I’m happy to report that the freeze on the generator grant has been lifted. The only limitation is that the funds have to be spent by September 30. When bids were solicited in 2022, servicing an elevator was not part of the specifications in determining the generator size. Now it is since Artifex is recommending an elevator to provide ADA access to the first and second floors. At my recommendation, the Town will be re-soliciting bids for the installation contract, with updated specifications.

Until those new bids are received and the contract awarded by the Board of Selectmen, we don’t know what the final cost will be. The Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency has notified the Town that additional funds may be available to cover the increase in cost so long as, in their sole determination, the increase in cost is reasonable. This is not a guarantee of additional funding.

To those of you that have already contributed to the additional cost of the generator, THANK YOU!!! Rest assured that your generous donations will be used for that purpose. FOSH and the Board of Directors are grateful and humbled by your ongoing support. Any new details will be posted here as soon as they become available.

With thanks,

Mike Carlson, President

Friends of Starling Hall