Historical Commission minutes of October 20th meeting
Called to order at 5:40 pm
Diane Provenz, Sonia Morrison Kobrin, Lauretta Harris, Charles Rosenbaum attending
Bob McMahon guest
Lauretta was approved to sit on the Historical Commission
Minutes of the September 25, 2017 meeting were accepted
Bills received in the amount of $123.97 for the RFP posting in the Berkshire Eagle and for recorder. Diane will pay bills and then submit for reimbursement.
Update on the RFP for work at St Paul’s Church:
Three firms have submitted quotes: Jeffrey R Hollingwood, a member of the Timberframe Guild; Harry Pisila who had submitted an earlier evaluation at the town meeting, and Clark & Green Architects who work with the Engineering Firm North Consulting Engineers. There were two other companies who viewed the church who did not submit, and Chris Vreeland who has an agreement with the town will not be submitting.
All quotes were under the $10,000 limit as approved by the town for the purpose of stabilizing the church. Diane has spoken to Steve McAllister the architect for Clark & Green and advised that he has extensive experience with this type of project and the knowledge of where to go for grants and funding, While all acknowledged that the three firms were entirely capable of doing an excellent job, the commission members were in agreement that we should recommend Clark & Green to the Select board. Since stabilization is only the first phase of this project.
Diane will meet with Town Administrator and Building Inspector to advise of our opinion.
New Business:
Discussed information found on websites for preservation process needed to get funding for future phases . We should research State Grants, Landmark Building status Registry of Historic Places etc . Regulations will need to be investigated.
Diane informed us that Chris Morris Town Administrator is leaving.
Phase 2 would involve engineering design and fixes – so discussed importance of getting an idea of the scope of repair needed before winter sets in, and bid for contractor could go out for work to start in the Spring.
Charles said he will speak to Eve at the library museum to see if he can borrow items to display in the cases.
Lauretta is sending small informational notes to the Otis Observer about St Paul’s Church to be run in the monthly paper. We feel this will spark interest in the preservation of this historical building
Meeting adjourned at 7:00m