HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

 

May 13, 2008

 

 

 

AGENDA:                   CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL:  DOUG VOELBEL/SARA

                                    SHATTUCK, 16 Pleasant Street, #114-190

 

                                    CONTINUED COA:  TOWN OF BRISTOL, Central Square,

                                    #114-000

 

                                    BYLAWS (RULES OF PROCEDURE)

 

ATTEND:                    Clay Dingman (Chairman), Larry Douglas (Vice Chair), Dorcas

                                    Gordon, Sandra Heaney, Robin Fitzgerald (Alternate) – excused.

 

ABSENT:                    Rick Alpers (Sel. Rep. - conflict), Mark Greenwood (Alternate)

 

OTHER:                       None

 

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. after the Chairman had excused Ms. Fitzgerald as there was a quorum and no-one but another Selectman can fill in for a Selectmen’s Representative.

 

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL (COA):  DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK

The secretary read the application, the list of abutters notified, where the advertising was placed and that there were no telephone calls or any written correspondence received.

 

Ms. Shattuck stated that she only has a copy of her sign design this evening as she understood that Ms. Bonsteel (Code Enforcement Officer) was going to use the old information.  It was determined that the commission would treat this hearing as an informational and that they need more than what they have here tonight.

 

Ms. Gordon asked if Karen Bush is to do the sign and Ms. Shattuck stated that she is.  This sign is to hang perpendicular so that it may be seen well.  Ms. Shattuck still had the other two signs though she has moved to the other side of the building.  Ms. Heaney stated that they need to adjust the new area for the one sign that they moved.  Mr. Dingman explained that Ms. Shattuck needs to show the Commission where the signs go, along with a drawing of the sign with dimensions, as well as a drawing to scale or a photo with the sign located on it so that the Commission has a clear idea as to where the sign is to be located and how it will look.  Also needed are dimensions and materials used.

 

 

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HDC Minutes

5/13/08

 

COA:  VOELBEL/SHATTUCK continued:

 

Ms. Gordon asked if the Commission might adjourn and go and view the property.  Mr. Dingman felt that the Commission should not do so as we need records for people who look at this in the future.  Ms. Gordon stated that this is a practical problem for people trying to start a business.  It is disappointing not to have the size or where the sign is located on the building.  Mr. Dingman repeated that we need a drawing or sketch or a photo with the sign to scale on it. 

 

Ms. Shattuck asked if she were to move again, would she have to go through this all again.  Mr. Dingman thought that she would.  The process may involve “what if I go here” or “what if I go there”.  Let the Commission help in consultation.  A discussion followed as to how to continue Ms. Shattuck’s case.

 

Mr. Dingman suggested that she might want to use her own brackets in case she was to move again.  Ms. Shattuck stated that she was thinking of having the brackets done by Earthly Treasures. 

 

Mr. Dingman asked if this is a third sign, which it is, and he looked this up in the ordinance and found that the only problem is with a free-standing sign. 

 

Ms. Shattuck questioned if there is any help if you own a building in the Historic District.

Mr. Dingman stated that there is but the owner must follow Federal guidelines for renovations and rehabilitations.  There are grants for commercial or public buildings but they cannot be for private homes.  There is a tax rebate on the Federal Income Tax.  Right now, Bristol has nothing.  Some towns freeze taxes for a certain number of years to recompense for rehabilitating a property. 

 

Mr. Dingman went on to say that Bristol has been awarded a PlanNH Charrette which may give some direction to businesses in the Downtown/Historic District.  The State does something for public structures.  Save America is a matching fund grant.  Mr. Douglas added that it starts at $75,000.  Mr. Dingman mentioned that, if a building is over 50 years old, it is considered to be historic.  There is more money out there now than there was 10 to 20 years ago. 

 

The Commission discussed several buildings in the area and Mr. Dingman stated that he is willing to help owners to find grants.

 

C. Dingman made a MOTION, second by S. Heaney, to CONTINUE THE COA FOR DOUG VELBEL & SARA SHATTUCK TO JUNE 10, 2008.  The motion CARRIED.

 

 

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HDC Minutes

5/13/08

 

CONT. COA:  TOWN OF BRISTOL:

As there was no-one present to represent the town, the Commission felt that this case should be continued.

 

S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by L. Douglas, to CONTINUE THE COA FOR THE TOWN OF BRISTOL TO JUNE 10, 2008.  The motion CARRIED.

 

MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 2008:

One amendment was made:  Page 3, 2nd paragraph, 2nd line, replace “CONTINUE” with “HOLD”.

 

S. Heaney made a motion, second by D. Gordon, to approve the minutes of April 8, 2008 as amended.  The motion carried.

 

BYLAWS/RULES OF PROCEDURE; GUIDELINES

The secretary explained that, at the LGC (Local Government Center) workshops, she has learned that the Bylaws are now called Rules of Procedure and should contain every step of the procedures that the Commission uses.  This is to cover them in cases of court proceedings.  Also, the Guidelines must be available in hard copy here at the office even though some have been placed on the web site.  It was determined to begin to address these at our next meeting.  The secretary will provide some of the items to be included.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:  None.

 

NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held June 10th.  Along with the continued cases, the Commission will consider demolition revue, tax relief, certified local government, bylaws and guidelines.

 

With no other business, S. Heaney made a motion, second by L. Douglas, to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Jan Laferriere, secretary