Historic District Commission
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Meeting Minutes
Members present: Rex Baker, Noel Greiner, Kully Mindemann, Kathy Scott, Michael Price. Absent: Nick Colony
Attendees: Jon Richardson, Michael Amato, Don Scott, Leslie Voiers.
Mr. Baker called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Voting members – The voting members for the evening were named as Kathy Scott, Kully Mindemann, Noel Greiner, Michael Price and Rex Baker.
Agenda, Minutes – Mr. Greiner moved to approve the agenda as drafted. Mr. Mindemann seconded. All voted in favor. Mr. Greiner moved to approve the minutes of the March meeting. Mr. Price seconded. All voted in favor.
HDC 2026-1, Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham – Representing the Community Church, Don Scott explained the Church’s goal of upgrading the heating and air conditioning system by installing 3 mini-split units. Two of the interior units will serve Fellowship Hall and the 3rd will serve the office of the pastor; none will serve the sanctuary. The new system requires the installation of 3 compressors on the exterior of the rear building, proposed for the area behind the building, and behind the new porch ramp, where the rubbish barrels are located.
As the proposed location for the compressors is the gabled end of the building, no additional roofing is required. Mr. Scott showed images of the view from Island Street and images of the compressor units. Existing vegetation along the shoreline will obstruct any view from Harrisville Pond. The foundation for the compressors will consist of a pervious stone gravel bed, with concrete pads on top to keep the units stable and dry.
HDC members asked about external wiring. Mr. Scott noted it will be enclosed in a gutter-type pipe up the corner of the building to feed into and through the attic space and into the interior utility room. This conduit will be painted to blend in with the brick façade. Mr. Scott emphasized that these are the only exterior elements for the system, and that they mostly face the lake and are not visible from the public view.
Abutter Jon Richardson believes he will see the units from his living room. Mr. Scott noted the Church is willing to install screening if the HDC would like, possibly by a low fence, painted to blend in.
Abutters also asked about the level of noise coming from 3 units, as typical installations in the village consist of just 1 unit. Mr. Baker noted the new Village Community Center/formerly St. Denis Church, has 2 exterior compressors, which he noted are audible from his house on School Street.
Abutter Leslie Voiers echoed concerns about noise and, though she doesn’t think the units will be visible from her property, requested that the board consider requiring planting/screening. Mr. Richardson suggested having screening run perpendicular to the church’s rear façade so as not to obstruct access to the units for vendor maintenance. Mr. Scott noted it would be rare that all units would run simultaneously. Mr. Richardson noted he was more curious than concerned about the noise.
On the matter of screening with vegetation, Mr. Scott recommended a rhododendron; the HDC requested that whatever planting is decided is just tall enough to provide some buffer from noise and that any exposed conduit work be painted to minimize its appearance.
With no further discussion, Rex Baker moved to approve the application upon condition that arborvitae or shrubs be planted to block the view and minimize noise and that the appearance of exterior wiring be minimized by painting to match the building exterior as closely as possible. Kathy Scott seconded. Members voted unanimously in favor.
Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHiP), Grant Opportunity – The Town submitted a Letter of Intent to apply for funding for needed masonry work at the library on Canal Street. The LOI was accepted and the Town was asked to submit the full application by the deadline of June 17, 2026. Mr. Baker will work with Mary Ann Noyer to complete this.
Election of HDC Officers – Kathy Scott nominated Rex Baker to continue as HDC Chair, Michael Price to continue as Vice Chair, and Kully Mindemann to continue as Application Reviewer. Mr. Mindemann seconded. All voted in favor.
HDC Membership – Resident Michael Amato of Church Street reiterated his interest in historic preservation, his family’s presence in town, and his interest in joining the HDC. Kathy Scott noted this would be for membership as an Alternate as the board has a full slate of voting members at this time. Rex Baker stated he will communicate the HDC’s recommendation to the Select Board.
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.