Meeting of July 21, 2008
Members present: Ruth Bendelius, Bill Collier, Alice Cross, Jon Dogar-Marinesco, Holly
Christiana, Diana Puglisi-Cilenti, Alonzo Grace, Jeanne Greene, Ward Mintz, Alice
Schoonmaker.
Also present: Manuela Michailescu, liaison from Town Board.
The Meeting was called to order by Chairman Alice Cross. She welcomed the new Commission
Members: Holly Christiana, Jon Dogar-Marinesco, Alonzo Grace, and Diana Puglisi-Cilenti.
Pertinent information including: a copy of Town Code Chapter 22 regarding the TOR HPC, Town Code Chapter 34 regarding appointed boards and attendance, and a copy of the
Policies and Procedures of the Historic Preservation Commission was given to the new
Commission Members.
The new members introduced themselves and described their individual interest in preservation and their interest in being a member of the TOR HP Commission.
Minutes of the June HPC meeting were approved.
Veterans Park and Monument at Town Hall
Plans for a park as well as a stone at the entrance road to the Town Hall road for parades
and public recognition as presented by Alice Cross to the new Town Board members
received unanimous support by the Town Board.
There was discussion of wording for the plaque on the stone at the Town Hall. It was felt
that it should be inclusive rather than exclusively for veterans from the TOR. Ruth
Bendelius reported her findings concerning “wording” on memorials in a number of area
Communities. (Copy on file)
Chairman Cross explained the chronology of development of our proposed Veterans Park to the new Commission members.
Training
Ward Mintz reported that there would be 2 sessions by Neil Larsen, a respected local
preservation expert. The 2 sessions plus a written summary will be $500.00. Mr. Larsen
will discuss current state laws, preservation activities in other communities, and the
historic resources in our Town. He will help us discover ways to use our survey as a
source for public education.
The first session will be on September 15 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Our regular meeting will
follow from 5:00 – 6:00 PM. The 2nd session is October 20 at 3:00PM.
Minutes – July 21, 2008, cont.
Public Programs
Harry Hansen will be asked to do a public program as part of fulfilling the Grant obligation
to update the Historic Resources Reconnaissance Inventory. It is anticipated that Harry
Hansen’s research will open new avenues for public education.
A program to invite area people who are involved in restoration work of various types to speak will be promoted.
Holly Christiana will research the possibility of a barn tour.
Signage
The Commission will continue to erect hamlet signs. The sign on Rt. 209 and Main
Street for Accord will have “Main Street” added.
Next Meeting – August 11 at 4:00 PM at the Town Hall
Public Comment Period
Ruth Bendelius, acting as a Town of Rochester resident and taxpayer, read a statement
concerning erroneous information that was being bantered about regarding herself, the
TOR Historic Preservation Commission and the recently proposed TOR draft
Preservation Law.
(A copy of her statement and a copy of supporting documentation regarding preservation
laws in surrounding communities placed on file with Minutes.)
Adjournment
Motion made by Bill Collier; seconded by Alice Schoonmaker. Passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Bendelius