Historical Commission Meeting

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Monday, May 12, 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm
Online and in-person at Town Hall Topic: Historical Commission Meeting - Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84806069184?pwd=IV1P3b3M5g9qYcb7ftZdSweh8Ss26q.1 - Meeting ID: 848 0606 91; Passcode: 254618
A meeting of the Historical Commission

Meeting of Historical Commission

Members: (Quorum)

• Absent: Edie Field, Honorary
• Absent: Sara Robinson
• Present: Susan Mareneck, Chair, at 7:00 PM
• Present: Ann Tweedy, at 7:00 PM
• Present: Carole Desanti, at 7:00 PM
• Present: Susan Lynton, at 7:00 PM
• Present: Anne Schuyler, at 7:00 PM
• Present: Eva Gibavic, at 7:00 PM

Also Present:

• Steven KaCey
• Regional Resource Group - Leverett Assessor's office

See original Agenda Final Minutes

Meeting opened: 7:05 PM

Meeting closed: 9:08 PM

0. Meeting Preliminaries

   • Meeting Opened / Attendance Taken (see above).

   • No minutes to approve.

1. CPA Letters of Support

   • LOS - FONLS request 2024 - CD draft needs to be finalized.

     General Discussion...
     The discussion focused on the language of the 2008 HPR on the Sawmill. Specifically Grantor's Covenant 2.1 (b) that, 'nothing shall be erected or allowed to grow on the property which would impair the visibility of the Sawmill from North Leverett Road or Cave Hill Road.' Concern was raised by Carole, Anne and Eva about the deck planned for the east side, which would alter the view from Cave Hill and North Leverett Roads. After studying the newest project plans which provides a ramp access through the proposed deck, it seemed to boil down to whether accessibility at the east end of the sawmill can be achieved by a ramp that enters through the existing bay opening or whether it must be through the bay accessibility created by the addition of a deck above the water facing Cave Hill Road. Access through the existing bay opening would best comply with the HPR. If the proposed deck was necessary for accessibility, the members might take into consideration allowing a change to the exterior façade. An accessible ramp would make the public bathroom and museum floor of the sawmill available to all. Susan Lynton and Mareneck recused themselves from decision making due to their FONLS board membership. Susan Lynton requested that the subcommittee of LHC members making the decision put their concerns in writing to her so that she can submit the questions to the architect in order to have answers for the June meeting.
     
     There was also a question about the archaeology that the National Park Service has requested. Under federal regulations, federal and state recognized Native American Tribes are informed but the Tribes do not always decide to consult. Recently land in Leverett has been given to the Native Land Trust and to one of Nipmuc bands, both who might be interested in consulting. Eva could provide connection.
     

2. HC membership

   • Update - HC membership/role changes

     General Discussion...
     Members discussed the various HC roles and how to distribute in a scenario where responsibilities are more broadly distributed. SM presented a document that describes various responsibilities: financial, oversight of meetings (agendas/minutes/chairing), representing to the CPC, communicating to the Selectboard, other town entities, historically aligned non-profits in the community and the region.
     
     Various projects that the HC is involved with include: Signage and Embodied History; Ironworks Mapping; Cemetery Conditions Assessments; LHS Collection Inventory.
     
     There is interest in updating the inventory forms for MHC.
     
     Susan Lynton is willing to work on the financial oversight piece. Most agreed that the agenda can remain the same month-to-month. Could minute-taking be shared? Could meetings be co-chaired? Most agreed that once the 3 additional signage samples are installed that the 'Embodied History' project will be complete. SM asked members to consider what roles they might want to assume before the June HC meeting. With Sara's resignation, we will also be seeking nominations for a new member. Several spoke of possible candidates but names were not put forth.

3. Reports from Other Town Committees

   • Historical Commission rep on CPC - Discussion of role of Historical Commission representative on the Community Preservation Committee. Changes at the CPC.

     General Discussion...
     Changes at the Community Preservation Committee: There are supposed to be 7 members from the Planning Board, Historical Commission, Conservation Commission, Recreation Committee, Affordable Housing Committee and (2?) At-Large members. Ann Tweedy does not want to return to representing the Historical Commission. Eva is willing to continue. At the last CPC meeting Danielle agreed to continue as chair until the fall of 2025. She will take the at-large position which will open the Rec Committee slot (she is no longer on the Rec Committee). Hopefully, the open Con Com slot will be filled by then, making for a full CPC.
     

