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HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

January 13, 2009

APPROVED:

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AGENDA: PCC: DON MILBRAND, Town Signs

CONT. COA: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK, 16 Pleasant Street, #114-190

WORKSHOP: GUIDELINES

ATTEND: Clay Dingman (Chairman), Rick Alpers (Selectmen’s Rep.), Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney, Robin Fitzgerald (Alternate)

ABSENT: Larry Douglas (Vice-Chair. – away), Mark Greenwood (Alternate)

OTHER: -----

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

PCC: DON MILBRAND

Mr. Milbrand had sent an e-mail explaining that he had a conflict for tonight and asked to move this to our Feb. 10, 2009 meeting. The Commission determined to do so. Mr. Dingman explained that the PCC has to do with a multiple sign for the town and also, Mr. Milbrand wants the town to be a certified local government.

CONT. COA: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK

As Ms. Shattuck is still waiting for Karen Bush to do an example of her sign, she has asked a continuance.

S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by D. Gordon, to CONTINUE THE COA FOR DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK TO FEBRUARY 10, 2009. The motion CARRIED.

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WORKSHOP: GUIDELINES

Mr. Dingman went over the changes that he had made according to what was determined at our last meeting. Mr. Alpers asked if the Town Attorney, Bernie Waugh, has seen these. He has not and Mr. Alpers suggested that this be done. Mr. Dingman will send them to Mr. Waugh after he checks with Dan Paradis if the Planning Board has funds to cover this. As the Commission is anxious to have guidelines for Ms. Bonsteel, Land Use Officer, they felt that we should continue to present them to the public as planned.

D. Gordon made a MOTION, second by S. Heaney, to MOVE THE PROPOSED GUIDELINES, AS PRESENTED, TO A PUBLIC HEARING ON FEBRUARY 10, 2009. The motion CARRIED.

Mr. Dingman stated that he would like to “chop it down” in the future.

MINUTES OF DECEMBER 16, 2008

An amendment was made to page 2, under Legare, 2^nd paragraph, 3^rd line, to replace “common list” to “design guidelines”.

S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by R. Fitzgerald, to ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF DEC. 16, 2008 AS AMENDED. The motion CARRIED.

OLD BUSINESS:

HDC Signs:

Mr. Dingman stated that we have been successful in the purchase of the HDC signs. The sign-maker is to stick to the same price and has already been given the check. Mr. Alpers asked where the signs are to be placed. Mr. Dingman answered that they will be out on Route 104 East, Pleasant St., and South Main St. He added that Larry Douglas talked with Mark Bucklin, Highway Superintendent, and Mr. Bucklin will help to place them.

HDC Web Site:

Mr. Dingman stated that he has mentioned the HDC Web Site in his end-of-year report and he, with a fellow that he works with, are to get it up and running. It will have lots of capabilities which the town could also absorb, if they want to (free of charge). Ms. Heaney asked if it will be partially protected and Mr. Dingman said that it would.

March 10, 2009:

Ms. Heaney pointed out that our meeting day in March is on the 10^th which is voting day.

We shall have to determine whether or not to cancel or to reschedule this meeting. It was felt that this could be done next month.

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HDC Minutes

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CORRESPONDENCE:

The Land Use permit for Pat Legare’s sign was looked at. There is to be NH Citizen’s Training Modules and if anyone is interested, the information will be in the office but will have to be at the members’ own expense as we do not have the funds. A notice that Bernie Waugh will be giving his annual updates on the new laws on January 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. here at the Town Office. All are encouraged to attend. The new procedure for I.D. badges was read. These are to be signed out with Christina McClay and are to identify Commission members when going out to applicant’s property.

OTHER:

A discussion followed as to the Budget Committee meeting last night. Ms. Gordon, a member of the Committee, expects it to be a “tinder box” this year. A lot may have to be cut out. Mr. Dingman asked if it is due to revenues being down or due to fear of the present economy. Ms. Gordon stated, in order to put in the second half of the pay classification recommendations and the cola plus revenue shortfall, the rest must be cut. Ms. Heaney asked if the Department’s are trying to cut their budgets so as to maintain employees. Ms. Gordon stated that no-one has but they have not been asked to do so. Mr. Alpers felt that there is no hard feeling as to the cause (in answer to Mr. Dingman’s question). Ms. Heaney asked about foreclosures and Mr. Alpers stated that there were a couple earlier but they were canceled (they have to post the notice here at the Town Office). He has not seen any since. Mr. Alpers reminded everyone that the taxes are set up in 4 portions: Town, School, County, and State. The Town can hold the line but, if the others don’t, the taxes will go up. Mr. Dingman stated that he attended the School Budget session and they justified a lot of their budget. Mr. Alpers stated that the school portion is about 60%. He feels that the new County Jail will be a problem and added that Grafton County is the biggest County employer with 375 employees: 280 of which are full time. Ms. Gordon stated that Bristol is not served well by the County as we are so far away. They do not like to come down here. Mr. Alpers felt that this is now better due to the new Police Chief.

NEXT MEETING:

The next meeting will be held Feb. 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. We shall hold the public hearing on our proposed Guidelines, have the PCC with Don Milbrand, and Continued COA for Sara Shattuck. The deadline for hearings for this date is Jan. 19^th.

With no other business, S. Heaney made a motion to adjourn. This was seconded by R. Alpers and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Laferriere, secretary