Otis Historical Commission
November 5, 2024 Minutes
ATTENDANCE: Diane Provenz, Gail Gelburd, Joel Myers, Hal Kobin, Peter Cameron, Celeste Waman, Tom Ragusa, Stephanie Skinner. The meeting began at 4:39pm.
MINUTES: The minutes of October 8, 2024 were approved.
PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES:
Otis Cultural Center at Historic St. Paul’s: Joel stated that the final report will be completed within a few weeks.
Diane stated that she will ask Larry Gould if we can go inside the building.
The damaged and moldy cushions are still inside the building, and they need to be removed.
East Otis Schoolhouse: Joel mentioned that he requested $20,000 – $30,000 from Paul Holtz for the schoolhouse. It is anticipated that we will know Mr. Holtz’s decision in January, 2025. An RFP is also required for the schoolhouse.
There was a discussion about asking the Town to paint the schoolhouse.
Knox Trail: Tom stated that the video of the Knox Trail should be shown to the Select Board. The creators of the video, Jessica Provenz and Josh Briggs could talk about the production of the video next May. Then, another talk could be scheduled for representatives from the National Park Service, state officials, and the REV 250 committee.
According to Tom, mileage markers indicating the Knox Trail can be either carved on a boulder or a plastic sign with a logo can be used to designate the trail. Since the trail is also located in New York, Tom will contact the appropriate individuals and ask about their Knox Trail logo. We might consider using their logo for our markers.
Historic District Signage: Diane will give information to Hal about the Historic District signage, and their placement.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Notice Otis: On November 21, there will a live concert by The Sirens. This free event will be at Town Hall at 7:00pm. Registration is required.
FUNDING ACTIVITIES: The Otis Preservation Trust plans to send their annual appeal letter either at the end of November or the beginning of December.
Grant Activities: A grant request was sent to the Massachusetts Cultural Council to request funding for the Notice Otis series, sponsored by the Otis Preservation Trust.
The application for the Martin Foundation grant was almost complete, and the request is for $50,000.
Historic House Campaign: Peter mentioned this is the proposal for honoring the 97 historic Otis properties (of which 58 homes are listed in the National Historic Register.) A letter needs to be sent to the Town Administrator, and the Select Board informing them about the Historic Houe Campaign.
Robin Koval volunteered to write grants.
NEW BUSINESS: The next meeting will be held on December 3, 2024.
The meeting ended at 5:41pm.