Town of Carlisle
MASSACHUSETTS 01741
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HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Minutes
June 29, 2010
The meeting was called to order in the Heald Room at 7:35 pm.
Members present: Marc Lamere (Chair), Margaret Hilton, Geoffrey Freeman, Sylvia Sillers, and Alternate Member Jack O'Connor
Others Present: Gretchen Caywood, Commission Secretary, Larry Bearfield (Ferns Country Store Proprietor), Neal Emmer and Nathan Brown (new Commissioners for FY11), and Lee Storrs of the School Building Committee.
Minutes
The Commission reviewed the draft Minutes from the May 25, 2010 meeting. Ms. Hilton moved that the Commission approve the Minutes as drafted, Mr. Freeman seconded the motion, and it was approved 5-0.
Public Hearing for Application #10-03: Request for Signage at 8 Lowell Street (Ferns Country Store)
Mr. Bearfield said that he had been contacted by Chair Lamere, who explained the requirements of the Commission's Rules and Regulations with respect to signage displayed in the Historic District. Any signage displayed for more than 30 days during a calendar year must be approved by the Commission. On this basis, Mr. Bearfield had submitted an application for the sandwich board sidewalk sign used at the store. The yellow, two-sided sandwich board sign has been used intermittently for several years. Mr. Bearfield estimated that 60-80% of the use of the sign is to advertize community events, with some use for general business advertizing (e.g. Ferns gift cards), and occasional use to promote a particular product (e.g. Mother's Day flowers). The sign is used most in the Summer and Fall, and the same message is displayed
on each side of the sandwich board. Each board surface allows for a message up to 22"w x 36"h. Messages are in black and white. The sign is placed on the small grassy verge adjacent the pathway, at the corner of Lowell Street and Bedford Road, which is on Store property. Mr. Bearfield requested the Commission's approval to continue to use the sign on a regular basis.
The Commission agreed that the location of the sign is suitable and does not impede foot traffic, and Chair Lamere pointed out that the sign placement seems to help drivers slow down as they come into the rotary. He confirmed that during the winter, either Mr. Bearfield or DPW Superintendent Davis clear snow from the area. . Chair Lamere pointed out that most of the programs advertized are those being held at the Store, such as the seminars on the Piazza, and Mr. Bearfield pointed out that these are not necessarily revenue enhancing events. Mr. Bearfield added that he is sometimes asked to display public service messages. Commissioner Freeman confirmed that the longest time the same message is generally displayed is a few weeks.
Ms. Sillers moved that the Commission approve the double-sided sandwich board sign conditionally upon its description use and placement as described in the application (#10-03). Ms. Hilton seconded the motion, and it was approved 4-0-1 (Mr. O'Connor abstaining).
Memorial Bench Request
Town Administrator Goddard had asked the Commission to consider a request submitted to the Selectmen's office from a former longtime Carlisle resident to place a memorial bench somewhere in Town Center, in honor of her parents, James and Cecelia Barron. The Barrons were residents of Carlisle for over 60 years, and were very active in the Town. The proposed bench is concrete with a bronze inset plaque on one side.
On discussion, the Commission was concerned that this would be setting a precedent. Mr. Freeman suggested that any bench should at least be of similar construction and design to those on the patio of Town Hall (wood/ composite construction with a small plaque). The Commission agreed to suggest that the Selectmen set up a policy regarding memorial requests. Mr. Freeman added that, in his opinion, individual memorials are not consistent with how the Commission views the Historic District and Town Center, and he suggested that the Commission express to the BOS its concerns about this important issue. The Commission agreed that this type of memorial is not appropriate for Town Center, and that the Common is not a place for individual monuments. Chair Lamere offered to contact the Town Administrator to request
that a Selectman speak with the Commission about its concerns. The Commission was in unanimous agreement with this approach.
Other Business
Chair Lamere reported that a member of the Boy Scout Troop is proposing to repair the railing along the pathway between the library and the Carlisle School as his Eagle Scout project. The Scout, Alex Doig, would like to present his project to the Commission, with an informal presentation at the next meeting (August 10, 2010). Chair Lamere, also a member of the Trails Committee, will be the Scout's liaison, and will attend the August meeting.
Other Business: Commission membership
Chair Lamere acknowledged the presence of both Mr. Emmer and Mr. Brown, and welcomed them to the Commission, their terms officially beginning July 1, 2010. Chair Lamere also announced that Nathan Brown would replace himself as the new representative from the Planning Board.
At 9:30 pm, Mr. O'Connor moved and Mr. Freeman 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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