action in relation thereto.

Submitted by: Board of Selectmen
Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen defers to town meeting.
Recommendation: The Finance Committee does not support the passage of this article. If this article passes, the Finance Committee recommends raise and appropriate as a funding source.
Recommendation: The 1835 Town Hall Committee does not support this article.
Summary: The Sterling Town Hall, built in 1835, is the oldest Town building in Sterling and one of the most important to our culture, history and heritage. This project includes structural repairs, sheathing and underlayment, and architectural asphalt shingles. The work covered under this Article is intended to preserve the basic integrity of the building until further plans are developed and additional funding obtained. This Article would not provide the second floor as a “usable space.” This article would require further financial investment in the 1835 Town Hall, sometime in the future, in order to comply with state and federal accessibility laws due to the amount of funds expended. This article will be moved “No Action” if the town votes affirmatively on Article 15 or 16.

Article 18.

Fund 1835 Town Hall Maintenance and Conveyance

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds, the sum of $15,000.00 or any other sum to fund for necessary building stabilization and preservation for the 1835 Town Hall and to transfer the control of the building to the Board of Selectmen of Sterling for the purposes of conveyance and to authorize the Selectmen to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to effectuate the transaction; or take any action relative thereto.

Submitted by: Board of Selectmen
Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen defers to town meeting.
Recommendation: The Finance Committee does not support the passage of this article. If this article passes, the Finance Committee recommends raise and appropriate as a funding source.
Recommendation: The 1835 Town Hall Committee does not support this article.
Summary: This article allows for minimal repairs to preserve the basic integrity of the Sterling 1835 Town Hall until the building and land are conveyed or sold and authorizes the Board of Selectmen of Sterling to enter into agreements for the sale of the property if it is deemed by the Selectmen that this would be the best course of action for the town. This article will be moved “No Action” if the town votes affirmatively on Article 16, 16, or 17.

As detailed in other posts, the Board of Selectmen have opted for four distinct articles pertaining to the 1835 Town Hall.  The objective, as we understand it, is to get clear direction from the town voters as to the future of the 1835 Town Hall. The wording and the details can be found here: Details.

This post concerns our contention that the 4th article, Article 18, might be illegal. The wording of the article is;

Submitted by the Board of Selectmen
Not Recommended by the Finance Committee
Not Recommended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds, the sum of $15,000.00 or any other sum to fund for necessary building stabilization and preservation for the 1835 Town Hall and to transfer the control of the building to the Board of Selectmen of Sterling for the purposes of conveyance and to authorize the Selectmen to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to effectuate the transaction; or take any action relative thereto.  

We have indicated that the sale of the Town Hall might be illegal if it were sold to a private buyer. The deed for the property has a condition that the property never be converted to private use.  Click on the image to enlarge.

We contend that the following law prohibits the sale of the Town Hall to a private buyer;  Chapter 184 GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO REAL PROPERTY covers the provisions of this Deed stating:

“Section 23. Conditions or restrictions, unlimited as to time, by which the title or use of real property is affected, shall be limited to the term of thirty years after the date of the deed or other instrument or the date of the probate of the will creating them, except in cases of gifts or devises for public, charitable or religious purposes. This section shall not apply to conditions or restrictions existing on July sixteenth, eighteen hundred and eighty-seven, to those contained in a deed, grant or gift of the commonwealth, or to those having the benefit of section thirty-two.”

It might be possible to sell the Town Hall without actually selling the property upon which it sits but that might also cross the line since the land would be converted, even temporarily through lease or other arrangement, to private use.

The money set aside in this particular article might very well go towards funding a legal team to support its validity.

Respectfully,
1835 Town Hall Committee

Thanks to the Selectmen for discussing the 1835 Town Hall honestly and independently at the April 5th Board of Selectmen meeting.  Although the Selectmen ultimately decided to not decide about the 1835 Town Hall until Town Meeting, it was important to hear their leanings.

