Pepperell CPC Splits Library Preservation Project, Sets Plaque Work Aside

Community Preservation Committee · Meeting of June 25, 2026

Pepperell Community Preservation Committee splits a library restoration project after bids exceeded the authorized budget. The committee voted unanimously Thursday to allow the Taft Public Library to proceed with only the limestone pilaster and lettering restoration, priced at $41,714, after setting aside the bronze plaque cleaning component, which came in separately at $20,215. The combined bid from the single responding contractor totaled $53,289 against a $41,100 authorization, after the original estimator, Blackburn, did not submit a bid when the project went out.

Library representative Diane said absorbing the additional cost was not feasible in the current fiscal year given an existing mortar project. Following the vote, committee member Alan raised two additional projects with escalating costs or stalled procurement, including a softball field study approved more than a year ago with no action, prompting the committee to discuss adding timeline requirements and multiple-bid rules to the application process, with changes targeted for the August meeting.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
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• The complete report — 1,461 words

Source: the Community Preservation Committee meeting of June 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.