HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-07 Historical Commission MinutesMinutes
Reading Historical Commission
October 7, 1997
Meeting convened at 7:35 p.m.
Regular members present: Virginia Adams, David O'Sullivan, Gladys Montgomery Jones,
Roberta Sullivan
Associate members present: Colonel Wilbur Hoxie, Louise Sandburg, Alan Uhich
Minutes recorded by Gladys Montgomery Jones
Minutes for August 7, 1997 approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
Minutes for September 6, 1997 approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
Treasurer's Report (Roberta):
• Town treasurer now requires three signatures on all incoming invoices.
• There is $638 in the regular account and $1652.11 in the special account, the latter figure,
being funding from the Historic Preservation 350th trust earmarked for production of
photographs from glass-plate negatives (David to call Ed Palmer to follow up) and for work
on the Architectural and Historical Inventory.
Administration:
• ' On RHC votes a majority of members must approve even if not all are present; e.g., if three
members are present, all must approve for a measure to stand approved.
• RHC must send its meeting minutes to the library; town clerk's office has stopped doing so.
• Meeting minutes filed with town clerk are missing the following dates: A s b r r opt b 17 ' x P 51 1996: Feb 2&6, March 1, April 9, May 9, July 17
1997: Jan 15
• Millennium Steering Committee has been established. Virginia moved and Gladys seconded
to appoint Alan, who also sits on the Antiquarian Society's Board, to serve. Passed 4-0-0.
• Regular Member John McCaulay submitted his resignation on October 4. Roberta to get gift
for him. Vacancy will be posted and associate members are interested in filling it.
• RHC members approved new officers by a vote of 4-0-0: David O'Sullivan and Virginia
Adams, Co-chairmen; Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer; Gladys Montgomery Jones, Secretary.
Correspondence:
• Historic Massachusetts will sponsor a seminar on zoning as a tool for preservation on
November 8; several members interested in attending
• Bay State Historic League will sponsor a seminar on going public
• African American Survey Alan to follow up
General:
• Tax Program: re: delayed taxes on homes improved by restoration work. Board of Assessors
says RHC can follow up with Town Meeting. Mass Historical has information; Virginia to
follow up.
• Library:
1. Gladys to check whether the 5/5/97 letter to the library was sent. - N~- rrN r
2. SPNEA presentation on October 30; David to follow up.
Archives:
• Volunteer completed 20 hours and offered name of friend to volunteer. Since 350th funds
- exist to pay for clerical work, Roberta, will check with CPDC and Town Treasurer's offices to
find out procedure for hiring someone; Virginia moved to hire Betty Cronin if acceptable in
terms of procedure. Roberta seconded. Passed 4-0-0.
• Inventory must be downloaded from the 286 to the new computer
• Archive data being entered into Wordstar
Historic Properties:
• RHC Certificates of Merit for 646 Main Street will be presented to building owners and
tenants on Saturday October 18 at 10 AM.
• 30-32 John Street: Bryan Long Builders plans to purchase from David Barrett and renovate on
site. RHC can lend its support if special permit required from ZBA. David to arrange
meeting between Building Inspector and BLB.
• 605 Main Street: Phil Vaccaro, building owner, has proposal before ZBA to preserve
footprint and get special permit for alterations. CPDC wants site plan review. Virginia
argued for publicity about the building, drafted letter to Chronicle, Gladys to edit.
• Christian Science Church: RHC to write letter of support to help them get a grant to repair the•
stone port cochere. Virginia to follow up.
• Demolition Permit filed for the cA710 Foster-Emerson House, owned by Meadowbrook
Country Club which has entered into nine-month contract with Bob Bettcher to dismantle and
reconstruct the house if it can be sold to private buyer. Gladys moved to place the property
under section 5.1%3.3.3 of the Demolition Review bylaw and set the hearing for October 27 at
8PM. Roberta seconded. Passed 4-0-0. Gladys to arrange site visit.
• Police station plans to be reviewed at tonight's selectman's meeting. question whether back
ell should be retained. Virginia moved that the RHC recommend that the original 1930s
structure be preserved for adaptive reuse and that the later rear ell could be removed. Gladys
seconded. Passed. 4-0-0. Virginia to go into selectman's meeting to let them know RHC
recommendation.
Streetscape:
• Walnut Street: Item 8 in Warrant for Town Meeting. Virginia moved to approve draft letter
as amended. Roberta seconded. Passed 4-0-0.
Next meeting scheduled for October 27 at 7:34PM.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM