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HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

July 8, 2008

APPROVED:

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

CONTINUED COA: TOWN OF BRISTOL, Central Square,

#114-000

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL: UNITED CHURCH OF

CHRIST/TTCC/DOUGLAS WILLIAMS, 30 North Main St.,

#114-009

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

ABSENT: Rick Alpers (Sel. Rep., conflict), Mark Greenwood (alternate), Robin Fitzgerald (alternate)

OTHER: Michelle Bonsteel (Land Use Officer), Paul Weston (Town Manager), Bruce VanDerven (Selectman), Applicants

The meeting opened at 7:15 pm when a quorum was met with Mr. VanDerven sitting in

for Mr. Alpers.

CONT. COA: DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK

As Ms. Shattuck had not appeared, it was assumed that she is still waiting the representation of her sign.

S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by L. Douglas, to CONTINUED THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL HEARING FOR DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK TO AUGUST 12, 2008. The motion CARRIED.

CONT. COA: TOWN OF BRISTOL/MICHELLE BONSTEEL

Ms. Bonsteel explained that the sign will have 4” x 4” posts with pine cladding, painted Colonial White. It will have plywood backing (stock or fabricated) with clear pine frame and Plexiglas doors. The roof will be of red cedar shakes. Perhaps the decorative brackets can be found from an old Victorian house.

Mr. Dingman stated that the Historic District Commission (HDC) asks that applicants come up with a design; this is a fine design and he commends Ms. Bonsteel.

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HDC Minutes

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CONT. COA: TOWN OF BRISTOL continued:

Ms. Bonsteel explained that, originally, they had thought of 6” x 6” posts but would rather have 4” x 4”, covered by pine and painted white with a cedar shingled or faux slate roof.

Mr. Dingman asked about the lettering at the bottom. It was decided that he would create the lettering template for this. Mr. Dingman continued by saying that there have been some questions with the height but he is comfortable with Ms. Bonsteel making that decision. Ms. Bonsteel said that she will get to Dan. Mr. Dingman questioned the time frame. Ms. Bonsteel felt that it would take about 4 weeks but they

still need to determine the cost.

Mr. Douglas asked about the benches. Ms. Bonsteel explained that there will be 2 concrete pads to support park benches, one on each side. They can bolt the benches to the concrete and bring them in during the winter.

Mr. Douglas asked if the street will be closed off. Mr. VanDerven answered that they will wait for the results of the PlanNH Charrette that is to be done this fall.

Mr. Weston asked Mr. VanDerven to reiterate the use of the sign for the record. Mr. VanDerven stated that it is to try to give another purpose to go downtown. It will be used for notices of things to sell, swap, etc. Things of community interest. We are trying to get people downtown. Mr. Dingman added that it is another focal point and he feels that it is a good idea. Ms. Heaney mentioned that this project will be a great example for the businesses to look at and see what we are looking for. Mr. VanDerven stated that Ms. Bonsteel has done a fine job but he feels that 8’ plus 1 ½’-2’ for the roof would make it enormous. He suggests it to be 6’. He is 90% sure that we shall have a group of people who are unhappy with it just the same. Mr. Dingman added that it is great to have businesses like R. P. Williams & Sons who are willing to help us with these projects.

L. Douglas made a MOTION, second by S. Heaney, to GRANT CONDITIONAL APPROVAL TO THE TOWN OF BRISTOL. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO BE:

FINAL MEASUREMENTS (IN PARTICULAR, HEIGHT, TO BE DETERMINED AFTER MOCKING UP THE SIGN AND MAKING CERTAIN THAT THE SIGN WAS NOT TO TALL) AND MATERIALS (DEPENDENT UPON WHAT R. P. WILLIAMS WILL SUPPLY FOR THE POSTS AND WHAT MR. DINGMAN IS ABLE TO SUPPLY FOR THE FAUX SLATE SHINGLES. The motion CARRIED with 1 abstention.

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL (COA): UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST/TTCC

AND DOUGLAS WILLIAMS

The secretary read the application, abutters notified, where the hearing was advertised and stated that there were no telephone calls or any written correspondence received.

