December 12, 2006

The meeting was opened and called to order at 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES OF 21NOV2006: The only change to the minutes was to reference Mark Greenwood as a commission member, instead of as an alternate. Ms. Heaney made the MOTION to accept the minutes as amended, seconded by Ms. Gordon, to ACCEPT THE MINUTES. The motion CARRIED.

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL 26 CENTRAL SQUARE, JOE COLLITO: The list of abutters notified was read, as well as the review of public places of notification. No correspondence was received on the application. Mr. Collito stated he had taken over the business on October 1, 2006, and presented samples of his proposed sign to the commission. Mr. Collito explained the sign dimensions would be 24 inches by 144 inches constructed of wood, and then painted. Mr. Collito explained Newfound Sign and Graphics would be constructing the sign, and had previously done so for many of the Historic District businesses. Mr. Collito stated the sign would replace the one already in existence, and the only change to illumination would be to reposition (not move) the lighting to illuminate the sign better.

Ms. Heaney made the motion to accept the application as complete. Ms. Gordon seconded the motion. Mr. Dingman asked commission members for additional discussion.

Mr. Dingman asked Mr. Collito which of the two sign designs submitted with his application he preferred. Mr. Collito responded that he prefers the colors on design #2, consisting of a green background, the word "Joe’s" in red, and the words "Restaurant & Sports Bar" in cream. Mr. Collito explained that using these colors was in keeping with the current colors of the building, and the scheme of the downtown area. Mr. Douglas asked the applicant which of the two designs for sign shape he preferred. Mr. Collito stated option #2. Mr. Dingman asked that the typographic apostrophe in the word "Joe’s" should be used instead of the foot mark. Mr. Collito agreed. Ms. Heaney asked which of the two fonts or typefaces were preferred by Mr. Collito. Mr. Collito stated he liked the word "Joe’s" of design option #2. After some discussion it was decided that the typeface or font of design option #2 would be used for the word "Joe’s" and the typeface for "Restaurant & Sports Bar" in design option #1 would be used.

Ms. Heaney made the motion to issue Mr. Collito a Certificate of Approval with the following conditions.

Mr. Greenwood seconded the motion. ALL MEMBERS PRESENT ACCEPTED, The MOTION CARRIED. Ms. Heaney asked that Mr. Collito supply the Commission with a color version of the proposed sign designs, similar to the one Mr. Collito used in his presentation.

UPDATE: HIRE OF HDC SECRETARY: Ms. Marden was hired as the HDC Secretary as of December 8, 2006. Ms. Marden explained her background and experience to members, and members exchanged theirs as well. Ms. Marden asked Mr. Dingmam to forward all minutes to her for the purpose of keeping public records. Mr. Dingmam stated he would also email Ms. Marden with member email addresses as well.

CONTINUED TEMPORARY SIGN DISCUSSION: Mr. Dingman stated he had spoken to the Planning Board regarding the use and definition of temporary signs as written in the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Dingman said that the Planning board advised the Commission to consider using the term "interim sign" vs. "temporary sign" because the Zoning Ordinance already had a definition for "temporary sign" and this would avoid conflict in the Ordinace. Mr. Dingman added that the current wording for "temporary sign" could be found on pages 25 and 47 of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Greenwood stated during the summer months many sandwich-board signs are placed within the Historic District, and it actually takes away from the scenic view of downtown. Mr. Greenwood explained several businesses put out signs during these months. Ms. Fitzgerald agreed with Mr. Greenwood stating most of the businesses have the fold out accordion type signs lined up down the sidewalks during summer months. Mr. Dingman stated the commission needs to review the zoning ordinance looking at intent, purpose, and the process of approvals to cut down on the clutter in the Historic District.

NEW BUSINESS: LANDSCAPING: Ms. Fitzgerald stated the members also needed to discuss Landscaping issues within the Historic District. Mrs. Fitzgerald stated members needed to come up with a plan on how to get property owners to work together at landscaping this particular area showing them the benefits it will have on their properties.

BUDGET FOR 2006: Ms. Gordon stated the commission also needed to look at what items will need to be put in the 2007 Budget as the Budget Committee will soon be meeting to discuss it. Mr. Dingman stated he would like to request funding for membership in the NH Preservation Alliance as they have many useful materials and tools that could be utilized by the commission. Mr. Dingman stated membership is only $35 per year. Ms. Heaney suggested purchasing signs Historic District to raise awareness about the District Ms. Marden suggested a file cabinet to keep application files in. Mr. Dingman stated the budget can be discussed at the next meeting on January 9, 2007.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Heaney made the motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Douglas seconded the motion. All pressent ACCEPTED, and the MOTION CARRIED.