HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MINUTES

October 14, 2008

APPROVED AS AMENDED:

on 11/11/08  jrl____________

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

                                    WORKSHOP:  GUIDELINES/BYLAWS

ATTEND:                    Clay Dingman (Chairman), Larry Douglas (Vice-Chair.), Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney,

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

OTHER:                       -----

 The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.    

MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2008: 

            The following amendments and clarifications were made:  Page 1, under Shawn P. Economides, 1^st paragraph, 7^th line, replace “Sheffield” with “Sheffy”.  Page 2, 2^nd paragraph, 1^st line, replace “directed to” to “directed on”. 

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

CONT. COA:  DOUG VOELBEL/SARA SHATTUCK:

            Ms. Shattuck had asked to have this hearing continued:  S. Heaney made a MOTION, second by C. Dingman, to CONTINUE THE HEARING OF SARA SHATTUCK TO NOVEMBER 11, 2008.  The motion CARRIED.

CORRESPONDENCE:

            The notice for the lecture and tour on “19^th Century Decorative Wall Painting in New England” was discussed.  The secretary will hold the Preservation Alliance News for anyone who wishes to read it.  The announcement of Halloween activities in Bristol for 10/31/08 were read.

PlanNH:  A short discussion was held on what the Planning Board had discussed at their last meeting.  Everyone is waiting for the final booklet.

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HDC Minutes

10/14/08

DESIGN GUIDELINES:

            Mr. Dingman distributed his draft for design guidelines and asked the members to look them over. 

            Ms. Gordon mentioned that we need some relief via waiving.  Ms. Heaney asked the difference between a waiver vs. a variance.  Mr. Dingman answered that Design Guidelines can be waived; a variance is for relief from something in the zoning ordinance.  A discussion was held where siding suggestions and windows were mentioned.  Mr. Dingman stated that original vs. new are often better as vinyl will deteriorate within 20 years.  Ms. Heaney stated that some companies restore original windows.  Mr. Dingman felt that the Commission should take this approach if we can.  Ms. Heaney added that more people are going green and she thought that interest in old buildings would increase.

            Mr. Dingman mentioned sandwich boards and said that Ms. Bonsteel, Land Use Officer, had picked up the Mill’s board.  He feels that letters need to be sent to the hair salon and the barber.  It was felt that the barber needs to come in for approval; he can keep the pole up as a temporary sign while getting his Certificate of Approval.  The Commission wants things to be smooth and fair to all.  It was noted that the barber has been calling the individual commission members directly to try to get around this.  All were reminded that no one member can make a decision outside of a public meeting.

            Ms. Gordon expressed that she is concerned about the regulations being a stumbling block to businesses.  Mr. Dingman suggested that we might set up a Minor hearing like the Planning Board has with Site Plans, or give some of the authority to the Land Use Officer.  A discussion was held on how to “fast track” the process.  It was felt that the commission should give Ms. Bonsteel some time to get caught up.

            Mr. Dingman mentioned all the businesses that have come in and out.  Ms. Gordon asked if the businesses would be doing anything different without this HDC process.  Mr. Dingman did not think so and mentioned that the Bernier’s and the Mill did a lot.  Ms. Heaney added that the Taste of Italy did as well.  It was mentioned that guidelines would give the Land Use Officer “teeth”.  Ms. Heaney suggested that a draft copy of the guidelines be given to Ms. Bonsteel for her input.

            Mr. Dingman mentioned the 3 signs that he has asked Ms. Bonsteel to get done and he has also asked the Town Manager, Paul Weston, to hold the money over.

            Ms. Heaney and Mr. Douglas mentioned that the Taste of Italy is to be seafood and pizza now.  It was also mentioned that the Rusty Skillet is leaving and possibly the Mexican Restaurant.  Joe Santamaria has purchased the brick building across from the Diner and rumor has it that it will be a gym.  He is also looking into boat storage (across from R. P. Williams).  Ms. Gordon mentioned that, in the 60’s, there was something like House Beautiful in the brick building. 

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HDC Minutes

10/14/08

NEXT MEETING:

            The next meeting will be held Nov. 11^th.  We shall need to adjust the bylaws as far as the quorum is concerned.  Ms. Heaney noted that the Commission needs alternates.  She asked if vinyl letters with gold trim to look old be okay for signs and Mr. Dingman answered that it would if it looks professional.  Ms. Heaney stated that, in all fairness to the applicants who have come in for a hearing, we need the others to do the same and do their signs properly.

With no other business, C. Dingman made a motion, second by L. Douglas, to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            Jan Laferriere, secretary