Historic District Commission
May 8, 2007
DRAFT ACCEPTED:
__________________________
ATTENDED: Clay Dingman (Chairman), Larry Douglas (Vice-Chairman), Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney, Robin Fitzgerald (alternate) and Diane Marden (Secretary)
ABSENT: Mark Greenwood
OTHERS: Paul Morrissette (8 Central Square), his colleague Jeremy, and the restaurant owner.
The meeting was opened and called to order at 7:00 p.m.
8 CENTRAL SQUARE
Paul Morrissette the owner of the building located at 8 Central Square met with the board to discuss his plans for the building, and to obtain information from the HDC on specific building alterations and signage for the building.
Mr. Morrissette explained he intended on keeping the buildings integrity intact, but needed to do some alterations to the structure in order to meet fire safety guidelines. He stated he anticipated keeping the restaurant on the lower level intact as it has the original tin ceilings intact. He explained he intends on renovating the upper level of the building into two condominium units, in which he later intends to sell.
Mr. Morrissette told the HDC that the floor above the first level was sagging, and in order to make the floor above level he constructed another floor on top of the existing in order to save the ceilings below. He then stated he has come to the HDC to get some guidance on how to proceed further. Mr. Morrissette stated he needed to change the entry of the building, in order to meet safety codes. He explained he would like to change it back to the original two door entry. Chairman Dingman stated the HDC would need to see the details in a sketch format showing the proposed changes, stating a frontal view of the building would be helpful, and that the materials used to complete this change should also be listed in detail. Mr. Dingman stated the interior of the building is not for the HDC to determine, but it is the HDC’s intent to keep the downtown buildings historical appearance intact.
Dorcus Gordon asked Mr. Morrissette what his intentions were for the windows within the structure? Mr. Morrissette stated he was having them priced out at this time. He explained the windows are 41X90 and would need to be custom made. He explained he too wanted to keep the buildings historical features intact, and he is getting prices for what is there. Chairman Dingman explained there are acceptable replacement windows that meet the criteria of the HDC, and stated the windows in Mr. Goodrum’s building next door has been approved by the HDC. Mr. Dingman stated the details of the replacement windows would also need to be brought before the board.
Sandra Heaney asked Mr. Morrissette if he would like to see past photo’s of the buildings appearance for guidance? Mr. Morrissette stated that would be great. Everyone present reviewed the photo’s. Ms. Heaney asked if he intended on removing or keeping the awnings on the front of the building? Mr. Morrissette stated he had not made a decision on that yet, but would probably keep them. Ms. Heaney stated it would allow him more room for his signage stating originally the building did not have awnings.
Mr. Morrissette asked if the signage next door was acceptable for his building. Chairman Dingman stated it is not, that the signage next door was pre-HDC, and therefore is not in compliance with the HDC guidelines. He stated the HDC does have sign guidelines that can be followed on its web site, and signage should be outlined in detail on the application as well. Mr. Dingman explained that type of materials used, font, and placement of the sign is necessary in order for the HDC to make a determination. Ms. Marden gave Mr. Morrissette a copy of the sign guidelines along with preferred fonts for his use. After great discussion, it was decided to continue Mr. Morrissette’s COA to the next meeting of July 10, 2007.
Sandra Heaney made the motion to continue Mr. Morrissette’s application process at the next meeting of July 10, 2007 at 7 p.m. Vice Chairman Larry Douglas seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MINUTES OF 8MAY07:
Dorcas Gordon made the motion to accept the minutes of April 10, 2007 as amended, Sandra Heaney seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Discussion Election of Officers
The members briefly discussed the election of Officer’s. It was decided that Robin Fitzgerald would be re-instated at the end of her term in July 2007, until the HDC could review by-laws to determine which month would be appropriate to hold the elections.
2007 Goals of the HDC - Prioritizing
The board went over this list of goals, and prioritized each item. (attached) The following tasks were given to each board member:
Chairman Dingman would be responsible for item #1 and item #19 with the completion date of July 10, 2007, item #13 completion to be in July 2007, item #8 and #9 completing both by September 2007, and item #10 completing by December 2007.
Sandra Heaney item #6 with completion date of September 2007, and item #21 ongoing throughout 2007.
Dorcus Gordon item #5 completing by September 2007.
Larry Douglas to assist with Clay Dingman’s items, and item #11 with the completion date of August 2007.
Robin Fitzgerald item #14 ongoing throughout 2007.
Each of the above were discussed in some detail. Chairman Dingman stated he would contact Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow regarding her plans for the downtown Revitalization/Main Street Program.
New Business-Community Opinion Survey
Chairman Dingman stated the HDC has been encourage to take part in the revamping of the Community Opinion Survey from previous years. Mr. Dingman stated it is a great opportunity to find out what is important to taxpayers, and gives the town great insight on a multitude of issues within the town. HDC members decided they would give their input to the project.
Adjournment
Sandra Heaney made the motion to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Dorcas Gordon seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.
The next meeting of the HDC will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 in the downstairs of the Bristol Town Office’s at 7:00 p.m.