[MassHistPres] the merging of commissions

[Dennis De Witt]

Marisa

No.

Furthermore, based on a previous conversations with an Atty. member, I  
wonder if a commission could broadly delegate such powers to anything  
less than a quorum of its full (not alternate) members -- or if it  
could even do that.  Sounds like a question for your town counsel.

If you merge, why not have two meetings a month alternately wearing  
your different hats so that the HC matters don't get swamped by the  
LHD cases?

Dennis

PS I mistyped below.  The reason for the merger (in part) was a  
mistaken notion that it was required to become a CLG.


On Oct 22, 2009, at 11:23 AM, Marisa Labozzetta wrote:

> Dennis,
>  So , neither HC nor HDC ever funcitoned ever functioned at any time  
> as a subcommittee of the other? Is that correct?
> Marisa
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Dennis De Witt
> To: MHC MHC listserve
> Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 8:53 AM
> Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] the merging of commissions
>
> Marisa
>
> The HC had 5 members, the HDC had 7.  I think the same person  
> chaired both at the time of the merger -- in any case, there was one  
> common member.  The combined Preservation Commission has 7 + 4  
> alternates.  I think the ex-HC people who didn't fit the 40c  
> requirements were made alternates.  There was no gradual change  
> except to  that over the years as ex-HC members left they tended to  
> be replaced by people who better fit the 40c requirements.
>
> However, appointments often were significantly determined by  
> available applicants and sometimes by BoS "agendas" unrelated to or  
> in ignorance of 40c.  Experience here suggests that actively  
> 'recruited" members are somewhat more likely to not work out or be  
> counter-productive than those who seek appointment with little or no  
> initial encouragement
>
> Alternates are expected at all meetings and participate in all  
> discussions and serve on sub-committees.  The only distinction is in  
> voting.  Over the years there were occasional suggestions to reduce  
> the number of alternates because 11 people at the table seemed a  
> lot.  Typically of course there have usually been more like 9 at any  
> meeting.  Now that there are 5 LHDs that combined number is needed  
> more to meet all the statutory membership requirements.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> On Oct 21, 2009, at 11:04 PM, Marisa Labozzetta wrote:
>
>> Thank you, Dennis. Can I ask how you combined the two when you  
>> merged? Increased members on one commission? Subcommittee? Gradual  
>> integraton?
>>
>> Marisa
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Dennis De Witt
>> To: MHC MHC listserve
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 5:53 PM
>> Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] the merging of commissions
>>
>> Brookline did it years ago in part because at the time there was a  
>> mistaken notion that it was required to become an LHD.  We have  
>> periodically realized how much Historical Commission type concerns  
>> get lost in the press to deal with LHD design review and demo-delay  
>> issues.  Occasionally the idea of un-merging has been suggested --  
>> but never went very far.  Recently it has been mentioned again.  If  
>> we were to do it I'd think that the DD law would be left with the  
>> HDC.
>>
>> Dennis De Witt
>>
>>
>> On Oct 20, 2009, at 2:32 PM, Marisa Labozzetta wrote:
>>
>>> Dear Members,
>>>
>>> Our city is considering merging our Historic District Commission  
>>> with our Historical Commission, primarily as a result of  
>>> restructuring of staff. Right now we serve one historic district  
>>> which is on the cusp of expansion. I would like to know if anyone  
>>> has undergone this type of merger and, if so, how you managed the  
>>> merger and what the final commission looks like.  What do you see  
>>> as the pros and cons of such a merger, and what advice can you  
>>> offer?
>>>
>>> Marisa Labozzetta
>>> Northampton Historic District Commission
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>
>
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