Minutes July 21, 2026– Town of Warwick MEETINGHOUSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting at Warwick Town Hall July 21, 2026 6:30pm.
Attending: Members Andrea Woods, David Young, George Day, Jack Cadwell, John Gagliani, David Beach, Jim McRae in person. Claudia Lewis remote. Adrian Paul Absent. Additional invited attendee Brian Gale.
- Minutes: George clarified that he had not met with Brian previously at the MH. This had already been changed in the minutes. Jim Moved to Accept, Dave B 2nd, Unanimously approved.
- Hear and discuss:
Input from Brian Gale, former Building Inspector and State Building Code expert
From last minutes, no, we will not need an attendant at each door for the Old Home Days program, just propping them open is fine.
Brian described the differences between fire code and building code. Building Inspector makes determination on all issues, but Fire Chief can appeal a decision. No improvements HAVE to be done at this time on the Meetinghouse as long as it still only an “assembly” building with low usage. If it ever becomes something else, various building codes will apply. Building permits not required for repairs, but may be required for Renovations and Alterations. If we decide to put in a bathroom, state Architectural Access Board (AAB) codes will come into play. If we spend 30% or more of the building’s value or $100,000 over 3 year period in Renovation Work (building permittable work), that can trip more code requirements. Windows and Roof Repair are exempt from the $100,000/30% amount.
There was discussion again of what we need to do vs what we should do in good faith to meet needs, especially of the disabled, and for fire egress.
Brian suggests we get a value on the building. We could look at costs of other church buildings, use insurance information (although we only have liability on the building currently), or have an appraisal done. Jim M said he would check with Jay Closser on his availability to do an appraisal. The question of replacement insurance (fire insurance) was discussed. Would be exceedingly expensive.
Some discussion of a Smoke Detector Alarm system (for all town buildings) that alarm somewhere other than in the building. Need a centralized system. Something to perhaps discuss with the incoming Town Administrator.
Brian offered to be available for follow-up questions as we proceed through the work.
Update on ORGAN
Stefan Maier inspected the Hook and Hastings Pipe Organ, cleaned it, replaced linkage, made the foot pedals work. He is world trained and we were lucky to get so much done at a low cost. It was decided shade is needed from sun on south window to protect the organ. George agreed to look into getting a quote from Marcia Dexter. Jack also mentioned Parker Glass/Hamshaw in Keene if another source needed. The organ will be on display at Old Home Days program Aug 22 and played by Deb Kent.
Update on Tree Clearing
Cody Gibbons did a great job. George mentioned that it would be good to have northeast corner retaining wall trees removed (2 large trees, one hardwood one pine). A price will be sought from Cody for removal by George. There is also a dead tree behind the building to be dealt with in future. George suggests perhaps parking spaces there on the north side of the building after tree removal. Poor line of sight was mentioned and a little discussion on other possible parking options and a crosswalk painted.
Update on Clean Up
George mentioned that Claudia’s volunteer clean up day left the Sanctuary in very good shape for the upcoming program. Claudia mentioned that the entryway may need a little cleaning before the program as they didn’t get to that. Andrea offered to vacuum and dust the entryway. She would like to see the balcony cleaned for benefit of the folks who go up there for clock winding, but no public will be allowed up there for any programs. She would like to do that cleaning in September after the heat has passed.
Update on Land Disposition
George brought a colorized map showing the property and borders and interesting information on actual pond frontage that the town now owns. Andrea updated the group on herself and Adrian’s meeting with Keith Ross regarding the possibility of getting funds from a Conservation Restriction tying together habitat lands by a group such as Mt Grace Land Trust. Andrea has spoken to the Macy Family (Goldsbury property) and they are looking into a little and perhaps Keith can discuss it with them when they return for Old Home Days. Andrea has contact information for the Holbrook Family on the other side as well, but no contact made. This is all very preliminary and we may go in an entirely different direction.
Update on Old Home Days Program
August 22nd 3-4:30 pm program organized by Clare Green. Arline Lincoln may attend and receive a commendation. Clare has “characters” from the early time of the First Parish meetinghouse lined up to give short vignettes on the life and times in Warwick in the 1830’s. Andrea will work with Clare on a program and have them printed, also an info sheet and provide a donation box if people wish to contribute to the preservation work. We will get a town email address set up and get more information on the town website regarding the program and donations.
Dave Beach offered his Sound System to be set up before the program starts.
George will make sure the building is unlocked by 2pm.
John Gagliani: What is our Purpose?
Some discussion regarding what John believes is an important question about what the building will be used for. Just a wedding venue, keep it as an assembly building only? How can it sustain itself financially? It seems that getting community input will be an important next step.
OTHER BUSINESS:
None
Next meeting date was set (post meeting) as AUGUST 18, 2026 AT 6:30PM.
Adjournment moved by David Y, 2nd by Claudia L., voted by unanimous vote at 8:23 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Woods, Clerk