PRELIMINARY until voted on at 14 October 2008 meeting

 

Minutes of the Stratham Heritage Commission
September 23, 2008
Hearing Room, Municipal Building

 

OPENING BUSINESS
Members present: Becky Mitchell, chair, Nancy Hansen, treasurer; secretary pro tem/  alternate member, Beverly Connolly; alternate Flossy Wiggin; Selectmen’s Rep, David Canada.  Arriving late:  Planning Board Rep, MJ Werner.  Absent:  Voting member, Peter Wiggin.
Meeting:  Opened at 5:30 and adjourned at 7:15 pm.

Minutes:  July 8 meeting minutes, written by secretary, Sara L. Kellner, and revised, were accepted as distributed. 

Treasury Report:  The treasurer reported $4,450.89 in the HC town account as of August 29, 2008. The balance in the Heritage Fund is $3.451.67 at the end of August and includes approximately $1200 in specified funds (Veterans Garden).

   

OLD BUSINESS

Survey of Historical Resources:  The chair reported that DHR liked our database designs. Exeter also has expressed interest in the design. Scans, done by Becky and Sara in Concord, have been “lost” on Sara’s computer. Nancy and Bev will be working with Deb Long (after October 10) using “Access” on various computers. Deb has logged 47 hours working on the data fields.

Veteran's Garden:  Nancy has been in discussion with Amy Ross, who donated money for use in the Garden. A potential use for the funds may be signage indicating that the Heritage Commission maintains the Veterans’ Registry. Five additional engraved bricks will be installed for Veterans’ Day.  Nancy and Bev have completed sorting and listing Stratham veterans from all wars. Discussion ensued on maintenance of the Veterans’ Garden, which is not in our mission. (The park ranger and his wife have been doing it.) The possibility was discussed to have a professional landscape design for a more coordinated appearance and to look into having Stratham members of the Exeter Garden Club service the area. David will look into the landscaping aspect; Becky, into the garden club.

Post Card Project:  Bev reported on prices of postcard printing. She will speak to photographers regarding photos for 2 or 3 standard-sized (4” X 6”) cards.

Gateway/Planning Board:  Becky gave an update.

NEW BUSINESS                                                                                            Demolition Review Tracking Form:  A draft form, designed by Becky using Concord’s form as a model, was read and discussed. The purpose of the form is to facilitate accurate records and compliance with the provisions of the ordinance. Becky next will submit it to Terry Barnes, Paul Deschaine and the Demolition Review Committee.                                                                                                       Acknowledging centenarians:  Becky mentioned that it would be nice for Stratham to acknowledge residents, celebrating 100th  birthdays. HC did this for a resident over the summer. However, it was felt that congratulations should come from town officials. Dave will look into this.                                                                                                                       Membership and recruitment:  Since Sara Kellner has resigned (no official letter to date), the commission could have another alternate member. Members were asked to recruit.        Meetings: Members voted to hold monthly meetings on the second Tuesday at 5:30 pm.                     

NEXT MEETING: At the Municipal Center on Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 5:30pm.