Town of Aquinnah

Gay Head Lighthouse Advisory Board
Notes of Meeting 5/17/18
Aquinnah Town Hall Selectmen’s Meeting Room

Members present: Chairman Len Butler, Richard Skidmore, Elise LeBovit, Jim Pickman*, Kathy Rainey *
*on conference phone

Others Present: Kathy Olsen

- The meeting began at 4:40pm

- The Committee met with Kathy Olsen to discuss grants. Len informed everyone that the present restoration work is completed. The next phase is restoration of the lantern deck (everything above the brick including the roof) and repointing (a smaller project that could be done this Fall). International Chimney is going to do a survey on the work and submit an estimate. The Committee felt that the project will be more cost effective if done all at once and not phased out. Len noted that this restoration is not immediate but these elements are subject to deterioration and the work should be done within the next few years. There was brief discussion regarding the $300,000 State earmark for the Lighthouse, which has been passed by the House and is now before the Senate. Kathy asked for a list of past funders (grantors and donors). The Committee asked that Kathy speak with Meg Bodnar about the donor list and to draft an “update” letter that could be sent to prior donors. Jim urged caution if past donors are to be asked for more funding and suggested that one talk to Edward Miller before approaching donors who he solicited for lighthouse move funding. Meg would be able to identify them. Kathy will also review the Grant Calendar again to see what grants are on the horizon. Elise noted that press is important as well and the Island should be updated on the Lighthouse restoration and keeping the donors updated. Kathy will also check on the status of National Park Service funding and grants that the Town has received in the past.

- There was brief discussion regarding updating the website.

- Next, the Committee reviewed the 12/7/17, 1/3/18 and 1/31/18 minutes. Len entertained a motion approve the minutes as presented. Motion was moved by Richard and seconded by Elise. The Board voted 5-0, the motion passed.

- Next under Old Business, Jim gave a review of accounts. There has been virtually no change. There is $9,379 dedicated for lighthouse restoration still needing to be requested from Permanent Endowment (Jeffrey will be writing a letter requesting funds). The Committee reviewed a cash flow projection for June. There was brief discussion regarding the Mass Historic funding process. Jim estimated that there will be approximately $66,000 after all currently known expenses. Jim will send out a revised expense and revenue report.

- Next, Richard gave a Lighthouse and Park report. Richard will be meeting with Landscope to discuss remediation for the grass. There was discussion on the path restoration. Len noted that he has spoken with Matt from John Keene. The plan is to get the materials within the next week and complete the path (from Lighthouse to the curve before the pedestrian path along the road) done by mid-June. The pedestrian path along the road should be completed by Memorial Day.

- Next under Old Business was a restoration update. Current restoration is complete. Next phase will be restoration work on the lantern room and repointing of the brick.

- Under fundraising, the Committee briefly discussed the earmark again. Richard has asked Kaley Moore for any information and/or updates including any chance to lobby. There was discussion on the condition of the Lighthouse roof.

- Under Other Business, the Committee discussed the guardrail and pedestrian pathway. Len noted that the permanent guardrail installation is on hold until the Fall. The trenching is complete, but the telephone poles will not be removed until the Fall and those poles will be reused for the guardrails. The pedestrian pathway along the roadway will be completed by Memorial Day. The Planning Board has asked for a signage plan to direct pedestrians to and from the Lighthouse and to the shops/lookout and buses. The Committee identified the following 4 locations for signage: bottom of Lighthouse path directing people to the shops, historic lookout and buses, bottom of stairs to the shops directing people to the Lighthouse, top of woodchip path (Jason’s shop) directing to the Lighthouse and bottom of woodchip path at the fork directing people to the shops, historic lookout and Lighthouse. The Committee discussed what should be on the signs (picture signs with arrows and/or simple directional wording). The Committee agreed that other entities should be included in developing signage and locations (shop owners, ACC, VTA, Land Bank) and there should be uniform signage, but for now these signs would be temporary. All Committee members were invited to attend the Planning Board meeting on May 22nd at 8:30pm to further review and discuss the plan.

- Under Other Business, Elise informed the Committee that she will be resigning from the Committee. She felt that there was no role for her on the Committee but is still interested in helping with the Lighthouse in ways that she can be constructive. She will attend the next 2-3 meetings to make quorum until another member is appointed. The Committee thanked Elise for her all her work on the Committee.

- With no other business to discuss, the Board agreed to meet again Monday, June 25th, 2018 at 4:30pm. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The Board voted unanimously in favor, the motion passed.

- The meeting ended at 5:46 pm.

June 25th
Respectfully submitted,
Sophia Welch
Board Administrative Assistant