Minutes August 18, 2008
Business:
Guests: Pat McMahon, Cultural Council; Michael McMahon, Economic Council; Nick Boldyga Park & Rec/State Rep Candidate
1. The minutes of July 21 were reviewed and accepted.
2. Bills: Fitzgerald & Halliday for Phase III Historic Sites Inventory $6250.00; Todd Reimbursement $29.33
3. Old Library Renovation/Restoration Update: Barbara stated that the application for CPC Funds will be ready for the September 25 meeting of the CPC. With the work on the Historic Sites Inventory, there has been no time to spend on the library renovation/restoration. A discussion of the plans for the library ensued with the guests.
4. Town Hall Auditorium Stage Renovation Project Update: Pat McMahon presented a description of what the Cultural Council is undertaking in order that the auditorium and its stage can be utilized for musical and stage productions. The Historical Commission wholeheartedly endorsed their endeavors. A discussion ensued as to the procedures to follow for a Handicap Access Board variance for historic sites - the auditorium and the façade of the Consolidated School were kept as historic areas of the new Town Hall.
5. Cigar Factory Warehouse Preservation Update: Barbara reported that Paul Cigal, barn preservationist/renovator, has had a chance to tour the barn and stated that it definitely needs to be saved as part of Southwick's agricultural/economic history. Paul will approach the developer and see what arrangements can be worked out.
6. Town Hall Foyer Display: Todd has placed on display photos he has taken of scenic views of Southwick; particularly views taken from Coes Hill and Hillside Roads.
7. Laflin/Phelps Homestead Preservation Update: The Chair reported that there were no new developments with the preservation restriction efforts.
8. Any Other Business: The Department of Conservation & Recreation's Heritage Landscape Preservation Program is something that that Southwick Historical Commission has been involved in since its inception. A discussion of what the Commission has done thus far in inventorying the Heritage Landscapes in Southwick took place with the guests. Karen and Barbara will attend the DCR's presentation in Westfield on September 5th. At that time the DCR will explain their Heritage Landscape Grant Program.
9. Historic Sites Inventory: The Commission members were reminded that the Commission will meet with Fitzgerald & Halliday and MHC officials on August 21 at 2pm in the Town Hall to review with MHC the draft of the inventory forms prepared by Steve and Rebecca of F&H. For the remainder of the meeting, the members reviewed the draft the Commission received which constitutes the product produced for Phase III. The Commission found that it became a larger task than there was time to complete on August 18, so Karen and Barbara arranged to meet on August 20 to finish the review and prepare for the meeting with MHC on the 21st.
Mail
1. From the National trust for Historic Preservation the "Forum Journal" for Summer 2008
2. Notice of Intent regarding the construction of a subdivision on Vining Hill Rd. (Assessors map H Parcel 37)
3. From the Planning Board a notice of a hearing regarding property located at 31 Hudson Drive
4. Planning Board Min 6/29, 7/15 Agenda 7/29, 8/12, 8/26
5. Board of Health Min 6/19
6. Conservation Commission Min 5/5, 5/19 Agenda 8/4, 8/18
7. From the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions "The Alliance Review" for July/August 2008
8. E-Mail from Steve Bedford - the latest list of historic sites which he is compiling the inventory forms for
9. Lake Management Committee Min 7/10, 7/24
10. From Fitzgerald & Halliday the Phase III products (Historic Site Inventory)
11. From Michelle Hill, Treasurer-Collector-Clerk a notice that the TCC office will be closed on august 22 so that the staff can attend a training session
12. From the American Association for State and Local History the newsletter "Dispatch" for August 2008
13. From the National Preservation Institute a notice of professional seminars in historic preservation to be held in 2008 & 2009
14. From the Sewer Implementation Committee an invitation to an information meeting to be held on August 26 at 7pm in the Town hall auditorium
15. E-Mail from the Department of Conservation and Recreation an announcement of the DCR's plan to bring the heritage Landscape Inventory Program to selected communities in the Connecticut Valley
16. From the National Trust for Historic Preservation the new membership card with the new password
17. Letter from the Dept of Conservation and Recreation regarding the Heritage Landscape Inventory Program
18. From the association of state and Local History the magazine "History News" for Summer 2008
Barbara MacEwan
Chair, Historical Commission
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