HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 16, 2008
APPROVED:
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AGENDA: COA: LEGARE RESTAURANTS LLC/PATRICK LEGARE,
34 Central Square, #114-094
CONT. COA: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK, 16 Pleasant Street, #114-190
WORKSHOP: GUIDELINES
ATTEND: Clay Dingman (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney,
ABSENT: Larry Douglas (Vice-Chair. – away), Rick Alpers (Sel. Rep. - conflict), Mark Greenwood (alternate), Robin Fitzgerald (alternate)
OTHER: Patrick Legare
The meeting opened at 7:05 pm.
COA: LEGARE RESTAURANTS LLC/PATRICK LEGARE
The secretary read the application, abutter’s notified, where the hearing was advertised, and said that there were no telephone calls nor written correspondence received concerning this hearing.
Mr. Legare presented the adjusted sign as directed by the Commission at his Preliminary Conceptual Consultation (PCC). Mr. Legare stated that it is to be gold on the existing wood and the other colors would be as presented in the depiction that he presented tonight. The Commission looked at the new depiction and felt that he had followed their direction and they were pleased to see a PCC working smoothly.
D. Gordon made a MOTION, second by S. Heaney, to APPROVE THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL (COA) FOR PATRICK LEGARE. The motion CARRIED.
Mr. Legare asked if he was to later add a pizza and lobster, would he have to come back to the Commission? The answer was that he would. Mr. Legare stated that he wants to do things the right way and expressed his opinion that others in the square do not and get away with it. Mr. Dingman explained that those who have not gone through the proper channels will be called in for it.
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LEGARE COA continued:
Mr. Dingman explained to Mr. Legare that the Planning Board is in the process of proposing a change to the Historic District Zoning regulations to make the process easier. A list of common signs will be given the Land Use Officer and she can determine what needs to come to the Commission and what can be permitted according to the list.
Mr. Legare asked about window lettering with the business hours, etc. He would like to do this though it is too cold right now. The Commission felt that this might come under the common list and Mr. Dingman stated that he can probably do a temporary sign in the meantime.
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 11, 2008:
S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by D. Gordon, to accept the minutes as read. The motion carried.
GUIDELINES:
Mr. Dingman would like another month to prepare these. It was determined to look at them at the January meeting.
CONTINUED COA: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK
Mr. Dingman stated that Ms. Shattuck is looking to buy outside the district at the moment but would like to continue this hearing in case she needs it. She is also finding it difficult to get the sample sign from her painter.
S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by D. Gordon, to CONTINUE THE COA FOR DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK TO JANUARY 13TH . The motion CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mr. Dingman will fill out the paperwork for the NH Preservation Alliance Communications Survey. Ms. Gordon took the Preservation Alliance News to read. A copy of the PlanNH Charrette booklet was received. Mr. Dingman read the Planning Board’s Conditional Approval for Joseph Santamaria in which one condition is that Mr. Santamaria must come in to the HDC for any changes to the outside of the building. Mr. Dingman also mentioned the notice on the Purchase Approval policy.
HISTORIC DISTRICT SIGNS:
Ms. Gordon mentioned that we need to get our request in for the 3 Historic District signs before the end of the year. Mr. Dingman agreed and will look into this.
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OTHER:
Ms. Gordon asked if it would be proper to allow people from outside the Historic District to come in for PCC’s. She felt that people with an interest in restoring their historic building might like the Commission’s input and suggestions. Ms. Heaney stated
that this was a good idea as it would give people access to green materials and items that take hours on the internet to locate when the Commission might have the information already. Ms. Gordon mentioned that she is having a hard time locating wood doors for her garage and she is also wondering about putting up an outside “barn gooseneck” light on her house; whether it would be appropriate or not. A discussion followed in which it was generally felt that if something fits in with the style of the home, it would be appropriate even if it did not fit the year the home was built.
Mr. Dingman stated that we need more manpower for more ideas. He would like to become less active and let someone else be the Chairman so that he can do more with the infrastructure end of things. He feels that he really does not have the time needed to remain Chairman. The Commission discussed the need of more alternate members who really have an interest in the HDC and can give the time needed.
Mr. Dingman asked when the final date is for the End-of-Year report is due. The secretary did not have a final date but said that they have been asking for it for awhile now. She explained that they need time to get it typed up and get it to the printer in time to get it back so as to have it to the people a week before town meeting.
Mr. Dingman stated that he would like to have the time to finalize the HDC web site. He is now creating the ability to get the HDC minutes on easily. The secretary asked if this is linked to the Town web site and he said that it would be.
With no other business, S. Heaney made a motion, second by D. Gordon, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Laferriere, secretary