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HDC Minutes

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COA: UCC/TTCC/D. WILLIAMS continued:

Mr. Dingman mentioned that the Commission received no plan with dimensions to go by. Mr. Williams said that he had submitted one and the secretary acknowledged that she had not received it. Mr. Dingman continued by updating everyone to the fact that, at the PCC, Mr. Williams was told that they could replace the wall with like-for-like or a possibility would be to cover the surface with a stone facing.

Mr. Williams stated that they (Bristol Recreation Advisory Council, BRAC) discussed putting on the fake stone. They had a time schedule in which to do this project due to when the kids would be coming and they felt that they needed to do something to replace the wall for safety’s sake. As to replacing like-for-like, Mr. Williams explained that it would be too expensive for their budget. However, at the moment, Mr. Williams did not want to commit to saying they will put up fake stone facing as they do not have the funding at this time. Mr. Williams stated that, at the time, they had a lot of help offered: Mr. Haney for the concrete wall, Mr. Morrison for the granite steps as well as the town Water & Sewer and the Highway Dept. The latter to lower the sidewalk. Mr. Williams has yet to see a bill though they intend on paying something.

Mr. Williams stated that if there is money, they will look into facing the wall. They may hold a fund-raiser but, at this time, they are busy with fund-raisers for their regular operations. Again, he stated that he cannot commit to this however.

Mr. Dingman stated that the wall was rebuilt before they came in for approval. At the PCC, they could do like-for-like or something such as cladding with stone but now it seems they are not doing anything. He asked Mr. Williams if he could commit to cladding with stone if given time. Mr. Williams did not want to commit. He stated that they are unable to get grant money as they are not an historic building and they are associated with the Church. Mr. Dingman disagreed with this and asked if he had any of the denials with him. He did not.

Mr. Williams stated that, at the PCC, 7 people said to just do it. Ms. Heaney disagreed; she felt that Mr. Williams was making excuses for not doing what everyone else has to. Mr. Dingman added that Mr. Williams was given options. He was to check with BRAC to see if they would be able to do cladding. If you want to do so, we could give you a year or two in which to do it. We also said that we would be available to help find funding but no-one has approached. Mr. Williams stated that they will put stone work on but he cannot say when. They have no fundraiser in place right now.

Mr. VanDerven stated that this is where necessity & opportunity and history & laws clash. He guarantees that no-one will make them take the wall down and he can guarantee that the priority is to fund-raise for the kids. He suggested that a time be set like when you buy a car. Mr. Williams stated that it is $6200 for the stone and then they have to have someone do the work. Ms. Bonsteel suggested they do it piece-meal, starting in the front. Mr. Williams stated that it is $112.00 a box and we would have one patch of rock for who knows how long. The mason stated that they should start at the corner. A discussion followed.

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HDC Minutes

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COA: UCC/TTCC/D. WILLIAMS continued:

Mr. Dingman did not feel that Mr. Williams is trying to do this. Mr. Williams stated that he did commit to making the wall safe but looking at the historic aspect is secondary. Mr. VanDerven asked what if the town came up with additional money for them. Mr. Williams doubted that happening. He added that no-one has responded tonight and he questioned that there have been any complaints. He spoke with several of the abutters and they like the new wall better because it is no longer deteriorating.

Mr. VanDerven asked if Mr. Williams would do the facing if someone came up with the money for them and Mr. Williams stated that he would do so in a heartbeat. Ms. Heaney explained that basing not being able to do what is asked due to lack of funds puts the HDC in a difficult position. Anyone can say they don’t have the money. It is the HDC’s job to enforce the Historic District Ordinance.

Mr. Douglas stated that it is his understanding that the TTCC folks would like to have the wall stone faced but they cannot do so right now. Mr. Douglas is not sure how to handle this but we are still available to help find funding.

Mr. Weston stated that, it was the intent at last town meeting, to hire a grant writer. One could be used for this. The parties (HDC and TTCC) are not too far apart.

Mr. Dingman felt that, at the last meeting, tonight’s hearing would only take a couple of minutes. He would like to see something like “can you help us and we shall try”. Mr. Williams volunteered to send a copy of the BRAC minutes to the commission.

Mr. VanDerven stated that the TTCC had to do this project in their time frame. The HDC is worried that they will never see the historic part of it done. He asked what the commission would do if this room was standing room only and they only wanted something like moss to grow over the concrete. What would happen if they only got $4,000 and could only do the bottom and place plantings at the top. Mr. Dingman answered that, if they could not get the funding, the commission would entertain another suggestion. Mr. Williams stated that they will try to make this work. Mr. Dingman added that they could look at a time frame of 2 years and can come back in.

Mr. VanDerven stated that there is a new Town Budget Committee and he feels that they would be willing to put an additional $10,000 in for the TTCC. Mr. Williams stated that their budget is pretty much level-funded. Barbara Greenwood, BRAC, mentioned that they also need to be sure to keep the building heated for the kids and the roof needs replacing. Mr. Williams added that they need to preserve the roof before they think about stones. As it is, they took money from the roof to do the wall. Mr. Dingman agreed that the wall is a small consideration in comparison.

Mr. Williams felt that it would be a minimum of the first of the year before they would know what they can and can’t do; once they get the next year’s budget ready. Mr. VanDerven thought that they should wait until after town meeting. Mr. Dingman agreed but suggested that they set the time for them to come back in to see the commission to be next July.

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HDC Minutes

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COA: UCC/TTCC/D. WILLIAMS continued:

Mr. VanDerven mentioned that the TTCC sent out letters to try to get smart people’s help as to how to raise money. BRAC has 12 members on board with only 3 that are active. He felt that when we look for a charrette, it shows that we have money problems. The additional problem for the TTCC is their concern for where to get the money. Mr. Dingman stated that, if they come back in with a plan for brick, it would be okay. Anything that will make the wall fit in with the Historic District. Mr. VanDerven stated that John Suldenski has a lot of used brick in the mica building which he wishes to give away. Mr. Williams stated that they would still need someone to do the masonry.

Mr. Dingman said that they should come back in a year and, if nothing happens in that year, they can give us a status report. In the meantime, he will work with Mr. Weston to look into possible funding. Check in with the HDC at their July 2009 meeting.

Mr. Williams explained that they tried to get 25 people from around the country to give them advice on funding and only got 3 responses. Those 3 are now down to Doug Williams! He is willing to hear anything at this point.

The HDC agreed to have the TTCC hearing continued to July 2009.

At this time, the applicants, Mr. Weston and Mr. VanDerven left.

MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2008

The following amendments and clarifications were made:

Page 2, 1^st paragraph, 2^nd line, following “BRAC” insert “(Bristol Recreation Advisory Council)”. 3^rd paragraph, last line, add “for a Certificate of Approval.” After “process”.

4^th paragraph, delete the 2^nd sentence. 5^th paragraph, 1^st line, replace “they” with “the TTCC”, and line 3, insert “public” before “hearing”. 6^th paragraph, 1^st line, delete “monetary”. Page 3, paragraph 3, 5^th line, delete “It is about history, he added.” And replace with “Grant eligibility for Historic Preservation is dependent on a building’s history; religious affiliation does not matter.” Paragraph 4, 2^nd line, following “etc.” insert “showing”. Paragraph 5, 4^th line, insert “Ms. Heaney stated that there are a number of concerns in addition to safety that the commission must consider.” before “Mr. Alpers felt”. Line 5^th and 6^th line, eliminate sentence beginning with “Ms. Heaney”. Page 4, under DESIGN STANDARDS, 3^rd paragraph, 3^rd line, replace “keep her in the loop.” with “help to involve her.”

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

COMMUNICATIONS:

An invitation by the NH Preservation Alliance was read. As it costs $75.00 each, it was left to any individual who wished to go would do so at their own expense as our budget would not cover this.

Mr. Douglas took the NH Preservation Alliance News to read.

With no other business, S. Heaney made a motion, second by L. Douglas to adjourn at 8:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jan Laferriere, secretary