The Wiscaset Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 6 discussed the need to communicate differently and more effectively with residents in the historic district about the need to discuss construction projects with the commission, and the need to communicate with realtors to let them know they should disclose that properties in the historic district are subject to the ordinance.

The commissioners believe projects are not being brought to them for a number of reasons, including lack of knowledge about the requirements, and the lack of a town planner or someone else to assist residents with their certificate of appropriateness applications.

Funding remains a barrier: The commission had been granted $1,000 for secretarial services in the fiscal year 2018-19 budget, but due to the town’s ongoing issues with the fund balance, the town cannot disburse the funds for secretarial services or other uses, Chair John Reinhardt said after a discussion with Town Manager Marian Anderson. “I’ve been told, flat out, the money isn’t there,” he said.

Plans to send postcards to residents in the historic district and to send letters to realtors would cost an estimated $200 in postage, according to member Leslie Roberts, and would have printing costs, even if the commissioners designed the cards. Reinhardt said he would speak to Anderson again to see if the town could assist with the postage and printing costs.

The commission also discussed other ways to raise funds, such as the escrow account townspeople funded to save relics from the Hesper, now at the town garage. Offering plaques for older homes for a fee was also considered.

Francoise McCoy, owner of the Marston House on Main Street, asked the commission about its role in getting other owners to work on properties that “don’t fit” the neighborhood. Reinhardt told her that was not part of the commission’s mission, but that if there were specific code enforcement issues, the code enforcement officer should be contacted. McCoy made other statements, interrupting the meeting. Reinhardt asked her to let the meeting proceed. 

No certificates of appropriateness were on the agenda. The commission meets next at 5 p.m. Sept. 20.