Masonic Building Committee Minutes 10.11.23

The meeting was called to order at the Bradford Area Community Center at 5:31pm.

Present: Kris Foss, Mel Pfeifle, Pat Moreland, Bryan Nowell, Anne Kratz, Bruce Gezelman. Absent: Tracey Quigley

Deputy Fire Chief Raymond in Public Audience

No minutes to approve.

Pat reported that she had more details in the proposal of the auction company with a view to selling building and contents by bid and auction. They felt the cost to extract salvage materials would be eclipsed by the cost of removal. They offered a group auction with other town properties and the Masonic Building to make it cost effective for both sides. They usually get 10% of the bidder price that the buyer pays but were willing to work out a lower cost to the town if they got enough commission on the other town lots being sold. They also assessed some of the assets attached to the building that have some value, old blown glass windows etc. If the town wanted to retain some items for historical purposes these would have to be noted before the auction process began. It was suggested to check with the Historical Society if anything might want to be preserved that would be a fixed asset.

The committee next viewed the revised presentation with additional slides requested from last meeting and the auction options presented to us. There was discussion about continuing to look for buyers of the building, but sale would have to be contingent on the vote at Town Meeting.

There was discussion regarding whether selling the building included the granite in the basement, what value that would be and could it then be used to offset costs to the town.


There was discussion about parking spots being made with building removal. 11 spots are shown but there could be potential for some double parking, or building up the retaining wall and adding spots there. These would be for Fire personnel only for safety concerns and egress for the trucks. Public parking here would not be suitable.

The right of way was discussed and the committee is still not sure of the exact way this is set up with the state and landowner.

The presentation to the Select Board will be on October 23rd. Members were asked to be present if possible. There was also discussion to present the slide show at Town Meeting to explain how the committee came to their conclusions and recommendations.

There was discussion as to when the commitment of the committee ends and should that be after the presentation at Town Meeting.

There was discussion about funding for the project and how the CIP was changed to $5,000 every other year instead of a one-year cost.

Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:03pm by Bryan, Second Bruce.