Historic District Commission Minutes - 2024-01-11

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Durham Historic District Commission January 11 6 pm Minutes

I. Establish a quorum (3 of 5)

II. In attendance : Lois Kilby-Chesley, Candace deCsipkes, David McLellan, Sandra Hilton

Absences : excused ~ Emily Alexander, Paula Purdy.

Guests : Jerry Douglass, Phyllis Brannon

III. Approve Minutes : Moved and seconded to approve the minutes of December 14, 2023. Unanimous.

IV. Information and Reports (no vote necessary)

● Introduction of all members.

● Capital Request Form was submitted without a Commission vote by the Town Manager. A copy was attached to an email sent to Commissioners on Jan 4, 2024.

● Responsibilities of the Commission as set forth by the Town Ordinances and Comprehensive Plan

● Other : Codification of the Land Use Ordinances and Comprehensive Plan will be voted on at Town Meeting as a Budget Item to be completed in 2024, if approved.

V. Continuing Business : Edits to Bylaws

Moved and seconded to make the language in the Durham Historic District Bylaws gender neutral. Unanimous. ○ Change each word “Chairman” to “Chairperson”, each word “Selectman” to “Select Board”, each word “he” or “she” to “they”, each “his” or “her” to “their”

Goal setting for 2024 - Based on what was said at the 12/14/23 meeting

Moved and seconded goals for the Commission in 2024. Edited in discussion. Unanimous 1.

1. To communicate the importance of protecting our past resources with Durham residents, the Durham Community School, and the general public. To identify, preserve and inform citizens of the Town of Durham about its historical heritage.

2. To communicate more frequently with the community on the work of the DHDC To work with non-profit organizations and members of the community that have an interest in historic resources

3. To continue to work for the appropriate future use and restoration of the Union Church

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4. To strive to develop a working relationship with Town Officials in which we are all supporting the Historical Resources in Durham, and clarify the boundaries of committees (Durham Historical Society vs Durham HIstoric District Commission).

Discussion : There was significant discussion and input on what other HIstoric Districts might be doing in larger, urban areas. Several questions were raised about the role of the Commission. A question to ask the Select Board : What do you see as the role of the Historic District Commission and how the role should be achieved?

VI. New Business Jerry Douglass was available for conversation, questions and concerns about the Durham Historic District and the DHDC. We learned from Jerry that in the interim he submitted a Budget request for the DHDC in the amount of the 2023 request. The capital request will be/is being reviewed.

VII. Final decision summary. We will continue our outreach to the Durham Historical Society.

VIII.. Future topics for the next meeting

IX. Adjourn. Moved. Does not require a second. Unanimous.

Remaining Calendar dates for 2024. Durham Historic District Commission. Second Thursday of each month at 6 pm. MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE EUREKA COMMUNITY CENTER GOING FORWARD

February 8 August 8 March 14 September 12 (Town Meeting April 6) October 10 April 11 November 14 May 9 December 12 June 13 July 11