Historical Commission Minutes for August 5, 2019
Present: Sonia Morrison, Diane Provenz, Thom Garvey, Tom Ragusa, Lauretta Harris, Celeste
Watman,
Guest: Geoff Pigman
Called to order at 10:09 am
Otis Preservation Trust: Diane initiated a discussion about forming a new 50l c 3 organization, the
Otis Preservation Trust, with a mission of fundraising to preserve historical buildings and sites
in Otis (i.e. the East Otis schoolhouse, St. Paul’s church, and the Know Trail.) The Trust will
obtain the necessary documentation, such as Form 1023, a Federal EIN number, and apply to
reserve a name on the Massachusetts state web site. Diane also mentioned that the following
documents are necessary: Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and an Ethics Policy. At this time,
to create the Trust, there is a $600.00 application fee and a $30.00 fee to reserve a name on the
state website. It was also mentioned the need for opening a bank account at the Berkshire Bank in
Otis.
Fundraising letter: A vote was held to approve the fundraising letter and it was approved unanimously.
Next meeting:
Adjourned at 11:20 am.