Minutes April 14, 2026– Town of Warwick MEETINGHOUSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting at Warwick Town Hall April 14, 2026 6:30pm
Attending: Andrea Woods, David Young, George Day, John Gagliani, David Beach in person Claudia Lewis and Jack Cadwell, Remote Jim McRae and Adrian Paul, Absent
- Minutes: George moved to accept minutes of March meeting as presented, David 2nd Unanimously approved.
- Hear and discuss:
March 29 Site Visit with Public Invited
George reported that the site visit was very well attended and very helpful. Claudia reported on a visit to the back lot and a turkey stand that she was concerned about. David advised that we NOT post the land as that leads to more legal issues. Discussed removing the ladder from the tree stand as a discouragement for children. Dave B and Claudia went up to see the bell as they had not seen it before. We gained a new member of the committee in Adrian Paul who is very interested in being part of the group and offered his connections through his rental equipment store in Keene. Jim Toth offered to be of assistance with engineering expertise. Tom Parent played the pipe organ so folks could hear it. Many photos were taken. It was noted that there are droppings coming down through the chandelier roof hole and also through the bell rope area. Would need to clean up the area in the sanctuary if using it for any reason.
John asked about Anthony family encroachment on the land. David is disinclined to follow up on that.
Dave B made note of the north wall center partition pulling away up to 2”. Discussion of benefits and drawbacks of jacking up an old building and what more damage could occur. He also discussed the foundation being out beyond the flashing and that the front sill is pretty much gone.
Claudia brought up the cleanup and controlled burning of the back woods, perhaps in 2 stages. A clean up and then a burn pile to burn in the winter and then a controlled burn for the low story. Scrap iron was found, perhaps it can go to the dump.
Andrea brought up the idea of a possible kick off event during a summer event where perhaps Tom Parent would play the organ again and we could get more folks into the building to enjoy it and encourage folks to want to take care of it. Dave Beach will inquire with Tom Parent about his interest/availability. Old Home Days perhaps?
Update on Water/Septic
Senators Warren/Markey earmark grant was submitted April 3 asking for $22,000 for water improvements that would bring water to Meetinghouse and also bring clean water to Fire Department and Police station. We won’t know until Fall if we were awarded. Don Matthews and George have been discussing different approaches and water sources. Don felt that either we could follow the path of bringing water up from the fountain OR drill a new well and put in pumping system, cross the road with the $22,000. We would be required to match whatever amount was awarded in this grant with 25% of the funding.
Septic work is to be contemplated at a later date.
Update on Building Improvements/Stabilization
Jack has reached out to a Keene based window company Cheshire Glass on aluminum storms and still waiting to hear back.
A proposal has been received from Spencer Preservation Group for Roof/Structural/Sills/Floor Framing repairs. It involves bringing in the structural engineer again for in depth investigation, preparing cost estimates for different options for repairs. They will assist with plans and specs for bidding and provide construction phase “clerk of the works” services. Their proposed fee for these services is $29,850. Andrea will forward the proposal to all committee members along with these minutes.
Cleaning Day
It was suggested that we schedule a cleaning day. Nancy Harnden had offered to help at the Site Visit day. Decided June might be the best time. Claudia will request help through Newsletter/Warwick-L etc.
Historic Designation
John will look into what’s involved in getting the building designated as a state historic building or a federal designation. What can we gain, what might constrain us? We need to be aware of “golden handcuffs” of limitations/restrictions if funded with an historic building grant.
Next meeting date was set as May 12, 2026 AT 6:30PM
Adjournment by unanimous vote at 8:10pm
Respectfully submitted
Andrea Woods, Clerk