Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Jul 29 2022 12:17 pm FITCHBURG HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Minutes for April 28, 2022, Meeting Attendees: Keith Chenot, Meagen Donoghue, Ellen DiGeronimo, and Sam Blair 1. Table the review of minutes for February 2022 2. Table the review of minutes for March 2022 3. FHC Rules & Regulations & Monument Park Local Historic District Design Guidelines: On April 4, 2022, draft copies of our proposed FHC Rules & Regulations and the Monument Park Local Historic District Design Guidelines were sent to the Community Development Office and the Building Commissioner. Tom Skwierawski returned comments. Keith included those comments in a new/updated version. Building Commissioner was pleased with the concept. Vote #1: Ellen motioned to approve the Fitchburg Historical Commission Rules and Regulations, seconded by Meagen, approved unanimously. Ellen recognized Keith and Sam for their outstanding work on the Rules & Regulations with our gratitude. Vote #2: Ellen motioned to approve the Monument Park Local Historic District Design Guidelines, seconded by Keith, approved unanimously. 4. Update on Demolition Delay Ordinance: Keith wanted to work on a draft of a plan for education to inform the City Council and Community & Development and invite them to come to a future meeting or meet with them to discuss the proposed Demolition Delay Ordinance. In addition, it is important that the members of the Commission be prepared to speak with individual members of the City Council to garner their support prior to submitting the Ordinance to the City Council. 5. Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance: Susan Navarre, Executive Director of the Historical Society passed on comment after the meeting to Keith. She is interested in colonial stone walls and wants to create an article for the HS newsletter and other publications. Keith thought the article would help educate the public in their historic importance prior to submitting any ordinance version to the City Council. Sam advised not to confuse quarry and field stone walls. 6. Simons Saw documentation tabled for a future meeting 7. Brochure: In process. Update at next meeting. 8. Commission Vacancy: Prospective new members: Tracy Sladen is interested but was unable to attend today’s meeting. The Historical Society recommended Andy Lipasti. He has been involved with Faith United Parish and the Rollstone Congregational Church as a Trustee (Note: both church buildings were designed by Henry M. Francis). 9. Ellen asked for a special meeting to discuss the Wallace Building stones. Meagen will take pictures of them, and Keith will send out a student project of the Stones. 10. Historic Markers: Keith is speaking with Wass Arthur about making the signs. 11. Next meeting May 26, 2022. Meeting adjourned. Co-Secretary: Ellen DiGeronimo