Heritage Commission

CITY OF LACONIA HERITAGE COMMISSION OCTOBER 10, 2018 MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER: Jane 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. Sweet ABSENT: M. Haynes STAFF: D. Wood (recording the meeting) III. MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting on September 12, 2018 were reviewed. D. Duffy pointed out one minor revision. D. Duffy made a motion to approve the Minutes with the revision. M. Boudman seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. IV. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: None V. PLANNING BOARD UPDATE: D. Duffy said she watched the meeting and checked the minutes of the meeting, and there was nothing that would pertain to the Heritage Commission. VI. REPORT ON VISIT TO RIVERBANK HOUSE FACILITIES: D. Duffy said that this was very successful. They only wish they were able to have had lunch at the Karma Café. J. Whitehead said they were considering giving an award to Riverbank House, but D. Duffy said this should be through the Preservation Alliance for repurposing. J. Whitehead asked if all were in agreement, and all were in agreement. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Property Restoration Recognition Awards: D. Duffy recommended 121 Pleasant Street, which is an old house (early 1900’s) and is now an apartment house. This property was also recently approved for a 6th apartment. D. Duffy said she will check with owners and also the City Manager. C. Tokarz asked if privately owned homes could be considered. She said she felt strongly that we should do privately owned houses first before commercial/multi-family. J. Whitehead said they will continue to consider 121 Pleasant Street and also check out privately owned properties. B. St. Joseph’s Church and News from the Vatican: J. Whitehead she read recently of a comparable issue at the Vatican where the San Marco convent was to be closed. She also reminded everyone of the letter C. Tokarz wrote to the Pope, which she had delivered to the Vatican.  C. Area Studies/Photography: C. Tokarz said that she and M. Boudman will be taking pictures in November when the conditions are right. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Demolition permit requests: J. Whitehead said a DEMO application was received for 148 Warren Street. She said she went by to view the property and said it was a derelict property. After discussion, it was agreed that the DEMO application should be approved. M. Boudman made a motion to approve the application, which was seconded by M. Hoey and it was approved unanimously. B. Joint letter from Commission members: Lakeport Fire Station/boat storage – J. Whitehead said the Lakeport Fire Station/Boat Storage Facility was discussed at the meeting in September. She said she did research and will draft a letter expressing the opinions of the Heritage Commission and bring it to the next meeting in November and also send it along to the Commissioners to review. C. Upcoming events: 1. Tour of Register of Deeds: D. Duffy said she has arranged a tour on October 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. J. Whitehead said Commissioners who want to attend should meet at the Superior Court. 2. Joint Gilford and Laconia Historical Societies meeting: J. Whitehead said this will be held on October 15, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. and encouraged Commissioners to attend as she thought it would be interesting. 3. J. Whitehead said there will also be a meeting sponsored by NH Preservation Alliance “Seven to Save” in Washington, NH on October 16, 2018. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None X. ADJOURNMENT: M. Sweet made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by D. Duffy. All were in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.