Holyoke Historical Commission
City Hall Annex
Meeting Minutes for January 7, 2015
Attendees
Commissioners: Olivia Mausel, James Sheehan & Duncan Mackiewicz
Associate Members: Jean Jonker, Dan Fitzgerald & Chris Gauthier
Public: Peter Serafino (HAP HOUSING)
-Chairperson Mausel called the meeting to order @ 6:30 p.m.
-Chairperson Mausel opened the meeting to Hap Representative, Peter Serafino. Mr. Serafino gave the Historical Commission an update on Library Commons. Mr. Serafino spoke of the design of each building providing blue prints for each member of the Commission. Mr. Serafino also spoke of Historic Tax Credits, and the 4 applications to the Mass Historical Commission. They were denied and another application is being sent on January 15, 2015. He asked that the Mayor and the Historical Commission send letters to William F. Galvin, Mass Secretary of the Commonwealth in support of the project. Discussion ensured of how things would be different if no historic tax credits were granted to this project.
-Chairperson Mausel questioned any additions and or corrections from the previous meeting. Commissioner Mackiewcz made a motion to accept the minutes from the December 3, 2014 meeting; this was seconded by Commissioner Sheehan. The Commission accepted the minutes unanimously.
-Chairperson Mausel made a motion to send the Bylaws to the legal department for final review. Commissioner Mackiewcz made a motion to send the Bylaws to the legal department, Commissioner Sheehan seconded the motion. The Commission accepted unanimously.
-Chairperson Mausel spoke of a newsletter for the Commission, utilizing Mail Jump, possibly a quarterly newsletter of the happenings of the Historical Commission. Chairperson Mausel also questioned Associate Members, Jonker and Gauthier in their assistance with updating the cities website.
-Chairperson Mausel spoke of her continued progress with the City Hall and Upper High Street tours. She stated that it was growing!
-Commissioner Sheehan spoke to the board on the continued production of the Plaque Program and discussion of monies to be deposited.
-Associate Member Jonker spoke of her attendance at the Stained Glass meeting last week. She spoke of a coloring book for students with various grade levels and contests to raise monies. Associate Member Jonker proposed a fund raiser for the Commission, showing pictures of the old school. Discussion ensured of its possibilities.
-Chairperson Mausel spoke of the Planning and Survey Grant. Claire Ricker wrote letter of intent. Certified Local Governments are given special treatment. Letter was accepted; Commission to proceed ahead with this grant.
-Chairperson Mausel spoke of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, along with the Fairfield Ave Commission. Discussion of types of costumes for this year’s event.
-Chairperson Mausel spoke of the Display Cube at the Holyoke Mall. She received an email that the Commission will have a glass cube by the Best Buy Store from February 1st until March 1st. Discussion as to what to put in the case ensured.
-Chairperson Mausel notified the Commission of its next meeting on February 9th @ 6:30 p.m.
With no further business, Commissioner Mackiewicz moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Sheehan seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and Chairperson Mausel adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.