[MassHistPres] Use of town building for historic memorabilia

[Michael Ruderman]

On Fri, Aug 28, 2020 at 10:49 AM Marge Ghilarducci <margecris at comcast.net>
wrote:

"Presently, our selectmen will only grant a short term *license* to the
> Berkley Historical Society.  We were told that it takes a vote at town
> meeting to grant a long term lease...Four years ago, with money raised
> and grants received, the Berkley Historical Society  took over our old
> (1849) town hall and renovated it (replacing fully rotten sills) to
> beautiful condition.  (Otherwise it would now have fallen to the ground) I
> also attained a $100,000 Preservation endowment grant so they have the
> money to maintain the building..."
>

Your Selectmen are right. They don't have the authority to grant, lease, or
convey something of certain value without a Town Meeting vote.

So, the Berkley Historical Society stabilized and restored, and found a
six-figure maintenance fund (well done!) for the Old Town Hall, where it
resides but does not own, and in return got back...anything? Good will and
hearty thanks? Not a very good deal?

Really, I don't mean to criticize; I'm rehearsing the arguments to begin
making to your supporters before the next Town Meeting is called. Having an
open town meeting works to your advantage. Get your supporters to show up
and vote.

Start copying other towns'--um, I mean, drafting your own proposed lease so
that you direct the public and political discussion. Get the presumptions
in writing this time, like your promise to continue maintaining and keeping
this historic asset in public use, for a long lease at one dollar a year.*
Think of the likeliest other users of a multi-use space and figure a way to
provide for them (for nominal rental fees, payable to you) with occasional
use of a meeting room, rotating exhibit space, maybe shared office space
and your IT investment for faster, smoother teleconferencing.

You've already proven your dedication and effectiveness. Tell your story.
Win the vote.

Michael Ruderman
Arlington MA

*When you win (and you will), use the lease anniversary as a photo op, with
the Society ceremoniously handing a $1 check to the town treasurer in the
space that used to be the treasurer's office, in front of the elementary
school children who just! happen! to be touring the Old Town Hall that day.
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