Town of Carlisle
MASSACHUSETTS 01741
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HISTORICAL COMMISSION
66 Westford Street
Carlisle, Massachusetts 01741
Tel. (978) 369-9702
Fax (978) 369-4521
MINUTES
March 30, 2010
The meeting was called to order in the Nickles Room at 7:40 pm.
Members present: Marc Lamere (Chair), Sylvia Sillers, Peggy Hilton, Geoffrey Freeman, and Chip Dewing. Alternate Members Jack O'Connor and Duncan Grant were absent.
Other attendees: Gretchen Caywood (CHC Secretary), Gale Constable (Lowell Street), and Janet Hentschel (Carlisle Mosquito) were also in attendance.
Minutes
The CHC reviewed the draft Minutes from the February 23, 2010 meeting. Ms. Sillers moved and Ms. Hilton seconded the approval of the Minutes as drafted, and the motion was approved 3-0-2 (Mr. Dewing and Mr. Freeman abstained).
Discussion with Gale Constable regarding emergency replacement of shingled barn roof at 75 Lowell Street
Ms. Constable reported to the Commission that she has submitted an application, with fee, for a hearing for this proposed work, but that it will now be necessary to amend the application. The recent very heavy rains evidenced that the roof needs emergency repair. When workers prepared to tarp the roof, they discovered that all the roof wood on the back side of the barn was rotten as well, and would have to be replaced. Therefore, the metal roof that was proposed in the application will not be installed due to the high total cost. Ms. Constable proposed using architectural shingles made by Timberline Commercial, which are already on roofs of three houses in the immediate area, and resemble wood in appearance.
The Commission asked that the shingle color chosen match reasonably well with that used on the other houses in the area, and Ms. Constable agreed, noting that the color she prefers is very similar to what is in place now on her roof. On discussion, the Commission agreed that this repair would be using "in kind" materials, and that no formal application to the Commission was required. Secretary Caywood returned Ms. Constable's application and fee to her. Ms. Constable asked about replacing the clapboards on her house, and Chair Lamere explained that if the same materials were used, no application for CHC approval would be required.
FY10 Budget
The Commission reviewed the FY10 budget, and all expenditures were deemed appropriate.
Old Business: Ferns Site Plan Review (Application #08-04)
Chair Lamere reported that he had spoken with proprietor Larry Bearfield about the dumpsters and storage shed still present at the site, and Mr. Bearfield explained that the remaining work would be complete in about 1 month, barring additional extreme rains. Concerning the very visible electrical conduits on the north side of the building, Chair Lamere learned that the BOS has to accept the utility company's decisions on a project, and that the utility setup is not part of Site Plan Review for this reason. The method of installation on the north end of the building avoided installing a new utility pole at the site. Chair Lamere did ask Mr. Bearfield to consider painting the electrical conduit.
The Commission agreed that if Bearfield provides a satisfactory explanation for the delay and the presence of the dumpsters, he does not need to come before the Commission for an extension.
Historical Resources Survey
Chair Lamere reviewed the remaining items due from the consultants on this project, including:
Two large base maps
Final survey reports
Two sets of CDs of the forms
Hard copy of inventory forms
Revised property index
He reported that Gretchen Schuler had delivered and filed her portion of the survey forms on March 23rd, and that Anne Forbes will be delivering hers shortly. The remaining balance due to the consultants on completion of the project is $8000. Chair Lamere offered to contact the consultants to discuss a photo opportunity to publicize their completion of this Survey, and Ms. Sillers agreed that it is a good opportunity to illustrate to the public the importance of the availability of CPA funds for such useful Town projects. Ms. Hilton agreed to draft letters of thanks, on behalf of the Commission, to the consultants and to Larry Sorli, Carlisle Historical Society member, who has assisted greatly with this work.
Carlisle Pathways Project
Mr. Freeman noted that this project is now complete, per contract with the Town, and that any remaining work, such as removal of siltation barriers, is up to the Town.
Honor Roll Memorial
Mr. Freeman reported that he had spoken with Greg Fairbank (Honor Roll Committee member)) and with Selectman Stevenson concerning the location of the electrical conduit at the site. They agreed to have a representative of the Honor Roll Committee at the next CHC meeting to discuss this point.
Old Business: 8 Bedford Road discussion
At the prior CHC meeting, realtor Francene Faulkner and her client Ryan Chou, a potential buyer for the property, had discussed the possibility of a drop-off dry cleaning business at this location, with some proposed changes to the front of the property. Chair Lamere reported that it has been discussed with the Building Commissioner that this location is not within the Business District.
Zoning Bylaw for Signs in the Historic District
Chair Lamere referred to Section 3.2.1.9 of the Zoning Bylaws entitled Exterior Signs, which details residential signage limitations, and Section 3.3.1.8 which details same for businesses. He reported that he had spoken with several Town Center property owners and businesses concerning exterior signage, and explained the CHC regulations concerning signs in the Historic District. The owner of 21-23 Bedford Road has since removed her signs. The owners of Barrett & Company will file an application for their sign, as they do wish to regularly use it. Concerning the sandwich board sign displayed at Ferns, Chair Lamere spoke with Ferns Proprietor Larry Bearfield and suggested that he apply for CHC approval of the sign. Regarding the sandwich board sign displayed periodically at the Gleason Library, they have filed
an application with photos, and their hearing will be at the next CHC meeting.
May Town Meeting
Ms. Sillers asked the Commission if they would consider taking a position on Warrant Article #20 concerning reduction or rescission of the CPA surcharge. She noted that while the Warrant Article is non-binding, these funds have supported many projects in Town over the years such as the Historical Resources Survey, the Rotary Statue cleaning, and the Highland Building stabilization.
After discussion, Ms. Sillers moved that the Commission go on record in support of the Town's continuation of the Community Preservation Act, and that a letter to this effect be written and published in the Mosquito, and that a brief statement to this effect be read at the May Town Meeting. Ms. Hilton seconded and the motion was approved 5-0. Ms. Hilton offered to draft the letter. Mr. Freeman also suggested that a recipient of CPC funds, such as a Gleason Library Trustee, speak at Town Meeting on behalf of maintaining the CPA in Town.
Concerning this year's projects for CPA funds, Ms. Sillers reported that the Bog House will be under the historical funds category, with backing from the Conservation Commission. The trails and boardwalks project was also approved for funding.
At 9:05 pm, Mr. Dewing moved and Ms. Sillers seconded the adjournment of the CHC meeting, and the motion was approved 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Gretchen Caywood
Secretary, Historical Commission
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