A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussions about compliance with signage regulations, particularly concerning the Settle Shop building. Concerns were raised over temporary flags that may not align with the district’s standards. The commission determined that it was their responsibility to oversee signage compliance and decided to send a letter to the building’s owner, informing them of the requirement to remove the signs each night. The conversation included a suggestion to invite the owner to a future meeting to discuss the signage rules in more detail and potentially offer a grace period for compliance. However, this suggestion was made without any formal request from the owner.

Another topic was the restructuring of the commission’s leadership. A motion was made and approved for Mary Jane Churchville to assume the role of chairperson, replacing the interim chair who expressed a desire to step down but continue serving as a director. Additionally, the interim clerk agreed to remain in that position for another year to assist with the transition. These changes aimed to streamline the commission’s operations and provide clear leadership moving forward.

The commission also focused on improving communication with property owners and the broader community. A proposal was made to use a previously awarded $1,000 for postage and stationary, specifically to send postcards reminding property owners of their historic district status. Concerns were raised about new property owners being unaware of their historic designation due to a new software system that failed to alert real estate agents. Members emphasized the importance of better communication and discussed collaborating with real estate agents to ensure accurate information is passed on to potential buyers. Suggestions were made to create postcards featuring local imagery, with one member planning to bring design examples to the next meeting.

The need for a dedicated email address and contact number for the commission was also highlighted. Members noted the lack of a digital presence as a barrier to effective communication and suggested that setting up these resources might fall under the purview of the selectmen and their administrator. There was a consensus that improved community engagement, including potentially inviting residents to an awareness event, was essential for the commission’s effectiveness.

Members briefly revisited old business, particularly the inventorying of historic district files. The need for organized records, categorized by district and house number, was discussed, and members expressed interest in recruiting volunteers to assist with this task. This effort would ensure current and future homeowners are well-informed about their properties’ history and regulations. The dialogue touched on the role of real estate professionals in conveying historic designations, with concerns about whether adequate information is provided during property transactions.

In another discussion, the commission addressed a forthcoming application from the Parks and Cemetery department regarding signage post replacements using a new composite material called Echo post. The debate centered around the use of modern materials versus traditional ones, with a member advocating for accommodating new materials as long as they are safe. This conversation underscored the commission’s awareness of balancing historic preservation with practical considerations of durability and maintenance.

Furthermore, the commission considered establishing regular monthly meetings to ensure predictability and streamline decision-making. The proposed schedule suggested meetings at 4 PM on Thursdays, with members discussing the impact on applicants and the practicality of the timing. The importance of maintaining a consistent meeting schedule was emphasized.