Barn’s upkeep a sticky wicket for HISID

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The historic Barn near the recreation center is owned by HISID and claimed to be, “perfect for family reunions.” District Manager Lawrence Blood provided a report Monday on the Barn’s need for an improved air system with a cost estimated at $30,000-$40,000. Discussion was lengthy from the type of systems that could be used, to the electrical problems it may reveal, to the heating of such a large facility when it is closed four months out of the year. 

Residents had a variety of concerns, some asking to consider keeping it open for events throughout the year, or promote it for weddings. Staff said there were 14 events at the Barn during 2018, collecting no more than $5,000 annually. “It gets rented very little. It’s a money pit,” commissioner David Makidon said.

“The wiring in that building has evolved over time, Dan Kees said.  “The breaker panel is just hanging loose.” 

“It’s very dark inside, even during the day,” Chair Linda Graves added.  “In fact, it’s dangerous.”

 “We’ve got a termite problem out there,” Makidon said. “We need to assess the structural damage. We don’t know how sound the structure is.” Commissioners spent more than 20 minutes discussing how to handle the termites and came to no conclusion.

Kees stated he did not want to spend a ton of money on a building earning $5,000 a year, plus the roof is going to be the next big repair cost. 

Graves opened up the floor to comments and some residents encouraged the commission to sell it, “Let it go,” one resident said, encouraging commissioners to find a buyer who would give it life again. 

“At some point we are going to have a heart-to-heart about the Barn,” Blood said. The commission decided to issue an RFP for an air system and vowed to return to the subject of the Barn in its entirety at a later date.