New Page 1

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

June 10, 2008

APPROVED AS AMENDED &:

CLARIFIED: 7/8/08 jrl_______

AGENDA: CONT. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK, 16 Pleasant Street, #114-190

CONTINUED COA: TOWN OF BRISTOL, Central Square,

#114-000

PCC: TTCC/DOUG WILLIAMS

ATTEND: Clay Dingman (Chairman), Larry Douglas (Vice Chair), Rick Alpers, Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney, Mark Greenwood (Alternate).

ABSENT: Robin Fitzgerald (Alternate, excused)

OTHER: Applicants, Steve Favorite (Planning Board)

The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

CONT. COA: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK

Mr. Dingman read the request from Ms. Shattuck asking for a continuation of her case as the colored sketches are not ready yet.

L. Douglas made a MOTION, second by R. Alpers, to CONTINUE THE HEARING FOR DOUG VOELBEL AND SARA SHATTUCK TO JULY 8, 2008. The motion CARRIED.

CONT. COA: TOWN OF BRISTOL

As there was no-one in attendance, the Commission determined to continue this case as well.

C. Dingman made a MOTION, second by S. Heaney, to CONTINUE THE HEARING FOR THE TOWN OF BRISTOL TO JULY 8, 2008. The motion CARRIED.

-2-

HDC Minutes

6/10/08

PCC: TAPPLY THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER (TTCC)/DOUG WILLIAMS

Mr. Williams introduced himself and Barbara Greenwood, stating that they have been on the BRAC committee for many years. Mr. Williams continued by saying that they have expended about $6,000 over the years to replace/recap/etc. the wall. This year, the test of time has taken its toll. The side stairs have some steps that are deteriorating and the front stairs have disintegrated entirely. The TTCC has 100 or so children attending as well as adult programs and other functions. This has become a matter of safety.

Mr. Williams continued to say that he had a discussion with Mark Bucklin, Highway Superintendent, in March. Mr. Bucklin is interested in lowering the sidewalk at the same time so that it is nearer street level. Two prominent businessmen offered to replace the wall and steps within a time frame of June 1 and June 16 (when the TTCC is between programs). J. P. Morrison has new granite steps and Mr. Haney has the concrete

for the wall; both at a greatly reduced price. There is also a leak and a sewer drain which

is in bad condition so they are working with the Water/Sewer Department, as well.

About a month ago, Mr. Bucklin sent Mr. Williams in to see Michelle Bonsteel, Land Use Officer. There was a meeting between the 3 of them and then Mr. Williams applied for a building permit. He got the permit and then, 2 days later, he was told that he would need to go to the Historic District Commission (HDC). Mr. Williams called Mr. Dingman to ask what the procedure was. Mr. Dingman explained and Mr. Williams is willing to go through the process.

Mr. Williams stated that Mr. Dingman asked about putting in a stone wall and Mr. Williams found that it would cost about $40,000 (money they do not have). Mr. Dingman had said that the HDC would prefer replacing like with like. Mr. Williams looked into stone facing which would be about $6500.

Mr. Dingman explained that if they replaced like for like (stone wall or look of), it would be considered maintenance and repair and they would not have to come in for a hearing. Where they cannot financially do this, Mr. Dingman suggested that they give the commission a date (such as a year) in which they would do the concrete for now and face it with stone within that time frame. If they are unable to do so, they do need to continue the process with a hearing. He then asked if they want any advice.

Mr. Williams explained that, due to the monetary cost, it is not likely that they will obligate themselves to future facing. Maybe BRAC will determine to put stone facing on it but he cannot promise this. Again, Mr. Dingman stated that if their intent is to face the wall, they could set a time frame for completion and, if they cannot meet it, they could come in and ask for an extension. Mr. Williams stated that he has filed for a hearing for a concrete wall and granite steps.

-3-

HDC Minutes

6/10/08

TTCC continued:

Mr. Greenwood felt that a concrete wall might be a target for graffiti. Mr. Williams stated that he hoped not. In the past, any graffiti has been addressed right away and he felt that 90% of the kids respect the building and property. They have had very little problems in the past. They need to get the project done for safety and it will look presentable, he added.

Ms. Gordon stated that she is supportive of the project but questions financial hardship as a cause. The commission needs to treat everyone equally. Mr. Douglas said that maybe we should look to undo financial hardship. Mr. Dingman stated that there is nothing in the HDC Ordinance referring an applicant to a Variance or Special Exception.

Ms. Heaney mentioned that the ZBA cannot look at financial hardship.

