Provincetown Historical Commission

August 17, 2007

Minutes

 

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am

Members Present: Eric Dray, Stephen Borkowski, Stephen Milkewicz, Char Priolo

Others Present: Harry Opsahl, Steve Jerome, Staff Liaison Doug Johnstone

 

 

1.  Review and Approve Agenda

 

Eric Dray moved to approve the agenda.  Stephen Milkewicz seconded.

 

Approved: 3-0-0

 

2.  Review and Approve Minutes

 

There were no minutes to approve.

 

Char Priolo arrived at 9:05 am.

 

3.  Public Statements

 

There were no public statements.

 

4.  Oral History Project

 

Johnstone confirmed Cable Advisory Commission’s presence at next Historical Commission meeting to discuss potential PTV assistance to the Project.  Johnstone also cited www.digitalcommonwealth.org as a reference when investigating other Oral History components available via websites.

 

5.  Town Buildings

 

Town Hall RFQ: Johnstone reported that the Request for Qualifications for Architectural and Structural Services for Town Hall Repairs was issued, with a deadline for submissions on Thursday, August 30th by 3:00 pm.  The proposals will be reviewed by a committee that consists of: Historical Commission Chair Eric Dray, Town Manager Sharon Lynn, Municipal Finance Director Alix Heilala, Assessor Paul Gavin, Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz, DPW Administrative Financial Coordinator Dana Faris, Building Inspector Russell Braun, and Town Clerk Doug Johnstone.  The first meeting to discuss the merits of the proposals is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12th.

 

Public Library: Dray reported his concerns about the belfry sheathing, which has permanently altered the historic structure.   As discussed in a prior meeting, Priolo drafted a letter to the Banner regarding the Library’s progress in restoring the building, and received comments.  The Commission decided not to send the letter in light of recent developments and strategized about how to incorporate the Historical Commission’s goals into the Town’s process in relation to Town-owned buildings.  Dray to draft a letter to the Board of Library Trustees with his concerns and Commission’s goals.

 

Fire House #2:  The Commission did not feel a need to discuss how Fire House #2 should be utilized.

 

6.  History Summit Planning

 

This item was moved to the next Commission agenda on August 31st.

 

7.  Murchison House

 

Dray stated that it may be premature to submit house for national recognition.  Dray suggested pursuing initial channels of historical designation and protection of the building, and to strategize about protection/preservation on the local level.

 

8.  New Business

 

Historical Commission Representative to the Community Preservation Committee: Polites prepared to resign as the Historical Commission’s representative to the Community Preservation Committee when his term expires on August 23, 2007.  Item to be placed on the next Commission agenda to determine who will represent the Commission on the Community Preservation Committee.

 

U.S. Department of the Interior:  Dray received a letter from the U.S. Department of the Interior soliciting input on planned renovations to the Race Point Coast Guard Station.  Milkewicz to follow-up.

 

Cape Cod Commission: Dray reported that the Cape Cod Commission will be holding a meeting on August 23rd to update their regulatory policy plan and those interested should attend.

 

Historic Walking Trail:  The Visitor Services Board has asked for Commission help in identifying historic structures to include in Historic Walking Trail development.  Dray to contact Tourism Director with suggestion that the Visitor Services Board generate a list which can then be reviewed by the Commission to see if there are any buildings omitted.

 

Winterthur Museum Request:  Johnstone reported that the Winterthur Museum has requested use of Provincetown photographs to include in a book they are creating on early American furniture, and has solicited his help in identifying the source of the pictures in order to secure permission to publish.  Borkowski offered to follow-up on the request and to work with the Museum.

 

Hawthorne School of Art Property: Harry Opsahl and Steve Jerome discussed with the Commission ways to preserve the barn and surrounding land, and possible Historical Commission involvement in crafting a future Town Meeting article for the Town to purchase the land.  Dray suggested incorporating as a non-profit before moving forward with any future Community Preservation Act funding proposals, and to develop a scope of services and cost for their overall plan for the property.  Dray noted that the building is on the National Register, so is protected to some extent through the Cape Cod Commission since the Cape Cod Commission has the review authority through the National Register.

 

Next Meeting: Friday, August 31, 2007 9:00 am.