Commission members reported progress on restoring a public piano that had been vandalized. The commission confirmed the town will pay for a protective wooden “hat” for the piano; staff estimated the cost at about $700 and said they will use the least-expensive vendor they identified.

Staff described a staged approach: install a basic weatherproof wood cover and lacquer it as a near-term protective measure; if the piano is not vandalized again, the commission will later commission a vinyl wrap or final design for the hat. The protective cover will be bolted to prevent opening, and access for tuning will be limited to authorized personnel.

Commissioners also discussed moving blankets and interior insulation to protect the instrument from weather while it is outdoors, and a bar across the front to prevent the lid from being opened by members of the public. No final artistic design or wrap was approved at the meeting; staff said that decision will follow once the protective hat has been tested in the field.

Staff expects the protective hat vendor to begin work soon; commission members asked staff to keep them posted and to coordinate with public works for moving and placement.