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HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

June 9, 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

DESIGN STANDARDS/GUIDELINES

ATTEND: Clay Dingman (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney

ABSENT: Larry Douglas (Vice Chairman – excused), Rick Alpers (Sel.Rep.), Robin Fitzgerald (Alternate), Mark Greenwood (Alternate)

OTHER: -----

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

CONT. COA: TD BANK/NA c/o BOHLER ENGINEERING/JAMES J. CRANSTON

The Commission and Mr. Cranston had received a memo from Michelle Bonsteel, Land Use Officer, in regard to the signs proposed. Mr. Dingman mentioned that the logo on the awning or board is a continuation of the square footage of the sign. The applicants can remove the logo or apply for a Variance.

Mr. Cranston stated that Ms. Bonsteel suggested that a way around this would be to leave the logo on and then have a gap between that section and the next, which would not have the logo on it. The Commission explained that each business is allowed one free-standing sign and one attached to the building. Mr. Cranston thought that it is an attached sign to each side of the building. The Commission felt that this needs to be up to the Land Use Officer and her interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance.

Mr. Dingman feels that they need the sign to be either on the awning or on the sign that give the business hours. Ms. Gordon asked if they don’t include the logo on the awning/board, if it is no longer a sign and Mr. Dingman answered that this is correct. Mr. Cranston stated that the sign above the door stating that they are open 7 days will go away. Ms. Heaney questioned if the hours of operation are like a directional sign and Mr. Dingman read the section of Ms. Bonsteel’s memo in which she describes directional signs which are for safety reasons. The Commission felt that this needs clarification.

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HDC Minutes

6/9/09

COA: TD BANK continued:

Mr. Cranston questioned the sign on the ATM and to the left of the door and whether or not they are considered signs. Again, he felt that a sign 32 square feet per side is for each side of the building. The Commission felt that this is up to the Land Use Officer but they will need a copy of the exact signs that the applicant intends to do.

Ms. Gordon mentioned that, in the past, the Commission has had problems with the materials used. Mr. Dingman stated that the Commission can suggest but cannot apply their opinions. We also cannot enforce the color though we can suggest that it be muted.

Mr. Cranston asked if they have any problem with the logo and no-one seemed to. Ms. Gordon felt that it would be more attractive without the logo on the awning/board. Ms. Heaney questioned if the applicant would then go to the expense of putting up an awning or fascia board. Mr. Cranston felt that they might. He asked if the awning or board would be preferred. Mr. Dingman prefers the awning as the board band is larger. Ms. Heaney felt that the band is easier to maintain. Ms. Gordon would like to see the awning in front with the band on the sides. Mr. Dingman asked how the awning would be affixed and Mr. Cranston answered that it would cover the block. Ms. Heaney felt that the building is oddly designed and the band would streamline the line. The Commission emphasized that it is up to the applicant as to using an awning or the band.

Mr. Cranston was instructed to negotiate with Ms. Bonsteel. As to the free-standing sign, it is to be rotated and Mr. Cranston should check with Ms. Bonsteel as to the setback. Mr. Cranston stated that the setback is 5 feet.

Mr. Dingman would like to have Ms. Bonsteel attend the HDC’s next meeting. A discussion followed as to the material to be used and it was thought that it would probably be the same as the free-standing sign. Ms. Gordon mentioned that it is nice to have a professional presentation like the pamphlet presented by the applicants.

S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by D. Gordon, TO CONTINUE THE COA FOR TD BANK TO JULY 14, 2009. The motion CARRIED.

Mr. Cranston asked the process for getting a Variance if the applicants choose. He was told that Ms. Bonsteel would be the one to direct this and also that the Variance would be contingent on the COA and the COA contingent with the Variance.

Mr. Cranston asked if the Commission would like him to bring in the plans for the amended signs early and was told that it would be great if they could get these at least a week before the meeting.

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HDC Minutes

6/9/09

CONT. PCC: TOWN OF BRISTOL/DON MILBRAND

Mr. Milbrand had not arrived and it was thought that he may have forgotten. Mr. Dingman explained to Ms. Gordon as to what has been discussed so far as she was unable to attend when it was last presented. Ms. Gordon stated that she has since learned that Sandwich does not charge for their HDC or signs so as to encourage folks to follow the ideas of the Historic District. Mr. Dingman stated that perhaps Bristol could pay for the directional signs. Ms. Heaney felt that, at a minimum, the applicant might pay for the cost of the materials. It was noted that Mr. Milbrand intended on speaking with Mark Bucklin, Highway Superintendent, about the placement. This PCC will be continued to July 14, 2009.

MINUTES OF MAY 12, 2009:

The following amendments and clarifications were made:

Page 1, COA: TD Bank, 2^nd paragraph, 1^st line, replace “Banknorth” to “Bank” and add “as a client”. Last paragraph, next to last line, replace “Code Enforcement Officer” with “Land Use Officer”. Page 3, PCC: D. Milbrand, 4^th paragraph, 2^nd line, replace “mechanism” with “application procedure”.

S. Heaney made a motion, second by D. Gordon, to approve the minutes of May 12, 2009 as amended. The motion carried.

GUIDELINES’STANDARDS:

Mr. Dingman was not prepared to go over these this evening.

ALTERNATE:

Ms. Laferriere asked about alternate Mark Greenwood as his mother has said that he has moved to Concord. Mr. Dingman said that he will e-mail him and ask him to resign formally.

TAPPLY THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER (TTCC):

Ms. Laferriere stated that the TTCC wall was continued to July of 2009 and she is concerned as to the need to re-notify the abutters and who would pay for doing so where it has been so long. Mr. Dingman will ask the Selectmen for their opinion. Ms. Laferriere will need to know soon as she must send the notices out by June 22^nd.

With no other business before the Commission, S. Dingman made a motion, second by D. Gordon, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Laferriere, Secretary