Present: T. Furlong, C. Pynn, and P. Schena

1. Review and approval March minutes
   
   T. Furlong made a motion to accept the March minutes. C. Pynn seconded the motion. The March minutes were accepted by unanimous vote.
   
   
2. D. Sullivan re: Town Hall Vault Project
   
   Concerning a previous decision by the Historic District Commission regarding the Town Vault and the Commission's condition that the North Lowell Road side of the structure be strapped and sided to match the Town Hall, D. Sullivan informed the Commission of a request by the Board of Selectman not to meet this condition for cost reasons. Commission members discussed this request, but no member expressed a compelling desire to agree to the request. For clarity, P. Schena made a motion to uphold the Commission's previous decision, including the condition of siding. C. Pynn seconded the motion, which was approved by unanimous vote.
   
   
3. Update on the use of synthetic siding materials in historic districts
   
   P. Schena reported to the Commission on discussions he had with Linda Wilson of the New Hampshire Division of Historic Research, concerning restricting the use of synthetic materials in historic districts. P. Schena noted that, according to L. Wilson, certain News Hampshire towns (e.g. Exeter) carefully restrict the use of vinyl and other synthetic sidings in historic districts, while other towns (e.g. Goffstown) take a more liberal approach with respect to building materials. L. Wilson noted creative solutions to owner maintenance issues often proposed to be mitigated through the use of synthetic sidings. These include specifically paint grants that help defray maintenance costs. Lastly, regarding statutory restrictions, L. Wilson suggested that any such restrictions be addressed in design review guidelines, rather than historic district ordinances, in order to better and more easily to administer them.
   
   The Commission members discussed next steps, including a possible meeting with the Planning Board, to review this matter and to understand the position of the Board regarding modifications to the town's design review guidelines to restrict the use of synthetic siding in historic districts. The Commission agreed to address this matter again at its next meeting.
   
   
4. Presentation and discussion of correspondences and/or other new issues
   
   In addition to his presentation concerning the Town Vault Project (noted above), D. Sullivan also informed the Commission of three maintenance tasks that would be undertaken on the "Old Fire Station" Building. These included:

   
   

   1. The installation of stairs to the Planning Office from the base of the existing ramp to the landing;
   2. The installation of a sign above the Planning Office door;
   3. The replacement of the existing Planning Office sign on the Town Hall-side of the building with a larger sign.

   
   The Commission acknowledged that these were maintenance tasks, expressed its appreciation to D. Sullivan for his early consultation, and expressed its consent with each. With respect to the sign replacement, the Commission specifically requested that the new sign be similar in layout, design, and graphical signature to the existing sign.
   
   C. Pynn reported on discussions she had with M. Crisler concerning the several buildings that constitute the Common Man complex on Range Road as they are affected by the proposed I 93 Project. C. Pynn reiterated the historic significance of the site and suggested that the Commission actively express in its interest to the state and the town to be better informed of progress on this project.
   
   With regard to the Searles School, P. Schena reported that Round 3 of the LCHIP Grant process was scheduled to begin in the late spring and that he expected to be informed of deadlines and other announcements via e-mail from LCHIP.
   
   

5. Review of plan/project submissions
   
   The Commission reviewed the Kiddie Academy and P&S Realty projects and prepared remarks on each for submission to the Planning and Zoning Board.

There being to further business to come before the Commission, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Patrick J. Schena
Chairman, Historic District/Heritage Commission

These minutes are in draft form and have not been accepted by the Commission.