Heritage Commission

CITY OF LACONIA HERITAGE COMMISSION 5:00 PM City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Accepted 4/14/2021 3/10/2021 - Minutes 1. Call to order Michael Sweet read the emeeting intro: As Chair of the Heritage Commission, due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus crisis and in accordance with Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, this Board is authorized to meet electronically. Please note that while there is a physical location to observe and listen to the meeting, the meeting is also being conducted electronically, which was authorized pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Order. Participants may choose which option to use. However, in accordance with the Emergency Order, this is to confirm that we are: a) Providing public access to the meeting by telephone, with additional access possibilities by video or other electronic means; In addition to the “in person” option, we are utilizing the Zoom platform for this meeting where all members of the Board will have the ability to communicate, and the public will have access to watch or listen to this meeting through dialing the following phone # 1-312-626-6799. To participate in the meeting, you need to log on to Zoom: then type the Webinar ID: 844 5011 0935. b) Providing public notice of the necessary information for accessing the meeting; We previously gave notice to the public of how to access the meeting using Zoom, and instructions are provided on the City of Laconia’s website at laconianh.gov c) Providing a mechanism for the public to alert the public body during the meeting if there are problems with access; If anybody has a problem, please call 524-3877 x 249 or email at: planning@laconianh.gov d) Adjourning the meeting if the public is unable to access the meeting. In the event the public is unable to access the meeting, we will adjourn the meeting and have it rescheduled at that time. Please note that all votes that are taken during this meeting shall be done by Roll Call vote. Let’s start the meeting by taking a Roll Call attendance. When each member states their presence, also please state whether there is anyone in the room with you during this meeting, which is required under the Right-to-Know law. Chair M. Sweet called the meeting to order at 5:12 PM. 2. Salute to the flag Chair M. Sweet led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll call Members present at City Hall: Michael Sweet, Dorothy Duffy, Mark Haynes Members present via Zoom: Jane Whitehead, Catherine Tokarz, Lois Kessin All members via Zoom were alone. 4. Recording secretary Kalena Graham 5. Staff in attendance 4. Recording secretary Kalena Graham 5. Staff in attendance Planning Director Dean Trefethen 6. Acceptance of Minutes from previous meeting 6.I. Acceptance of minutes from February 10 Motion to accept the minutes made by L. Kessin, C. Tokarz seconded. All voted in favor by roll call vote. 7. City Council Liaison Report M. Haynes mentioned that 30 Church Street has a purchase and sales agreement and proposed be used as a residence. There were multiple bid and interests, but Council decided that the best use was to keep it as residential. With 50 Church Street, Council is still taking offers. He mentioned the House Bill 2 which will give rights for the state to sell the property in Laconia without any input. It is in the Legislation process and feels that it should be watched. He encouraged all to keep an eye out. The concern is that all the forward progress that has been made will go by the wayside. The Commission has concerns regarding Ahern Park and that it would be part of that. J. Whitehead has concern that one the Lakeshore Redevelopment members is for the bill and concern for the historical structures that are on the site. M. Haynes noted that the Council feels the need to use a little bit of diplomacy. 8. Planning Board update D. Duffy mentioned there have been a bunch of wetlands conditional use permits and revocations but nothing related to the Heritage Commission. 9. Old business 9.I. Update from Mae Williams Planning Director D. Trefethen was hoping to connect with M. Williams prior to the meeting but had been unable to. He is hoping to for next month. 9.II. Update on 76 Lakeside Ave Planning Director D. Trefethen has had several conversations with the applicant and the applicant is continuing to receive interest in the building and researching costs of moving the structure. The estimated cost for just moving the building, not including the site it would be going to, the rehab that would be needed or any other site involved work starts near one hundred thousand dollars. The closest person of interest has decided to pass. The sixty days end March 12. The owners do not plan to demolish until closer to the end of the year and will leave the option out there until the time comes. 10. New business C. Tokarz mentioned the properties on Washington that used to be the monastery, she would like to look at the photograph before something happens to them. Planning Director D. Trefethen will reach out to see about getting access. J. Whitehead mentioned the Old House and Barn Expo coming up by the NHPA. C. Tokarz asked where she could bring some circa 1800 news papers she had found and it was suggested to give to Warren Huse or the Historical Society. 10.I. 170 Paugus Park Road  C. Tokarz asked where she could bring some circa 1800 news papers she had found and it was suggested to give to Warren Huse or the Historical Society. 10.I. 170 Paugus Park Road Applicant: Keith Ronan addressed the Commission via Zoom. The proposal is to raze and rebuild. He noted that it is a great piece of real estate but too small for his large family. He has started removing things and has saved what is salvageable and will donate what he can. He is working with Steve Smith & Associates on the rebuild and hoping to take advantage of the spring to be enjoying the new place by summer. Motion to approve the issuance of the demolition permit made by M. Haynes, L. Kessin seconded. All voted in favor by roll call vote. 10.II. 645 Union Ave Applicant: Tom Cantin addressed the Commission. He noted that he was before the Commission last fall for 60 mechanic Street demolition for his employee parking lot. He originally was approved to use the building as parts storage for when engineering looked at it the foundation wasn’t conducive to the parts’ weight. There are no redeemable architectural qualities and it looks like it has been totally renovated many times since it was constructed. The applicant will be before the Planning Board again for the new proposal of expansion of the parking lot as the building’s intended use will not work. There will be landscaping to make the lot look as nice as it can. D. Duffy asked if there was Master Plan in the future and T. Cantin noted that the area has had a tremendous improved over the past few years and briefly explained his hopes for the area around his properties. D. Duffy asked if he would share his parking area at time where the lots are empty and the business is closed and was told yes, that he has already in past events. Motion to approve the issuance of the demolition permit made by M Haynes, D. Duffy seconded. All voted in favor by roll call vote. 11. Public comment There was no public for comment 12. Other business 13. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:46 PM Respectfully, K. Graham