The Historic District Commission has held a series of short meetings recently, but the July 16 meeting might have set a new record for brevity. The meeting lasted just over 11 minutes, and much of that time was spent on approval of minutes and other procedural matters.
Only one item appeared on the agenda for consideration. Applicant David King Weeks spoke on behalf of owner Jennifer Girkin, who asked to remove and replace two chimneys at 9 White St. The property dates to 1892 and is considered contributing.
Weeks explained that a previous owner had covered the two chimneys with Portland mortar, which led to a deterioration in the bricks. The application outlined a plan to remove the chimneys and replace them with bricks of a similar appearance.
Chair Dee Bright read from current guidelines, which allow for rebuilding a chimney that is too deteriorated to repair. The guidelines suggest using salvaged materials where possible, while matching the original chimney in appearance and height. HDC guidelines also prohibit the use of Portland cement for re-pointing masonry.
All approved the application.
Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development gave commissioners an update on efforts to reprint a brochure outlining HDC requirements. Dishman said the new brochures should be delivered within a week, and a mass mailing will begin. She also expressed her thanks to Building Inspector Paul Sutherland for allowing her to speak at a class he is conducting for those seeking a contractor’s license.
The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6. Level III applications were due on July 23, and Level II applications will be due July 30.