Heritage Commission

CITY OF LACONIA HERITAGE COMMISSION February 14, 2018 MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER: J. Whitehead called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. II. PRESENT: J. Whitehead (Chair), D. Duffy, M. Hoey, M. Boudman, C. Tokarz, M. Haynes (City Council Liaison). STAFF: D. Wood (recording the meeting). III. MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting on January 10, 2018 were reviewed. D. Duffy made a motion to approve the Minutes. C. Tokarz seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. . IV. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: J. Whitehead introduced Mark Haynes, the City Council Liaison, to the Commission, and a brief discussion ensued to update M. Haynes on the goals and some of the projects of the Commission. M. Haynes said that the property at 173 Franklin Street was discussed at the City Council meeting. This property is in very bad condition and looks abandoned, although the taxes have been paid. The council voted unanimously to give the owner 45 days to either repair or demolish the structure or the City will move forward to repair or demolish the structure with a lien on the property. V. PLANNING BOARD UPDATE: J. Whitehead said that she had attended the Planning Board Meeting on 2/13/2018, but there was nothing of relevance to the Heritage Commission. VI. OLD BUSINESS: A. Area Studies/Photography: J. Whitehead said photographing will begin when the snow is gone and asked for volunteers to help with the project. C. Tokarz said she will send all Commissioners the parameters for taking pictures. C. Tokarz said it might be good to do a press release in the newspaper to alert people about the photographs being taken.  B. Property Restoration Recognition: D. Duffy passed around a draft copy of a certificate she had made. She said that we would need the support of the city Council before giving any award. M. Haynes said he will look into it with the City Council. D. Duffy said the goal is to publicize the Heritage Commission and let people know what we’re doing. The commission is looking for a property owner who renovates a property (preferably an old building) and while keeping the integrity of the building, puts it to new use. J. Whitehead asked if the Commission should give more than one award, and M. Hoey said that maybe they should start with one and then expand. C. St. Joseph’s Church: J. Whitehead asked if there was anything new. M. Haynes said that he is a parishioner and will keep the Heritage Commission informed of any new developments. VII. NEW BUSINESS: A. Historic Structure Directory: Already addressed at previous meeting. B. Recruitment of New Members/Volunteers: C. Tokarz asked for any recommendations about how to recruit new members. Openings on various commissions/boards are always published in the newspaper. D. Duffy suggested the best way might be to approach people who are interested in preserving Laconia’s history. M. Boudman suggested an interview on the public TV channel. C. Tokarz said that Neil Young has a radio show and does interviews. C. Tokarz said she will contact Nancy Brown to see if she can put a blurb in Laconia Links on what’s on public TV for local interest. C. 125th Anniversary Celebration: J. Whitehead suggested that maybe they could do a house tour again. D. Duffy said that the Historic Society may already have something like that scheduled. M. Haynes said during the Pumpkin Fest might be a good time to do a house tour as so many people are around town, and Pleasant Street is close to town. J. Whitehead said that either the 125th Anniversary or Pumpkin Fest would be good. C. Tokarz said she would contact Pam Clark regarding the 125th Anniversary. D. Budget: C. Tokarz asked J. Whitehead if the Heritage Commission’s budget was approved. J. Whitehead said she will look into it. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None IX. ADJOURNMENT: C. Tokarz made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by M. Hoey. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.