PRELIMINARY until voted on at July 14, 2009, meeting

Minutes of the Stratham Heritage Commission
June 9, 2009

Municipal Building

OPENING:

Members present: Becky Mitchell, chair; Nancy Hansen, treasurer; Beverly Connolly, secretary; Flossy Wiggin, alternate member; M J Werner, Planning Board Rep; Dave Canada, Selectman.

Meeting: Opened at 5:30 and adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Minutes: May 12 meeting minutes, written by Bev Connolly, were accepted with the correction: preliminary minutes until voted on at June 9, 2009, meeting.

Treasury Report: Nancy Hansen reported the May 29, 2009, town budget balance as $3588.20. The Heritage Fund balance as of May 31, 2009, is $3,485.13.

OLD BUSINESS:

Survey: Becky Mitchell reported on her meeting with Mary Kate Ryan at the DHR. She distributed a draft list of 2009-10 survey sites. Becky proposed purchasing 3 books to be kept in the Heritage Commission’s file cabinet for reference. They are: A Field Guide to American Houses ($25), House Histories ($16) and Field Guide to New England Barns and Farm Buildings ($25). The motion was approved for purchase from the survey budget. Mary Kate Ryan volunteered to lead a September training session. Dates mentioned were Saturdays, either the 19 or 26. Dave Canada checked into use of the fire station for this. Both were open.

A letter on town letterhead will be sent to property owners of sites being surveyed.

Information provided will include: what the Heritage Commission is, the survey project and why it is being undertaken, photos to be taken, town support and funding, invitation to participate and attend the Sept. training session, emphasis on historical reasons only, if questions—e-mail or phone. Members were asked to bring other thoughts for inclusion in this letter to the next meeting.

Postcard Project: Bev discussed prices for printing and potential photos for cards.

NEW BUSINESS:

Planning Board: MJ Werner reported on a façade change for the former Shaw’s Plaza, which will have new tenants.

Veterans Garden: The Exeter Area Garden Club has planted prairie grass. Willow Mist, which made a prior donation of $120 in grasses from its own stock, will be reimbursed for $108.30 for additional grasses purchased at wholesale cost. The Civic Beautification Committee of the EAGC will ask the club to donate and plant 100 daffodils in the Veterans’ Garden. Becky will let the Club know important dates for the use of the Veterans Garden. Nancy mentioned that the granite bench is sinking several bricks, making the walkway uneven. Dave will forward this information.

Virtual Town Hall: Dave announced that Virtual Town Hall will be on-line this summer and that there could be a separate page for the HC. Members were asked to bring ideas for this to the next meeting.

Announcements: It was announced that town planner, Chuck Grassie, has resigned. We thank him for the outstanding support he has given the commission. We trust that his replacement will share his qualities.

There was discussion regarding several individuals who have expressed interest in applying for the commission’s open alternate positions. Further discussion will be in July.

The Heritage Commission e-mail address is StrathamHeritage@live.com.

JULY MEETING: M.J. Werner’s, 8 Wingate Ct; Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 5:30pm