4. Conditions Assessment of Leverett Cemeteries

   • Update - Update on putting together an RFP for using funds from last year's town meeting allocation to estimate costs associated with doing the needed repair work in three of Leverett's historic cemeteries. If not used by June 30, 2025, the funds allocated last year will need to be identified and a request made to roll them over into 2026 fiscal year.

     General Discussion...
     SM will request that the funds allocated in 2024 for FY2025 be carried-over the FY2026 since the work has not been completed.
     
     Carole and Susan M will attend the annual LCA (Cemetery Assoc.) meeting to update the members on the progress to date on Weds. 5/14/25.

5. Oversight of Historical Assets

   • HPR - Update - HPR for stone features

   • Ironworks Mapping - Next steps in archaeological mapping at Heritage Park/Ironworks site.

     General Discussion...
     LiDAR scanning has been completed with some photogrammetry as well. Now that CPA funds have been approved for the mapping of the 4.6 ac of sculpted landscape leading to the ironworks, the RFP will be finalized and sent out to at least three potential firms by 5/15/25.

   • Properties - Update on - Slarrow Sawmill (FONLS); Moore's Corner Schoolhouse (LHS); 'Heritage Park & Nature Trail'(FONLS/Town of Leverett); Field Tavern (private); Graves' Ironworks (Town of Leverett managed by FONLS as part of 'Heritage Park' conservation area); Field Library/Museum (Town of Leverett in partnership with LHS)

     General Discussion...
     The Field Tavern continues its downward slide. The hole in the roof getting larger by the week. The family seems to have abandoned it. A very tragic situation.
     
     The Moore's Corner School House remains a concern for the Historical Society since the CPC refuses to acknowledge the plans for future maintenance put forth by the Society and has once again rejected their application to fund rehabilitation. Privately raised funds and some deeply discounted labor by local contractors will be used to repair a significantly rotted plate on the second floor, NE corner immediately. They will also approach the BOH to seek approval of a composting toilet in the outhouse. In future applications to the CPC they will offer more descriptive plans for items like the accessible ramp, even though the final design of such an feature is usually done once the funding is secured.

5. Embodied History - Timber Industry Program

   • Embodied History - Update on Timber Industry film and program. Embodied History topics?

6. Leverett's 250th Anniversary

   • Events - Update - 250th Quilt Exhibit Leverett Library, May/June 2025; Closing 250th year reception on Saturday June 7, 2025 12:30 - 2:30pm. Time Capsule, Story Scroll and Quilt shared and then stored for posterity. Join us for the 250th finale.

6. Historical Signage

   • Industrial History Markers - Update - Signage for Cave Hill, Federal Mill and Roaring Brook Mill

     General Discussion...
     Contact Pleun to see if she has been in touch with Lauren Kaplan regarding Roaring Brook signage.

8. New Business

   • Public input - Topics brought to HC for future consideration

     General Discussion...
     One of Leverett's assessors Steve KaCey, attended the meeting to inquire about 474 Long Plain Road and whether it had some form of protected historic status.

9. Meeting Wrap-up

   • Next Meetings:
     1. Mon, Jun 9, at 7:00 PM "Historical Commission Meeting" -- Online and in-person at Town Hall Topic: Historical Commission Meeting - Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84806069184?pwd=IV1P3b3M5g9qYcb7ftZdSweh8Ss26q.1 - Meeting ID: 848 0606 91; Passcode: 254618
     2. Mon, Jul 14, at 7:00 PM "Historical Commission Meeting" -- Online and in-person at Town Hall Topic: Historical Commission Meeting - Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84806069184?pwd=IV1P3b3M5g9qYcb7ftZdSweh8Ss26q.1 - Meeting ID: 848 0606 91; Passcode: 254618
     3. Mon, Aug 11, at 7:00 PM "Historical Commission Meeting" -- Online and in-person at Town Hall Topic: Historical Commission Meeting - Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84806069184?pwd=IV1P3b3M5g9qYcb7ftZdSweh8Ss26q.1 - Meeting ID: 848 0606 91; Passcode: 254618

The listing of matters is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.

Minutes prepared by SM

Minutes approved on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025