HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-08-20 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes li �-A t- 4}
4 Bicentennial Commission Minutes - 20 August 1975.
0460 i
Members of the Bicentennial Commission met at the Library on
August 20th, Two members were unavoidably absent , Selectman Richard
Ogden and secretary John Agnew were present to discuss the current
Depot project .
Copies of the minutes of the previous meeting were distributed
and accepted without correction,
Mr. Agnew made the presentation stating that proposal was the
wrong word to use ; that what happens depends upon a multiple of things.
The number 1 question is the depot itself; what should be done with it ?
It was stated that the Selectmen plan to seek a matching grant after they
know how much money is raised locally. All publicity has stated federal
funds would match dollar for dollar, but the Bicentennial Commission made
It perfectly clear that it is a state grant irogram, not a federal one,
and that grants are defintely not assured.
Both gentlemen admitted the project was being handled topsy turvy,
and they were not yet ready to seek the Commission's endorsement because
they did not yet have any outline of a program or a tentative budget .
They said that nothing had been done about putting the museum together.
Until that time there is nothing for this commission to consider.
The rest of the discussion, therefore, concerned the proposal to
t seek authorization of the next town meeting for the establishment of an
40Historical Commission.
The Bicentennial Commission members indicated strongly that , even
though they might , and probably would, consider an Historical Commission
a desirable future action, they felt that the present timing was very
bad, and the Historical Commission should not in any way be tied to the
Depot matter.
After the visitors left the Commission rer�ained In session briefly.
Mrs. Miller said that in advance of tonight ' s meeting she had sent a
letter to the Board of Selectmen and to Beeretary Agnew enclosing copies
of the statutory duties of an Historical Commission.
The Commission has listened. What action can or should now be
taken? If a concrete proposal is presented prior to October 15 the
Commission can decide to heartily endorse, withhold any approval, or
seek a middle ground. Members are urged to give thought to their possible
decision.
September 17th was set for the date of the next meeting.
" aq,4-,� C - ���
Eleanor C. Bishop
secretary