[MassHistPres] Seeking bids for painting 1743 Pelham Town Hall

[Joseph Larson]

The Pelham Historical Commission has had difficulty in securing bids from
painters who have experience in painting historic buildings. We have
recommendations for paint color and method of application from a nationally
recognized expert in painting historic structures. The required
state bidding process requires accepting the low bidder. Our first attempt
brought us to consider a low bidder who refused to use the type of paint
recommended by our expert. We had to re-bid with a condition that the Town
would supply the paint. But absent having the funds to employ a watchdog to
monitor the painters all day every day we could not be sure that the method
of application was followed on the entire building. The paint has not
lasted as long as it should.

We are considering inserting a requirementall that all bidders must must
include in their bid a list of buildings of the era of our town hall that
they have painted along with references person who have first hand
knowledge of the bidder's performance.on the projects.

1. We would appreciate hearing whether this process has been used by other
towns.
2. We would welcome any advice on other approaches to solve our problem.

Joseph S. Larson
Member, Pelham Historical Commission
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