HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-02 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission
Minutes
December 2, 2003
Attending:
Virginia Adams
Mark Cardono - Secretary
Pat Greichen
Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie
Clay Jones
Call to Order 7:30 PM
Sally Hilgendorff List
Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Roberta Sullivan
Past Minutes Review:
Review minutes of November 4, 2003
Clay moved that the Commission accept the minutes of November 4, 2003. Roberta seconded
the motion. Vote - 5-0-0.
Treasurer's Report:
Roberta reported the current finances for the Commission (see attached Treasurer's Report).
Roberta moved that the commission approve reimbursing Virginia for supplies that she purchased
for the archives. Mark seconded the motion. Vote - 4-0-1. Virginia Abstained.
Mail, phone calls, and miscellaneous:
Clay received an invitation to a regional Historic Commission meeting.
Pat informed the Commission that the Common is cluttered with too many signs. Clay will send
an email to Peter Hechenbleikner to advise him of the issue.
Discussion of signs on the Common: Signs should have a standard appearance and limited to 1
week of display. The Commission is concerned with the clutter on the Common.
Clay reported to the Commission that an antique Warden Staff was taken from the Parker Tavern
during the summer.
Virginia received a copy of a letter from the absentee owner of 64 Pleasant Street, Curtis Morley
of Londonderry, NH, that was sent to Lyn Whyte of the RHA (Reading Housing Authority). He
wrote that he was disconcerted with the RNA's affordable housing plan for 75 Pleasant Street. He
added that he was against the change to the property. Mr. Morley suggested that the RHA sell
the property to a private party, and use the money to purchase another property at a different
location.
Virginia brought to the Commission's attention that she had requested the return of the materials
from the application, for adding the Pierce Organ Factory to the 10 Most Endangered List,
submitted to PreservatiON Mass. The materials have not been returned. Clay will check into the
delay.
According to Virginia, the Stream Team has started working on the canoe launch area at the Lob's
Pound Mill site. They would like to use the granite slabs that were removed from the bridge, as
picnic tables and other types of accoutrements.
Virginia added that there should be information at the site on its history, especially the history of
the pumping station. It could be an archeological site because the raceways are still there. She
has noticed that unapproved picnic tables have been set setup at the site.
Clay suggested that we could use some of the trust money to hire an archeologist to look at the
site.
Roberta commented that if we are concerned with the unearthing of any archeological objects, we
could tell the Stream Team not to dig at the site.
Clay added that it would be an acceptable use of the money because first the site is public
property, and second, there were only 2 or 3 mills in the Town.
Virginia spoke about having the stones stabilized. She then added that the Commission should
go on a site visit before spending any money.
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