Mr. Dingman mentioned that grants are available for such projects. Mr. Williams stated that they usually do not qualify for two reasons: their association with the Church (who own the property) and that it is not a correct historical building. The building has changed dramatically over the years. It has also been vinyl sided. Mr. Dingman feels that it is historically significant and therefore is eligible. It is about history, he added. Mr. Dingman then volunteered to give them direction for applying for grants. He mentioned that there is one to be given out next May. Mr. Williams was interested in doing this.

Mr. Dingman suggested that the applicant come in with a sketch or photo of the wall, etc. before and after when they come in for a hearing. Mr. Alpers suggested that they meet with the Advisory Committee (BRAC) and, if they choose to try for a 2-year time limit for cultured stone, they could just send the HDC a note to let us know that this is their intent. The commission then discussed the issue of maintenance/repair vs. a change.

Ms. Gordon explained that the problem is that there was no concrete in 1890. Mr. Williams stated that there also was no wall as it went in in the 1950’s. Ms. Heaney stated that the commissions concern is in maintaining the character of the district. Ms. Greenwood stated that their concern is the children and safety. Mr. Alpers felt that a concrete wall could last for years. Ms. Heaney stated that the commission cannot look at safety over historic. A discussion was held as to when the original building burned and when it was rebuilt.

Mr. Douglas asked about putting in blocks of stone. Mr. Williams stated that he looked into Allen Block but it steps back like a ladder and he is concerned with the possibility of “rock climbing”.

The commission and the applicant were then thanked for tonight’s discussion.

MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2008:

One amendment was made: page 2, 6^th paragraph, 3^rd line, replace “Save America” with “Save America’s Treasures”.

C. Dingman made a motion, second by S. Heaney, to accept the minutes as amended. The motion carried.

-4-

HDC Minutes

6/10/08

BYLAWS:

Mr. Dingman pointed out the information that the secretary had given everyone (information from her LGC 2008 Land Use Clerks Works seminar). He suggested that he, Dan Paradis (Planning Board Chairman), and Ms. Laferriere (secretary) get together on this. A draft can be made up and then the commission can discuss it.

DESIGN STANDARDS:

Mr. Dingman explained that we need to go over and expand on our design standards. Once we have come up with what we think should be in them, we will need to hold a public hearing on them. At the moment, the only standards we have are on signage. He thought that we might look into something in the ordinance on hardship and Ms. Heaney again mentioned that financial cannot be considered a hardship.

When Mr. Dingman asked what other standards might be addressed, Ms. Heaney mentioned windows, doors, lighting, architectural details, masonry, walls/fences, satellite dishes to name a few. She felt that the commission should address everything that can be seen from outside. Mr. Dingman added such things as materials used, porches/decks, roof shapes, chimneys, dormers, additions, store fronts, fencing, walks, lighting, and parking. Ms. Heaney asked about trees and landscaping.

When Mr. Alpers asked if the Land Use Officer might help, Mr. Dingman answered that he felt that Ms. Bonsteel could help a lot. It was felt that it would also keep her in the loop. Mr. Dingman had e-mailed some examples to the members and he stated that he feels that Acton has the best example. Ms. Gordon suggested that we show photos of actual examples, especially those already in the district. Mr. Dingman felt that this is a good idea.

OTHER:

Historic District/Buffer

At this time, the secretary questioned the difference between the Historic District and the Buffer Section. It was explained that the Buffer Section is actually a part of the district and is the boundary of it.

McGrath’s building, Central Square

Ms. Heaney asked what is going on here as she understands that the building has changed hands. Mr. Alpers explained that they have been meeting with Ms. Bonsteel and Norm Skantze (Fire Chief) as they would like to have mixed use. We are looking for the issues promised to us 10 years ago.

Bakery/Pizza Restaurant, Central Square

A discussion was held about this building as the folks who had the restaurant have gone. It was noted that Mr. Morrissette, owner of the building, has one condo. sold and he has purchased the building that houses “The Taste of Italy” (also in the square).

-5-

HDC Minutes

6/10/08

Mica Building, Central Street

Mr. Dingman asked if any progress has been done where the Mica building is concerned. Mr. Alpers answered that it will be coming up; the Selectmen have been very busy what with the hiring of a new Town Manager (to be announced 6/11/08). They have also set up town ordinances on vending, fireworks and noise. They are also looking into the ambulance billing.

Fourth of July Fireworks

It was mentioned that the 4^th of July fireworks will be held a week late this year. Mr. Alpers stated that we need to have a 4^th of July committee as we were late in getting a date this year. He stated that there will be no fireworks at Opeechee this year either. It is now down to just 4 places in the area, he believes.

With no other business before the commission, R. Alpers made a motion, second by C. Dingman, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Laferriere, secretary