BENNINGTON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
                  Town Office Conference Room
             WEDNESDAY, March 26, 2003 - 3:00 p.m.
                            MINUTES
                    MEMBERS PRESENT:    Sharon Yorke, Nicolle Woodward, Victor Rolando, David                     Aldrich, John Dostal, Ann Bugbee, Tordis Ilg Isselhardt,                      Hugh Baker, and William Colvin.
                    Also Present:       Beth Antognioni 
Yorke called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
     1.   Minutes
The amended minutes of February 26, 2003 should be amended, as follows:
               5.   Long range strategic planning discussion
Yorke reminded commission members of the major goals for each CLG:
The minutes of March 12, 2003 should be amended as follows:
               3.   Review CLG Grant Application
Page 3 - 1st paragraph - the National Historic Register District...and a series of History Panels for our Downtown kiosk developed in 1998.  
               6.   At Risk Sites & Structure Forms
Delete: One suggestion was to focus on buildings without a voice.
               7.   Other Preservation Issues
     •    Isselhardt also noted the Historic Preservation Conference scheduled for May 23,      2003, and that she recommends the following training topics CLG at risk buildings-What is the relationship between CLG's and Town staff and how is it carried out in      other Towns?
Isselhardt moved and Aldrich seconded that the Minutes of February 26, 2003 and March 12, 2003 be approved as amended.  Passed.
     2.   Cultural Resource Management Plan
Antognioni will send a  memo to Ellen R. Cowie - CRMP regarding the general thoughts and comments from HPC.  Rolando will provide a copy of his Review of the Plan which will be sent along with the memo.  Below are general thoughts and comments from HPC:
     •    Include reader friendly reference points and sites on map. (Road names, current      buildings, etc.).
     •    How was the one-mile boundary decided upon?
     •    An introduction more user friendly to include general purpose of study and description      of area under consideration, stated in less technical terms.  Not to replace report's      Introduction, but rather intended as an aid to those unable or unwilling to read the      entire plan.
     •    Make reference to probability - give us some way to understand value.
     3.   At Risk Forms
Dostal noted the Hinsdillville Prespatirian Church.  It was noted that the Church is privately owned, Dostal will look into the ownership.   
     4.   HPC Board Appointments
Colvin noted that there were two positions open, Dostal will be filling one, which leaves one open.  Letters of interest are to be sent to the Town Manager's Office no later than noon on Monday, April 7th, 2003.
     5.   Neighborhood Assessment RFP
RFP's were sent on 3/18/03, we have received one response.  It was noted, that the consultant that is chosen will work with the HPC to decide on the scope of work that is to be carried out.
     6.   DRB
     •    Krawczyk - 457 Main Street
          HPC supported, as presented, the proposal for creating an accessible entrance to the      property at 457 Main Street.
     •    Gould/WZEC - 409 Main Street
          HPC noted that the proposed sign is nearly identical to the one proposed sign in April      2001.  The HPC suggested that the applicant apply to the Design Assistance Program      for guidance in creating a sign more compatible in architectural style and color with      the surrounding buildings.
     7.   Other Preservation Issues
     •    Colvin noted the Depot Street enhancement project is in the preliminary design, a      review of the project may be available at the next meeting.
     •    Dostal noted that the Hinsdilville cemetery is in need of repair, namely the old      headstones.    
                       Next Meeting Date:
                         April 9, 2003
Meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William B. Colvin
Secretary, HPC
Director of Economic and Community Development
WBC/ba
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