HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-09 Historical Commission Minutes
NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES April 9, 2018
REMINDER; OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON MONDAY, MAY 14, AT 4PM, AT
TOWN HALL
Absent: Pat Long , Carol Majahad
I. Minutes approved
II REQUEST FOR A STUDY PROJECT AT THE OLD BURYING GROUND
A. Dr. . Donald Slater, from Phillips Academy , requested Commission approval of a student project he hopes to
conduct at the Old Burying Ground . He explained that the focus of the project would be two-fold...student
learning and digital documentation. The project would include the use of 3D scanners, hand-held GPS, and a drone.
They would use technology that would allow night photography using handheld scanners. They would study the
iconography of gravestones and be able to examine the earth beneath the stones. Dr. Slater explained that there
would be free access to any information obtained during the project. He would like to do some "test-driving" with
student assistants this spring and officially begin the project in the fall of 2018. He anticipates that it will take
several years to complete the project.
B. Kathy Szyska, Chairman, explained that any participants in the project would need to have the proper insurance.
Also, the use of drones needed notification of the airport and night photography would require police notification.
Dr. Slater agreed to be responsible for notifying the police and airport appropriately and said that he would send the
insurance information to the Commission as soon as possible.
C. Commission members mentioned that perhaps this project would uncover information about a historical
mystery...where was the first Andover Meeting House built?
D. A motion was made and seconded to approve this project in the Old Burying Ground once the appropriate
insurance coverage was in place. The motion passed unanimously.
III.OBG GATE...Based on the prevailing wage rate Al McGregor's cost estimate to install a gate at the OBG this
spring is $3650. This cost will be paid from remaining CPA grant funds. Jim Wefers will contact Mr. McGregor
and let him know that the project is a go.
IV, HISTORICAL PRESERVATION CPA GRANTS ON THE TOWN WARRANT FOR 2018
A. CJ said that the CPC is not recommending any historical preservation grants at this year's Town Meeting. A
request from St. Paul's was denied until a current appeal in another Massachusetts town is decided. The CPC set
aside funds for Historical Preservation for next year (approximately $199,000