HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-02 Historical Commission MinutesReading 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
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Mark Cardono, Member Angela Binda G-) M
Kathy Greenfield, Chair Susan Patterson -
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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