Holyoke Historical Commission
City Hall Annex
Meeting Minutes for May 11, 2015
In Attendance: Commissioners: Olivia Mausel &James Sheehan
Pending Commissioners: Jerome Ezold, Joseph Paul, Alexandra Puffer, Frances Welson
Associate Members: Dan Fitzgerald & Jean Jonker
Public: Paula Ferrario
Chairperson Mausel called the meeting to order @ 6:30 p.m. No Quorum this evening, as not enough Commissioner’s present. No Voting tonight.
Meetings for next year starting on Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:30pm (first Wednesday of each month) Chairperson Mausel notified the Commission of it’s next meeting on June 8, 2015 with orientation starting at 5:30. No meetings in July and August unless something urgent arises.
Orientation is Monday, June 8th at 5:30
Chairperson Mausel briefed the Commission on a demo watch consisting of 71 Maple Street and 30 Fairfield Avenue. For the porch on Fairfield Ave a replica would be ideal.
Chairperson Mausel spoke of the upcoming Preservation Awards.
-Invitations get sent to everyone who owns a building/structure more than 100 years old that is listed in MACRIS.
-Alexandra Puffer to follow up with the sound system/Joe Dias.
-Chairperson Mausel to get the projector.
-Jeff Bianchine to do a stained glass display.
-Jim Sheehan to speak to SignsPlus and may have a table with application for plaques.
-HAP- Library Commons would like to have a table. They have been developing several buildings to rehab the corner with the Barlow and Providence Ministries. They were denied historic tax credits to demolish a wing of a building, which they are trying to appeal. They may attend to get signatures for support.
- Chairperson Mausel to speak to Jackie Sears, the author of The Holyoke Book.
-The commission will have its own table of information and email newsletter sign up, handouts, newsletter, research, plaque, etc.
-Alexandra Puffer to talk to Wistariahurst about having a table.
-Awards to: Associate Dan Fitzgerald, for his 2010 DVD of religious institutions and churches, of which will run in the background during the Awards. E. Denis, Library for the murals, and Jens Christiansen/BrigetteKahnan.
-Guest book with email addresses and a bowl for business cards
-Chamber of Commerce email newsletter may be a suitable place to advertise the event
-Chairperson Mausel told the Commission that Bob Archembauld at Dean Tech would love to help and will be fixing two of the exterior lights, metal work, at the Annex Building. They have repaired lights previously at Wistariahurst. Chairperson Mausel notified the Commission that contact has been made with William Fuqua, Superintendent of Public Works of how and when work will be done. Gas and Electric have been contacted for a cherry picker. May be done next year.
Chairperson Mausel spoke of the property of 26 Lyman Street. Property of late Henry and KatrinLisowski. May be turned over to the city and then given to the commission to rehabilitate with Dean Tech. More information about the house will be presented next month.
Chairperson Mausel spoke of the possible collaboration with the Planning Department as per the Mayor.
Chairperson Mausel spoke of the Community Preservation Act for advocacy and funds of preserving buildings. Holyoke Preservation Trust has it on their radar.
Chairperson Mausel spoke briefly of City Hall archives of historical documents. Brenna McGee, city Clerk wrote a grant for a visit from the Roving Archivists program. Rachel Olaf visited for a day. Brenna on the track of archiving and will need our support when she returns from Maternity leave. Brenna has taking acourse of archiving.
Spoke briefly of historical tours outdoors during Next Stop Holyoke on Columbus Day weekend. Intiya is working on a map of High Street for the walking tour with an October deadline.
Meeting ended @ 8:01p.m.