PRELIMINARY until voted on at May, 2009, meeting

 

Minutes of the Stratham Heritage Commission
April 14, 2009

Municipal Building

OPENING:

Members present: Becky Mitchell, chair; Nancy Hansen, treasurer; secretary pro tem/alternate member, Beverly Connolly; Selectmen’s Representative, Dave Canada.

Meeting:  Opened at 5:30 and adjourned at 6:45 pm.

Minutes:  March 10 meeting minutes, written by Nancy Hansen, were accepted. 

Treasury Report: Nancy Hansen gave a report on expenses from January through March were $111.80, leaving a balance of $3730. There is a total of $3,478.38 in the Heritage Fund.

 

BUSINESS:

Survey of Historical Resources: Becky distributed a draft of the manual to be used by commission members and volunteers gathering information for the survey. She stated that most of her work has been on the “notes” section. This portion contains illustrations of roof types, chimney styles, number of stories, entry locations, windows, and outbuildings as well as various styles on which she currently is working. Becky, Nancy, Bev and Pat Thiesen, volunteer, will do preliminary “testing” by using the survey form for two or three buildings in the next two weeks. Survey activities will begin in the fall. Volunteers are needed.

 

The Town Center: Discussion was held on a possible advisory role for the Heritage Commission regarding the Town Center. Becky mentioned the possibility of doing a slide show with past and present pictures of the Town Center.

 

Postcard Project: Bev gave the current prices in printing postcard. Members voted to produce two cards in a quantity of 250 each. Cost will be approximately $150.

 

Demolition Review Tracking Form: Becky showed the revised tracking form formatted by Chuck Grassie.  

 

Town Anniversary Event: Dave asked if the Heritage Commission was going to take a leadership position in this event. The commission expressed reluctance to take on the event since not only are there so few members but also the celebration would be more effective with participation from a wide spectrum of the community. Bev volunteered to be a representative to the event committee.

 

Veterans' Garden: The Exeter Area Garden Club has volunteered to maintain the garden. Garden designer, Penney O’Sullivan, has suggested the use of ornamental grasses. It was agreed that money from the Stevens Fund may be used for plantings in the garden. Nancy has the names for bricks, which will be in place for Memorial Day.

 

Volunteers needed: Next week Chuck Grassie and Becky will be speaking to the 76ers club regarding the Gateway Project and the upcoming survey. Becky hopes to have a few people volunteer to help with the survey. Commission members were encouraged to seek survey volunteers from service organizations, churches, scouts, neighbors, family, friends, etc.

NEXT MEETING: Municipal Center on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 5:30pm