LIVERMORE — Voters will consider the future of the town-owned Brettuns Community Building at the annual town meeting June 11 at Livermore Elementary School.

The Board of Selectpersons unanimously agreed March 24 to place an article on the warrant, Administrative Assistant Kurt Schaub said.

Tim Cox presented a brief outline of a proposal developed by residents to form a not-for-profit organization with community support and to lease the building for $1 a year for 99 years, he said. The not-for-profit status will make the building eligible to obtain grants and raise funds to improve the building so the community can use it more, he said.

The group plans to address handicap accessibility issues and some of the much needed maintenance at the center on Church Street, Schaub said.

After last year’s town meeting, residents discussed getting the costs to demolish the building to be considered at this year’s town meeting. The building was constructed in 1915 as a two-classroom school and used until the elementary school was built in the 1960s.

The town stopped using the center for town meetings about five years ago because it did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Schaub said in 2013. The building is structurally sound, he previously said, but needed improvements.

It was used for family gatherings, weddings, showers, ceremonies and other events.

According to the proposal, the not-for-profit group would be formed to take long-term control of the community building for the purpose of restoration, maintenance and for the use of residents of Livermore and others.

Under the proposal, the town would give the group a 99-year lease and the town would maintain the insurance. The town would retain the right to use the building for official functions.

The group would restore and maintain the building and water system and let clubs and organizations use it for nominal fee, if able, but would encourage all local organizations to use it, the proposal states.

The group would also allow nonprofit party rentals and other uses deemed appropriate.

The nonprofit group would elect a five-member board to oversee the organization and a custodian.

Any club or organization that cannot pay the annual fee could have the fee waived if it helps at fundraisers, including a community yard sale or some other function to raise money for the building’s operation and maintenance.

Suggested fees include $25 annually for town clubs and organizations, $25 and a deposit for resident use for private functions and $50 and a deposit for nonresident use.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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