Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Townsend HDC seeks volunteers, plans outreach workshops and addresses ethics training
Summary
The commission discussed reappointments and alternates, agreed to invite applicant Marlena Santiago to the August meeting, proposed community workshops and a postcard outreach campaign, and noted that two members were not yet compliant with state ethics training.
The Townsend Historic District Commission used part of its July 1 meeting to discuss membership, outreach and compliance matters.
Commissioners reviewed volunteer and reappointment items. Robert Duran (also referenced as Therian/Karian in the transcript) said he would not commit to a full commissioner role but offered to serve as an alternate or consultant for architectural reviews. The commission agreed to consult him on complex items and to invite a new applicant, Marlena Santiago (said to live at 39 South Street in Townsend and described in the record as a retired veteran with drafting and real-estate experience) to the August meeting for vetting of her architectural experience.
Separately, members proposed an outreach program to raise awareness about what it means to be in a historic district. The idea included brief workshops or an informational event (possible venues discussed: town hall or senior center) and adding a short invitation to an upcoming town postcard. Commissioners discussed sourcing high-resolution property photos (Eric Dresser and Dave Faneuil were referenced as potential photo sources) and agreed staff should draft concise verbiage for the postcard.
The chair also reported receiving a state notice that two board members were not in compliance with required ethics training. Commissioners discussed the online training portal and said noncompliant members must complete the online coursework; one member said they had started but not finished the requirement.
The commission moved to add the outreach/classes/postcard item to the next agenda and scheduled follow-up for the August meeting.
