Historical Commission

April 18, 2008

Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am.

Members Present: Eric Dray, Taylor Polites, Polly Burnell, Steven Milkowitz, Stephen Borkowski.

Members Absent: Stephen Desroches (excused), Char Priolo (unexcused).

Also Present: Doug Johnstone

1. Review and Approval of Agenda

Polites so moved; Milkowitz seconded.

Approved 5-0-0.

2. Review and Approval of Minutes of April 4, 2008

Burnell corrected item #5 to reflect that she recused herself from the vote on Article 11.2E, she did not abstain.

Burnell moved to approved minutes as amended; Borkowski seconded.

Approved 5-0-0.

3. Public statements.

None.

Dray reported that he heard from Library Director Debra DeJonker-Berry that soil had been put down in front of the Public Library.

4. History Summit Planning

Alternative venues were considered in case the Summit can no longer be held in the Town Hall Auditorium due to safety issues. The Freeman Street Library was considered, both the first floor, if Seashore Point has vacated the office by then, or the second floor. The Library was discussed, as well as the Fine Arts Work Center. Johnstone to follow-up with the Town to determine if Town Hall is still suitable, and to check on availability with the Library Director should that space be needed.

Dray contacted Farland regarding catering the event. Johnstone confirmed that the Historical Commission budget still contained $500 that could be used to fund the event.

Dray will draft text for the History Summit invitation with invitation to be finalized at the next Commission meeting in preparation for mailing that same day.

Press Release and other Summit considerations to be discussed at the next Commission meeting.

5. Role of Commission on Town-Owned Historical Buildings Rehabilitation Projects

Dray spoke to the Town Manager and circulated copies of a draft letter to the Selectmen outlining the scope of work and role of the Historical Commission in providing assistance in the rehabilitation of Town-owned historic resources. Dray will attach appropriate sections from a 2006 Planning document that contains an overview of each property. Comments were solicited on the draft letter. Dray will formalize the letter in anticipation of a future agenda item for the Board of Selectmen’s consideration.

6. Old Business

Historic Walking Trail Update: Polites reported no movement since Laurel Guadazno and the Tourism Director had been unavailable. Polites is considering conducting the research and compiling the information on his own to create a draft brochure that the Historical Commission can then present to the Visitor Services Board. Burnell expressed an interest in helping Polites on this project. Dray suggested that the Historical Commission be featured prominently on the brochure to highlight the Commission’s presence in the community. Once a draft brochure is created the Commission discussed scheduling a joint meeting with the Visitor Services Board.

Oral History Project: Update added to next Commission agenda.

7. New Business

None

8. Set Agenda and Date for Next Meeting

Friday, May 2, 2008 at 9 am

Burnell motioned to adjourn the meeting, Polites seconded.

Approved 5-0-0.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 am.