1998-01-05 Historical Commission Minutes

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Minutes Reading Historical Commission January 5, 1998 Meeting convened at 7:45 p.m. Regular members present: Virginia Adams, David O'Sullivan, Gladys Montgomery Jones, Roberta. Sullivan Associate members present: Wilbar Hoxie, Louise Sandberg, Alan Ulrich Guests: Bill Griset, Steven Trites, Will Finch, JoanAnne Marshall, Peggy White, Donna Burgess, Everett Blodgett, Ray Couture, Kurt Habel, Curt Nitsche, David Goodemote. • Steven Trites announced that Tom Silva of This Old House will speak at the Reading Public Library under the sponsorship of the Antiquarian Society on February 8 at 2PM. • David O'Sullivan opened the meeting with an introduction of RHC members and a situation summary about the Foster-Emerson House that has led the Commission to try to encourage interested members of the community to start a non-profit Reading Friends of Historic Preservation Group: i.e., because to keep the house intact and in Reading may require that some group seek financing, supervise moving the house, restoration, sale and repayment of investors or lenders tasks that the law prohibits RHC from doing. Various topics of discussion included insurance costs and liability, specifics about the above tasks, the Massachusetts Historical Commission grant program, creation of another Town museum, siting, Meadow Brook's position, workers from the North Bennett Street School, and putting - house on blocks until a use is found. • A committee was formed that will move ahead to incorporate itself as a non-profit Reading Friends of Historic Preservation, with the assistance of Ray Couture. The group will consist of Everett Blodgett (Treasurer), Curt Nitsche (Secretary), JoanAnne Marshall, Will Finch, Donna Burgess, and Kurt Habel. After some discussion, Gladys Montgomery Jones resigned her membership on the RHC to become president of the new group. • Treasurer's Report: There is $729.11 in the special revenue account, including $600 for production of prints of historic images on glass plate negatives. Other bills include final payment of Eleanor Dalrymple. Virginia moved and David seconded to pay Dalrymple; passed 5-0-0. Dennis Brayley is doing the other images at cost which will enable the Commission to do more. • Board of Assessors: Question whether or not to try to get favorable tax treatment for historic preservation through April Town Meeting. Consensus to hold off. • Meeting minutes must be sent to the Town Clerk and Public Library as the Town Clerk is no longer sending them to the Library. • Mill Street Bridge: Presentation noted RHC asked for granite posts, etc., and implied RHC thus added to project cost. Impression to be corrected. • Damon House: Building Inspector will not permit habitation in current state; if intention is to demolish must go for permit. • Next meeting date set for January 20, 1998 Meeting Adjourned at IOPM.