Here is some of what they had to say:

John Kilcoyne; Regarding the first Article requesting $610,000 “Number 1 is a little too much too soon, because I don’t think we are ready, grant money is going to be there, I don’t feel like we should approve that one this evening.”
“The $298,000, that at least allows the building to be opened up upstairs as well as downstairs, it solidifies the roof once and for all and it does give more time I am guessing for maybe harder numbers on things like the septic, I don’t think we have a good number on that yet. I know that’s been kicked around a long time. That’s why I am leaning towards that one, to put it in useable form and it does avoid the borrowing and yes, we will have to go back to the well again, but I think we will go back with harder numbers and maybe even some grant money which I think would be a better sell to the voters.”
“I like the partial approach right now on this one”
“Fincom supported the $298,000”

Rich Lane; “Of all of them, I really prefer the $610,000, and the reason, and probably, maybe I am the minority, but I’d like to commit to the building, I think the building is part of the fabric of our town and I’d like to commit to getting the whole thing done and usable as quick as possible and I know Bob (Jones; Chair, 1835 Town Hall Committee) would prefer to go with the $298,000 but my fear is that as a lot of other things happen in this town the rest of it gets kicked down the road, the can gets kicked down the road and pretty soon, we are at the end of our time variance and the school budget is up over 30 million dollars for our assessment and we can’t afford to pay for the 1835 Town Hall and we can’t continue on and the prices go up every year. We saw that with the senior center. Every time we delay a project, the prices go up. I personally feel the voters are all for it.”
“My stand has been lets go all out and fix that building like a postcard like it was before.”
“If it’s built, people will use it”
“My imagination goes wild with the things we could do up there as a community” (Speaking of the Great Hall, Stage and Gallery) “It’s just a real unique space that if it was accessible, people would use it”

Maureen Cranson; I’ll tell you honestly, the only reason I wouldn’t support $610,000 is because I don’t trust those numbers, my question would be how did we get to $610,000 and make that usable from a 2 plus million dollar 5 years ago, that’s the thing that doesn’t really gel with me and I really don’t trust the numbers.”
“The $298,000, I hope that’s a harder number, I really do”
“I think what I hear is what’s it for, what’s the end game, that’s what I hear”

You can watch the Selectmen Meeting here

These are the choices that will be on the Town Warrant for Town Meeting on May 1st.  The 1835 Town Hall Committee and the Finance Committee recommend Article 16 seeking $298,000 for structural and roof repairs and insulation and finishing of the great hall.  For more details, click the We Have a Plan link below.
(Click on the image to enlarge.)

The 1835 Town Hall requires universal access for all. In our capital requests for 2020, we have estimated $100,000 to accomplish this and we will be seeking 50-50 grant matching for the universal access design and project which will include a passenger elevator or enclosed lift between the first and second floors and possibly an open wheelchair lift providing access to the stage. We will also work to accommodate universal access to the front entrance.

We understand that a single industrial elevator might cost between $80,000 and $150,000.  In our research and our meetings with Thomas P. Hopkins, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board, we learned of many other options for providing access. An industrial elevator would require an addition to the building.  The Committee believes this is overkill for our Town Hall.

We believe there are less expensive opportunities to provide universal access.  Specifically, a cross between an elevator and a lift or hydraulic limited use – limited access (LULA) elevators. Pictured here is an example of such a device.  A LULA would fit within the stairwell and closet area of our Town Hall eliminating the need for an external structure.  Pricing of a LULA begins at around $12,000 but we project the cost to be near $25,000. It can fit into an area 42” x 60”.

LULA’s do not require the large pit or head room required in a normal elevator yet are certified for up to 1,400 pounds. They provide all the safety features of elevators including emergency back-up power, safety brake, floor leveling, emergency alarms and stop and overspeed valve.

They are basically fully enclosed vertical lifts with all the safety features and features you would find in an elevator.

LULA elevators are the perfect hybrid that safely transports persons and their wheelchairs without taking up a substantial amount of space. In fact, the amount of space required is only half that of a standard elevator and it can be built from wood or sheetrock with no cement hoist-way required. Only a 14″ pit is required with 102″ overhead for existing buildings.

You can learn about LULA’s at these sites if you would like to know more.

