HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

May 12, 2009

 

APPROVED:

___________________

 

 

AGENDA:                   COA:  TD BANK, NA c/o BOHLER ENGINEERING,

                                                10 North Main St., #114-010

                                    PCC REVIEW:  DON MILBRAND/TOWN OF BRISTOL,

                                                Town Directional Sign

                                   

 

ATTEND:                    Clay Dingman (Chairman), Larry Douglas (Vice Chairman), Sandra Heaney

 

ABSENT:                    Rick Alpers (Sel. Rep.), Dorcas Gordon (conflict), Robin                                                          Fitzgerald (Alternate), Mark Greenwood (Alternate)

 

OTHER:                       -----

 

 

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. 

 

COA:  TD BANK, NA c/o BOHLER ENGINEERING

Ms. Laferriere read the application, abutters notified, where the hearing was advertised, and stated that she received no telephone calls nor written correspondence in regard to this hearing.

 

James J. Cranston, Bohler Engineering, stated that they have acquired TD Banknorth and need to get all of these banks re-signed.  He then gave out a packet of what they are requesting here in Bristol.  He then directed the Board through the packet, pointing out what are to be replaced and what is new.  They wish to use their green earth-tone colors.

 

Mr. Dingman stated that his initial reaction is that this is a lot to look at and he would like a few days to consider.  The Zoning Ordinance allows 1 free-standing sign and 1 sign on the building.  He realizes that they will be removing some small exterior signs and replacing them.  Ms. Heaney questioned the legitimacy of moving the hours of operation from the door to the outside of the building.  Mr. Dingman stated that most are replacing one for one.  There is a 1-year replacement time or the grandfathering is void, he explained.  Ms. Heaney pointed out that there are a couple of additional signs, as well, and they may require a Variance.  She also felt that Michelle Bonsteel, Code Enforcement Officer, needs to determine if moving the hours of operation from the door

 

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5/12/09

 

COA:  TD BANK continued:

constitutes a new sign.  Mr. Dingman felt that he will need to speak with Ms. Bonsteel on these matters.  There are a lot of signs and a lot of logos involved here.  The large green edging that is proposed for the fascia boards unifies and smoothes the look but makes it much more prominent due to the color.  He asked Mr. Cranston if they give him any leeway.  Mr. Cranston answered that all of the banks that he has worked on have that color.  The colors are pretty much the same as the ones on the present signs.  They do give some leeway for other issues.  Ms. Heaney stated that the logo on the awning/fascia board would make these to be considered signs as well.  If so, these would need a Variance, also.  Applying for a Variance needs to be addressed before the Historic District Commission (HDC) can determine whether or not to approve them. 

 

Mr. Dingman expressed that he wants to walk around the building with this proposal and to talk with Ms. Bonsteel.  Mr. Cranston stated that, if any need a Variance, they may forego the logo.

 

Mr. Douglas asked if sign #N06 is lit and was told that it is.  Mr. Dingman stated that this would need a Variance as well or it would need to be up-lit.  None of these are permanent structural changes for the Commission to address but they will be more interested in the look for the general area. 

 

S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by L. Douglas, to MOVE TO CONTINUE THE COA FOR TD BANK TO JUNE 9, 2009 AT 7:00 P.M.  The motion CARRIED.

 

Mr. Dingman thanked Mr. Cranston for the thorough packet that he had brought to them.

 

PCC:  DON MILBRAND/TOWN OF BRISTOL

Ms. Gordon had sent in samples of directional signs from Center Sandwich and from Meredith.  Everyone present preferred the sign from Meredith.  A discussion followed as to how to implement such a sign.  Ms. Heaney thought that we might give the businesses the option to do the signs themselves.  Mr. Dingman wasn’t sure, opting for uniformity.  Mr. Milbrand felt that the town would put the signs up.  Mr. Douglas thought that if we apply a cost, the businesses may not put a sign up.  We might be back to the sandwich sign problem, Ms. Heaney added.  Mr. Dingman felt that it would probably cost about $20.00 and Mr. Milbrand felt it might be nearer $50.00 each. 

 

A discussion followed as to where to locate the sign.  Mr. Milbrand mentioned that it would probably go by the bank parking lot.  Everyone liked the idea of placing a top sign which states “Bristol Historic Downtown”.  Mr. Milbrand prefers that the signs be uniform and all agreed.  Mr. Douglas questioned the safety when drivers are looking at the sign.  The others felt that it would slow the traffic in that area and make it safer. 

 

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5/12/09

 

PCC: D. MILBRAND/TOWN OF BRISTOL continued:

Mr. Douglas asked if it will have a present standard blank board for folks to have printed up.  Mr. Dingman felt that this would need to be worked out; perhaps we could have Ms. Gordon ask how the others do theirs.  Mr. Milbrand stated that some have the end of the sign cut out to point the direction of the facility.  Most felt that a stenciled arrow would be more cost effective. 

 

Mr. Dingman suggested Hammar Signs as one possible sign company to use so that all of the signs are uniform.  He also mentioned that there is a Littleton sign company that is reasonable.  Mr. Milbrand asked if they thought that the State might object to the sign.  Mr. Dingman suggested that he ask Mark Bucklin, Highway Superintendent, as he was quite knowledgeable in this area. 

 

Mr. Dingman felt that the issues to be resolved are the cost, the type of post, and the brackets used.  He suggested that we might want two posts, one on each end of the Square.  Mr. Douglas asked if they could be combined with the HDC signs that are proposed and was told that the HDC signs will be at the boundaries of the District.

 

Ms. Heaney suggested that they use the same font as the HDC signs and all thought this to be a good idea.  Mr. Dingman stated that they need to determine what mechanism to apply.

 

Mr. Milbrand asked about temporary signs, such as those of the Churches, etc.  Ms. Heaney stated that they would be exempt and only up for a short time.  Mr. Douglas suggested that the town may want to place some of the individual signs to point out the direction of places like Kelley Park, Slim Baker Lodge, the Churches, the Beach, the Historic Society, and the Town Offices.

 

MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 2009

The following amendments were made:  Page 3, Alternate to HDC, 3rd line, insert “prior to the Historic District Ordinance” following “which”.  Page 4, Guideline for Design continued, 4th line, correct the spelling of the word “lentils” to “lintels” in two places.

 

S. Heaney made a motion, second by L. Douglas, to approve the minutes as amended.  The motion carried.

 

GUIDELINES:

Mr. Dingman asked that these be deferred to our next meeting.

 

WEB SITE:

Mr. Dingman would like to hold a training “class” for the Commissioners and the secretary at his home.  He will set this up.

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CORRESPONDENCE:

The only correspondence was for an Announcement Ceremony for the 2009 Annual Preservation Achievement Awards being held in Concord today. 

 

With no other business, Ms. Heaney made a motion, second by L. Douglas, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            Jan Laferriere, secretary