2008-09-02 Historical Commission Minutes

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Reading Historical Commission Meeting Minutes September 292008 Meeting called to order at 7:55 pm at the Town Hall Berger Room Commission Members in attendance included: Virginia Adams, Member Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Secretary M :;E Mark Cardono, Member Angela Binda G-) M Kathy Greenfield, Chair Susan Patterson - DII> 70 CD r:, Cn Minutes: cr7 • Minutes - Minutes from the meeting of July 8t' were reviewed. Virginia moved ` 6 accept the minutes as amended. Sharlene seconded. Approved 3-0-1. Minutes from the meeting of August 14t` were reviewed. Mark moved to accept the minutes as amended. Virginia seconded. Approved 4-0. • Smart Growth 40R - Kathy noted that since our last meeting she submitted our input to Carol Kowalski the Town Planner. The key issues were the idea of subdistricts and to limit structures to three stories. Angela; who saw the selectmen's meeting; shared her take on what they discussed regarding the 40R zoning proposal. There seemed to be some disappointment in the presentation suggesting that there be a review of the mixed use Zoning. Subdistricts may be needed due to the difference in scale of various neighborhoods. Virginia mentioned the significance of keeping up with CPDC's meetinglopinions on this districting. • Sidewalk Plaques - After Peter Hechenbleikner had asked about the plaques being in the brick bands as opposed to being in the sidewalk. Virginia noticed that some sidewalks had been poured and there was no space for the plaques. Assuming a decision was made to put the plaques in the brick banding she talked with Carol and learned that no such decision had been made. It was then discovered that the plans being used by those pouring the sidewalks were not up to date like the Town Engineers. Later more sidewalks were poured leaving the space for the plaques, that were much larger than needed and the spaces for the plaques were not positioned as planned. Some plaques are site specific and will still be in the right general location. Other are moved slightly and one is missing. Kathy is working with the granite company to get proofs. Virginia made a presentation to the DownTown Steering Committee recently requesting funding for this project. There are other groups making requests being made also and a decision will be made at an upcoming meeting. Virginia and Kathy had worked up some text for the plaques and circulated them for comments. Some revisions will likely be made prior to ordering the plaques. The urgency of this is currently unknown. • FY 10 Budget - Any changes in the Commission budget need to be submitted soon for consideration in the 2009 budget. Discussion ensued about the need for funding to improve the historical & architectural inventory as Peter has requested. It may not be realistic to attempt completing it in a single year so it was determined that a multiyear approach should be used. A request of an additional $1,000.00 for this purpose will be made. These funds will be used to update and add to the inventory with our own time and effort and that of a consultant. • Treasurers Report - Sharlene moved to pay Elena Dube up to $500.00 for data entry in the Archives in FY '09. Funds are to come from the general fund and there will be the option to increase this amount later in the year. Virginia seconded. Vote 4-0. • Certified Local Government designation - Chris Skelly and Carol Kowalski have discussed what is involved with Reading applying for this designation, Chris felt that we do most of the