Heritage Commission

CITY OF LACONIA HERITAGE COMMISSION October 10, 2019 MINUTES I. Call to Order: Jane Whitehead called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. II. Present: J. Whitehead (Chair), D. Duffy, L. Kessin, C. Tokarz, M. Sweet, M. Haynes Staff: D. Wood (recording the meeting) III. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of September 11, 2019, were reviewed. C. Tokarz made a motion to approve the Minutes. M. Sweet seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. IV. City Council Liaison Report: M. Haynes said there was discussion about the Air BNB and it will be going back to the Planning Department. V. Planning Board Update: L. Kessin said she attended the meeting on the historic overlay district and some of the members reported concern about being told what they could do with their property. There will be a meeting on November 6, 2019, about the historic overlay district. There was also discussion about 1330 Union Avenue (Bartons Motel) proposed condo development. The Board approved 111 Church Street which would provide more housing units. VI. NH Preservation News: A. Seven to Save: J. Whitehead said she and D. Duffy attended the meeting on October 1, 2019 in Danbury. They had a tour of 3 historic structures. B. Moultonborough, French-Taylor House: J. Whitehead said that a deal to save this property fell through and the Town is now looking to take it down. VII. Old Business: A. NH Department of Historic Resources Inventory. Mae Williams spoke about putting together an area form, boundaries and cost. She presented an estimate which she thought was fair. Mae Williams said she thinks we should expand from what was proposed in the 80’s for the historic district and said the downtown area didn’t include the Mills. She said Tara Shore had an idea of having a table at the upcoming Pumpkin Festival. Mae Williams said she would check into getting some materials/information about the historic district and resources area. Mae Williams said she would write up a contract, breakdown proposal and timing perspective and present it at our November meeting.  B. Heritage Commission Preservation Awards: J. Whitehead said the subcommittee members (J. Whitehead, D. Duffy and M. Sweet) will meet to finalize a plan. C. Recognition for retired Heritage Commission members: J. Whitehead said they will have a luncheon on Friday, October 25, 2019, for Mary Jane Hoey and Mary Ellen Boudman. VIII. New Business: Demolition permit applications: Following the new protocol, J. Whitehead read questions 1, 2 & 3 and asked if all Commissioners understood the questions and all replied “yes”. Questions 4 & 5 are specific to the structure to be demolished. A. 1 Winnisquam Ave: J. Whitehead asked if any Commissioner had any financial interest in either its demolition or preservation. All replied “no”. J. Whitehead asked if any Commissioner had any personal interest in either its demolition or its preservation. All replied “no”. C. Tokarz made a motion to approve the application. M. Sweet seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. B. 54 McKinley Rd. #3 - J. Whitehead asked if any Commissioner had any financial interest in either its demolition or preservation. All replied “no”. J. Whitehead asked if any Commissioner had any personal interest in either its demolition or its preservation. All replied “no”. L. Kessin made motion to approve the application. M. Sweet seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. C. 630 Elm St. - J. Whitehead asked if any Commissioner had any financial interest in either its demolition or preservation. All replied “no”. J. Whitehead asked if any Commissioner had any personal interest in either its demolition or its preservation. All replied “no”. J. Whitehead said this house has architectural value and asked if any were in favor of approving the application. All Commissioners were opposed to approving the application; therefore, J. Whitehead did not sign the application. IX. Public Comments: None X. Adjournment: C. Tokarz made a motion to adjourn. L. Kessin seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm.