Otis Historical Commission
Minutes 9/6/22
Those in Attendance: Gail Gelburd, Joel Meyers, Diane Provenz, Celeste Watman, Geoff Pigman, Tricia Smith, Melva Eidelberg,
There is a quorum
Approval of minutes from AUGUST 2, 2022 (Donna) motion made, seconded, passed
PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES –
EOS Update (Joel) Friday the school house was moved to its original foundation. The grant has basic things that need to be done. (roof and chimney are key things that need to be accomplished)
Lines of communication between the selectmen’s office and OHC is strained. The board is hopeful that misunderstandings can be straightened out and that everyone can be respectful of one another.
St Pauls RFP, Meeting date in Sept. (Gail) Steve Mccallister took images via drone and a local cable co. has images also.
RFP 9/1 . That has come and gone. Gail spoke with Steve McCallister about the RFP being so late.
Jeff is concerned about this delay. We were hoping to get a C of O by the summer.
Gail –We need the building to be handicapped accessible before a C of O is issued.
There is a specific grant for this accessibility.
Although not pleased with one of the exterminators, we will include this exterminator in the bids for the cultural center. Joel will get a few more bids.
Surveyor – The Survey was completed and approved by the planning board for the land behind the church. James, the neighbor approves.
Next step is to negotiate with Bank (Diane)
All commission members were shocked by news from Mass historical. Mass Historical does not believe that General Knox used this route. This will be looked into and historical experts will be consulted.
Filming is set up regardless. Diane has photos and paintings to be filmed.
A motion was made by Diane for an additional $1000 from the Historical Commissions professional services line, to go toward the Knox Trail video.
The motion was seconded by Gail and passed.
Celeste. How much is in professional services? $7000.
Joel: It has to be done before 12/31.
Geoff: suggests that it sounds like Tom suddenly became aware of the historical alignment of the trail.
We need to write to an academic historian at UMass.
We know the trail was used by indigenous people.
Gail, Tom and Geoff would like to get together to discuss this issue of the Knox Trail
Gail $200 left over from the Cultural Council
Farmers Market – Staffing for September (Geoff) Joel and Gail are setting up
And possibly Stephanie and Roland will take the second shift
New Volunteers’ gathering (Gail) Lynne and Gail have met with the History Dept at Westfield State University and a couple more people have volunteered who were at the farmers market. Some these people will have some expertise in certain projects. They would like to meet at the Farmington River Diner. Date TBD
It was brought up that the Knox Trail Inn is going to have a community day. Date TBD.
SIGNAGE
Pomeroy Grant – for Otis Center Historic District (OCHD) (Lynne) has to work with the state highway dept on where they will be placed.
Preservation Works Signage for the Cultural Center at Historic St Paul’s (Diane) Joel found someone for $50 who will install the sign.
Diane made a motion for $100 for the installation of the sign.
The motion was seconded.
Motion passed.
It was suggested that there be banners on the fence posts saying future home of the Otis Cultural Center at Historic St. Pauls.
Gail will take the lead on procuring the banner.
Geoff—wants the grass cut inside of the fence.
MUSEUM GROUP ACTIVITIES (meets Fridays at 11 -1PM)
Moving of files and re-organization of museum space (Celeste) We have not met for the last two
Fridays. Gail wants all of the books boxed up and put in Harmony Hall for now.
She said they have permission to move the books to Harmony Hall. It is important to make room at the library so that it is evident that the space is being used.
Gail asked the participants to help find the value of the books.
Diane offered Cathy $350 for the Wallace Noel prints. They are matted, framed and on acid free paper.
Diane made a motion to go up to $350
Seconded by Celeste
Motion passed
Celeste will ask Lynn Pyenson for update on June Crandall’s Historic Commission Records
New Business
Any other business
Diane motion to get a bid under $500 for the exterminator
Seconded by Gail
Passed Unanimously
The next Historical Commission meeting will take place on 10/11/22 at 11am.
Other business:
Diane suggests that in the future, we need more lead time to invite people to our events.
OPT needs to raise another $300,000 to get the church up and running.
A motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting at 12:43.
Respectfully Submitted
Donna Thomas