Town of East Windsor
East Windsor Historical Preservation Commission
11 Rye Street
Broad Brook, CT 06016
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DRAFT
Minutes – September 11, 2008
A regular meeting of the East Windsor Historical Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the East Windsor Town Hall located at 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.
I. A quorum was established. John Stanat and Paul Scannell were absent.
II. There were no minutes to review.
III. Correspondence included:
a. Connecticut Preservation News
b. Preservation Magazine
c. Forum Journal
d. Forum News
e. Invitation: To celebrate the newly refurbished Hooker House. Cocktail Party to be held at Bellini’s in New Haven, CT. Cost is $125.00 per ticket.
IV. Added Agenda items:
a. Commission Name Change
b. Annual Report
c. Article: “Preserve America Community”
V. Old Business:
a. Budget: The budget has been passed. $2300.00 was allocated to the Historical Preservation Commission. Of the total amount, $1800.00 is allocated for Bill Gould and $500.00 is allocated for the consultant working on the Melrose Historic District. There is no money allocated for memberships.
b. District 12 Schoolhouse: Mr. Gould left a message for the chair stating that the specifications have been completed. The chair has not seen them yet. Also, it is unknown if the grounds have been mowed by the town.
c. Melrose Historic District: No update. IT is estimated that progress won’t be made until December.
VI. New Business: No new business.
VII. Added Agenda items:
a. Commission Name Change: On July 15th, 2008, the name of the East Windsor Historical Commission was officially changed to the East Windsor Historical Preservation Commission. The letter head will need to be changed. Also, the brochures will need to be updated and changed to reflect the new name.
b. Annual Report: The commission is required to file its annual report to the town by September 22nd (if on paper) or by September 26th (if electronically). Discussion about what to include in the report. It was suggested that information about the progress made on the District 12 Schoolhouse, including the completion of the specifications and how this opens the way for the granting process. The name change can be included as well. Marilyn Butenkoff suggested a paragraph be included giving general information about the commission. Also, information on becoming a Certified Local Government and Grants that are available for historic
preservation could be included as well.
c. Article: “Preserve America Community”: The chair discussed an article in the August 23rd, 2008 edition of the Hartford Courant. The article detailed how Suffield, CT has applied to become a “Preserve America” Community. By becoming a “Preserve America” Community, a town is made eligible for federal grants and the town is placed on the national registry. The purpose is to help the community utilize historic assets towards economic development and tourism. The application requires that the community meet three categories. The Community must discover heritage through historic places, protect historic
resources, and promote historic assets. It was suggested by Marilyn Butenkoff that if East Windsor was to become a Preserve America Community, then the Town Selectman and Select Board would have to be approached and cooperation would be key to its success. The idea of a having East Windsor become a Certified Local Government was also brought up. If the town wanted to become a Certified Local Government, then it would have more access to funding and grants. The chair stated that Mary Dunn of the Cultural and Tourism Board explained that for a town to become a Certified Local Government, it would need community support and the town selectman would have to initiate the application process. The town would also need to designate a historic building as its focus, with the community supporting the project. It was suggested that the District 12 Schoolhouse, the Melrose District, or the Warehouse Point School could be used as the focal point in the process. In regards to the Warehouse Point
School, the building is currently in disrepair and in danger of being demolished. Michael Hunt stated that there are historic documents in the building and a volunteer needs to go over and go through them before they become destroyed by weather damage. However, before the documents can be preserved, permission must be granted by the town. Lastly, the commission was unsure if it would be wise to start the process of becoming a Certified Local Government at this time, as they already have two major projects underway. It was suggested that a volunteer would be need to focus their energy on this project alone.
VIII. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Michael Hunt. Seconded by Marilyn Butenkoff. Adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
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