Heritage Commission

CITY OF LACONIA HERITAGE COMMISSION December 11, 2019 MINUTES I. Call to Order: Jane Whitehead called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. II. Present: J. Whitehead (Chair), L. Kessin, M. Sweet, M. Haynes Absent: D. Duffy, C. Tokarz Staff: D. Trefethen (Director) D. Wood (recording the meeting) III. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting on November 13, 2019, were reviewed. M. Haynes made a motion to approve the Minutes. M. Sweet seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously with one abstention from L. Kessin, who was absent IV. Public meeting: Demolition permit Applications: J. Whitehead read questions 1, 2, & 3 and asked if all Commissioners understood the questions and all replied “yes” A. 27 Clinton Street, Lakeport: J. Whitehead read questions 4 & 5 which are specific to the structure to be demolished. All replied “no”. Mr. Nutter spoke on behalf of the owner. He said the owner’s intent on buying this property was to tear it down for a parking lot for the tenants of the abutting building (781 Union Ave.). J. Whitehead asked if the structure could be moved, and Mr. Nutter said it was doubtful that anyone would buy it and move it as the building had been home to squatters for years and the interior was uninhabitable in his opinion. J. Whitehead asked for a vote. M. Sweet made a motion to approve the DEMO application, which was seconded by L. Kessin, and it was approved unanimously. B. 96 Shore Drive: J. Whitehead read questions 4 & 5 which are specific to the structure to be demolished. All replied “no”. Kevin Morrissette, owner of 96 Shore Drive, said he recently purchased the property, and after inspection of the property, it made sense to DEMO it and build a new structure, as it had never been renovated, foundation leaks and needed new siding. M. Haynes made a motion to approve the application, which was seconded by M. Sweet and it was approved unanimously. V. City Council Liaison Report: M. Haynes said there were 2 issues – first was the short-term rental, which did pass with some amendments that will be attached to it. Second was the historic district which did pass. J. Whitehead said she was upset to hear that they cut the school out of the Historic District. Dean Trefethen said the next task was to get some commissioners on the Historic District board and added that the Heritage Commission should be represented on the board. VI. Planning Board Update: Nothing to report. VII. Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission report: M. Haynes said he and Dean Trefethen attended this meeting. M. Haynes said they were going to establish an authority that will allow them to start selling the property and it will have to go before the legislature. As far as the buildings on the property, he said they are working on grant writing and will make some determinations in the spring. They are also working on removing some of the contamination. As far as historic buildings, he said they are talking about getting a consultant to see which buildings can be saved. VIII. Old Business: Heritage Commission Preservation Awards: J. Whitehead said C. Tokarz had submitted a list of potential properties. J. Whitehead took pictures of the structures and passed the pictures around for the Commissioners to view. J. Whitehead suggested it might be good to select one from each area (Downtown, Lakeport and Weirs). IX. New Business: D. Trefethen said he was working on a contract for Mae Williams for the NH Department of Resources Inventory. He said we have the scope of tasks, and that is what Mae Williams’ quote was based on. He also said he would be the one to supervise her, and J. Whitehead said she would also like to be part of the process. X. Public Comments: None XI. Adjournment: L. Kessin made a motion to adjourn. M. Sweet seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.