• http://www.lula-elevators.com/index.php
• http://www.garaventalift.com/en/products/lula-elevators.html
• http://www.countryhomeelevator.com/commercial-elevators/

Welcome to the ongoing saga surrounding the 1835 Town Hall and the efforts to affect needed repairs. Although the 1835 Town Hall Committee submitted an Article to repair structure and roof, the Board of Selectmen decided to move forward with four different and distinct Articles. This is not a simple decision.  It takes time to unpack the meaning, intent and ramifications of each Article. The Finance Committee deliberated long and hard over each Article for weeks before they ultimately decided to support the Article the 1835 Town Hall Committee proposed. Article 2 below.

But first, a little background.

Background: The 1835 Town Hall is our Community Center (voted by majority in 2011) and is also home to our Recreation Department. It is used by more than a thousand people, children and adults, consistently throughout the year. Regular programs, classes, meetings and gatherings are scheduled in all available rooms. Private and public meetings are held in all rooms most afternoons and evenings. At the moment, we are unable to host groups in the Great Hall on the second floor until we resolve the roof and structural issues, insulate and finish the ceiling.

The Town Hall has not been renovated since the 1970’s when it was repurposed for Town Offices. Since that time, some crucial rehab has been performed. The 1835 Town Hall has been allotted $5,000 per year for general maintenance and cleaning. In the past decade, we have also had capital expenditures to replace oil furnaces, repair masonry, restore all windows and renovate the fire escape. The total cost for all maintenance and repairs has been about $100,000 over the last 10 years or about $10,000 per year on average. The operating costs for electricity, oil and water are roughly $7,300 per year. Think about your own home and the cost to maintain year-after-year and you will see the 1835 Town Hall building is extremely cost-effective.

Hosting the Recreation Department at the 1835 Town Hall is a win-win partnership with the Town Hall and Community Center. All scheduling is done through the Recreation Department and staff is available daily to answer questions and keep an eye on the facility.

As with all buildings, from time to time, repairs are needed. The roof of the Town Hall was last updated in 1893. It is remarkable to think that it has lasted virtually untouched for 124 years. Unfortunately, the cost of repairing a public building is staggering when compared to the cost of repairing your own home. As a public building, we are required to pay contractors prevailing wages which are two to three times what you might pay privately. There are insurance and bonding requirements that exceed private requirements. We must also provide testing and mitigation of asbestos, lead or other contaminants.

Our intent is to prepare the building for the next 50 or more years and in so doing, restore the vaulted ceilings in the Great Hall, provide modern lighting, updated insulation and finish the Great Hall to entice use by the public and rentals for private functions. Here are the specifics:

Our Plan

The 1835 Town Hall Committee has proposed a gradual rehabilitation plan for the Town Hall spanning 5-years, It starts with repairing the structural issues and the roof this year. This would require no tax increase for the property owners of Sterling.  In subsequent years and with very strong opportunities for matching grant funding, it follows with septic, universal access, column rehabilitation and sprinkler system. You can read the details below in the Article we submitted to the Board of Selectmen; it is the 2nd Article: Fund 1835 Town Hall Roof Repairs Only – Fully Funded. This article falls within the scope of the Capital Budget and does not require borrowing.

This plan was submitted by and is recommended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee and after much thought, discussion and deliberation also recommended by the Finance Committee.

The Articles

ARTICLE 15

1st Article of 4:
Fund Major 1835 Town Hall Repairs; $610,000.
Submitted by the Board of Selectmen
Not Recommended by the Finance Committee
Not Recommended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee
1835 Committee will VOTE NO

$610,000 – This is the total of all the capital requests for the next 5-years. It includes the roof, the septic, the columns, universal access and a sprinkler system. It is too much to accomplish in one or two years.  The 1835 Town Hall Committee does not recommend this item because it is too much, too soon. The Finance Committee agrees, but wants the voters to know that there will be a requirement to spend as much as $610,000 for all rehabilitation to the Town Hall but that does not account for any grant funding or other sources of funding.   This Article asks for too much money too soon and does not account for the very strong opportunity for grant funding. With grant funding, we can reduce the complete project by as much as $150,000.  The Committee needs time to obtain grants and properly manage the rehabilitation.

This item would also be funded with borrowed money and would require a Ballot vote to approve. The 1835 Town Hall Committee is not in favor of borrowing money.

ARTICLE 16

2nd Article of 4
Fund 1835 Town Hall Roof Repairs Only – Fully Funded $298,000  
Submitted by the 1835 Town Hall Committee

Recommended by the Finance Committee
Recommended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee
1835 Committee will VOTE YES

$298,000 – We must make repairs to the structure and put on a new roof and in doing so, restore the Great Hall. We have presented a detailed capital request to the Finance and Capital Budget Committees and Board of Selectmen. We have already initiated meetings with the Massachusetts Architectural Access Review Board that has jurisdiction over universal access regulations and are preparing to apply for the appropriate variances in code and time required to begin the roofing project giving us time to provide universal access.

This plan which requires no tax increase and is within the Capital Budget allows us to make full use of the building for the Recreation Department plus civic, community and private events and functions. It will allow us to rent out space and generate revenue. It also provides the 1835 Town Hall Committee the time to seek out and apply for grant funding for the future projects reducing taxpayer costs.

Specifically, this project includes:

• Structural repairs; it is evident that major roof rafter beams are failing with extensive cracks and some breakage. The structure will need to be repaired from above and below. Repairs will include replacement or reinforcement of rafter beams, purlins and collar ties, possible installation of ceiling joists and/or trusses at the stage or last bay, replacement or updating of tie rods/cables, preceded by engineering planning and review.
• Plywood sheathing; The roof sheathing supporting the slate roof is 18″-24″ planking from the original 1835 structure and 1893 addition. It will need to be strengthened and made uniform. Plywood roof underlayment, followed by synthetic roof underlayment, and ice and water barrier in required areas.
• Architectural Asphalt Shingles; The Committee has opted not to replace the existing slate with new slate. Although historically proper and recommended by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, slate is extremely expensive (more than double the cost) and heavy (10 times heavier). Architectural Asphalt shingles emulating slate tiles is preferred for appearance, cost and reduced weight.
• Interior Insulation and Finish; The entire space above the new finished ceiling will have a continuous vapor barrier and fiberglass insulation applied, as required. Structural components will be encased to create architectural elements, gallery flooring and railings will be reinforced. Ceiling will be covered in gypsum. Walls will be finished and painted. Architectural elements will be stained and sealed.
• Electrical and Lighting; Electrical wiring for fire and heat sensor, smoke detectors and recessed LED lighting will be added to the ceiling along with electrical boxes for chandeliers which will be added at a later date. At present, we will reuse the existing six pendant mounted and hidden fixtures presently mounted above the hung ceiling.
• Design and Architect; Architect support is required to finalize the design elements, provide structural engineering support, interface with building inspectors, contractors, preparation of bid package, etc.

ARTICLE 17

3rd Article of 4
This year: Fund 1835 Town Hall Roof Repairs Only – Partially Funded – $150,000
Submitted by the Board of Selectmen
Not Recommended by the Finance Committee
Not Recommended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee
1835 Committee will VOTE NO

$150,000 – This Article would only repair the structural issues and roof, but it would not provide the second floor as a “usable space. This only repairs the building envelope. It does not make the 2nd floor usable. It obligates us to proceed with universal access requirements, but doesn’t give us a complete and useable building.

ARTICLE 18

4th Article of 4
Do Nothing: Prepare Building to Be Sold
Submitted by the Board of Selectmen
Not Recommended by the Finance Committee
Not Recommended by the 1835 Town Hall Committee
1835 Committee will VOTE NO

$15,000 – This article allows for minimal repairs of the 1835 Town Hall but more importantly legal efforts and Title search to see if it is even possible to convey or sell and authorizes the Board of Selectmen of Sterling to enter into agreements for the sale of the property.

This would be a travesty and if the property were to be sold to a private individual or corporation it would be converted to private use and that would defy the conditions of the Deed and very possibly illegal. The land on which the Town Hall stands was donated to the inhabitants of Sterling by Ebenezer Pope in 1807 with the condition that it never be converted to private use. It was intended to always be our Town Hall. This would also create yet another white elephant in the center of Sterling.

That said, we do not believe the Selectmen are intentionally contemplating any illegal actions.