Historical Commission
Present in person: Adrienne Bachand, Mike Defalco, Bob Corry, Mark Conners, Roseann Bergdoll, Sue Overbey, John Curtis
Present via remote access: Sue DeBruin
I. Current Appointments- On June 13th the town accepted our amended article on the town warrant. The BHC is allowed 7 voting members and 4 alternate members.
II. Old Home Day- We will have a spot at Old Home Day on July 30th. Discussed the need for volunteers, a table, tent, and books to sell. Discussed providing copies of "So Goodly Inheritance" for a recommended donation of $5. Mentioned that Mark Allen was good enough to provide copies that he had stored as a former member of the BHC.
III. Book Project- Mike reported that sales have slowed. He has about 30 copies, and between the 4 locations of sales there are about 60-70 copies from the 2nd printing remaining. Not recommendind another printing at this time.
IV. Stamp Project- Mike reported that he sent letters to state government offices asking for support and has not received responses from the offices of Warren, Markey, or Neal. He reported that there has been a tremendous amount of support from boards/groups in Oregon.
V. Windmill- Mike reported that nothing is happening at the moment. The diocese of Springfield has a real estate commission that manages their properties. The windmill property is on hold until they review the request to donate it to the BHC.
VI. Records- A committee is being formed, which will make recommendations to the town. At the present time, it consists of Mike, Roseann, and John- all from the BHC. A Select Board member will be included (TBD), as will Deb the town clerk and potentially a board of Health member as recommended by the SB. Mike expressed concerns that the archival boxes are not better protected in the meantime. A lengthy discussion of options took place.
VII. Gazebo- Bob reported that the state funds were successfully spend by June 30th. There are several enhancements pending, and they include the historical sign, the lettering over the gazebo door, and the flagpole. He reported that there is approximately 4K remaining in the project fund. Bob discussed the placement and timing of remaining items. He also introduced the idea of providing WIFI which initiated a lengthy conversation about the pros and cons. Valid concerns were raised by most members regarding the liability of providing an unsecured network. Sue D. and John abstained from participating in an informal poll on supporting or not supporting WIFI as more information is needed on the subject. Bob agreed further research was needed and expressed he would like the gazebo to be a place that's usable where visitors can sit and stay a while and WIFI would allow this. (informal poll on the subject showed 5 against providing WIFI, 2 abstentions, and 1 in favor). Mark next proposed we plan a "ribbon cutting" ceremony. This would be held before one of the summer concerts, taking the opportunity to thank Rep. Todd Smola and others in the community. The date is to be determined.
VIII. Blighted Structures- Mark expressed hoping to build a committee consisting of BHC and other town departments to try to strategize helping property owners renovate or rehab properties at the entrances to the town. John mentioned the last remaining schoolhouse on Tower Hill Rd. as a priority for preservation. He added that the Spooner house is also an 18th century structure in need of help. Mike provided an opinion on the topic, suggesting we make a list of blighted buildings and turn it over to the town- adding we should only get involved with helping preserve properties on the national register of historic places. It was mentioned that there isn't a blight law in Brimfield. Mark suggested we only get involved as facilitators-helping to create a solution to this problem.
X. Giant Indian Mortar- Bob suggested forming a search party for a missing granite stone that may have been located in the woods off of Marsh Hill Rd. It would need to be planned for late winter/early spring 2023.
Adjourned 7:38pm