Historical Commission meeting

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Meeting of Historical Commission

Members: (Quorum)

• Absent: Edie Field, Honorary
• Absent: Susan Lynton
• Present: Anne Schuyler, at 7:30 PM
• Present: Eva Gibavic, at 7:00 PM
• Present: Carole Desanti, at 8:00 PM
• Present: Ann Tweedy, at 7:30 PM
• Present: Susan Mareneck, Chair, at 7:00 PM

Also Present:

• Chuck Schnell
• Walter Cudnohufsky Associates
• Landscape Design for FONLS
• Tom Reidy
• Bacon Wilson PC
• FONLS Legal Counsel
• Jill Borghardt
• Structures North
• FONLS engineering advisors. The meeting was recorded for Carole and others who could not attend the whole meeting.

See original Agenda Final Minutes

Meeting opened: 7:15 PM

Meeting closed: 9:10 PM

0. Meeting Preliminaries

   • Meeting Opened / Attendance Taken (see above).

   • Minutes Approved: Mon, Jul 14 - Historical Commission Meeting

1. CPA Letters of Support

   • LOS - FONLS request for CPA application 2025 - presentation of current plans

     General Discussion...
     At 7:30pm, Chuck Schnell began the presentation of the changes to the landscape design which have been instituted to provide accessibility in order to preserve the mill character. He described the removal of the deck at the east end of the mill and the railings which impeded the view from North Leverett and Cave Hill Roads. The ramp spanning the north side to provide accessible entrance through the existing openings at floor level was reduced. The stone foundation, which needs significant repair and restoration will require new drainage. This walkway will protect the foundation which is currently partially visible from North Leverett Road. The walkway will cover up to 18' of the foundation and lower facade.
     
     Attorney Tom Reidy, Bacon/Wilson Law firm, spoke at this point to assure the Historical Commission that in light of the intent of the Historical Preservation Restriction, put in place when the Kirley family received CPA funds to repair the collapsed roof in 2007, in his opinion the commissioners can legally approve this minor alteration to the facade on the north side as it will not interfere with the overall character and will maintain preservation values. In fact, it will help to preserve the mill into the future by eliminating the threat of further damage to the foundation from excessive run-off of the increasing intensity of rainstorms now being experienced in the area as well as providing accessibility required of a space welcoming the public.
     
     Jill Borghardt described all reinforcements which will be needed on each level of the mill. At the end of her description of what will be needed to preserve the foundation, the commissioners discussed how the accessible walkway/platform on the north facade would benefit the drainage and structural repair work that will keep the water away from the north foundation. Chuck Schnell and Jill concurred that one would reinforce the other.
     
     Carole asked about the content of a letter of support from the Historical Commission. She will look for the draft that she, Anne Schuyler and Eva had created in the late winter of 2025. Susan Lynton spoke to the significance of the existence of the mill to the town and nation and to the importance that all work be focused on sustaining this historic artifact in the future.
     
     It was decided to meet on Tuesday 10/14 since 10/13 is a holiday, in order to approve a Letter of Support before the CPC meets on Weds. 10/15.

2. 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.

     General Discussion...
     Carole updated the commission on her work towards arranging a conditions assessment bya professional in three of Leverett's historic cemeteries which received CPA funds in the past for restoration work. North, Moore's Corner and Chestnut Hill cemeteries were surveyed by HC. members and LHS volunteers in the fall of 2024. After not finding an alternative, she spoke with TaMara Conde and explained to her what we were looking for. TaMara said if there were less than 20 stones/ cemetery for her to look at, she would not charge of the assessment. She would then write up the Scope of Work and provide us a list. The larger issue of maintaining the cemeteries for their historic value and how best to do it needs to be addressed with the Leverett Cemetery Association.

3. Oversight of Historical Assets

   • Archaeological sites - Issues Regarding Archaeological Sites in Leverett

   • CPA Annual Review - Details of the 2025 tour of CPA-funded sites.

   • HPR - Update - HPR for stone features

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

   • 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)

5. Embodied History - Timber Industry Program

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

6. Historical Signage

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

6. 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.

7. HC membership

   • Update - HC membership/role changes

8. New Business

   • Public input - Topics brought to HC for future consideration

   • Society for Industrial Archaeology - Society for Industrial Archaeology - Sawmill River Industrial Corridor Tour April 2026 - date?

9. Meeting Wrap-up

   • Next Meetings:
     1. Tue, Oct 14, at 7:00 PM "Historical Commission meeting" -- Online only: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86125147556
     2. Mon, Nov 10, at 7:00 PM "Historical Commission Meeting" -- Online only: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86125147556
     3. Mon, Dec 8, at 7:00 PM "Historical Commission Meeting" -- Online only: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86125147556

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 Monday, Nov 3, 2025