The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission held its regular meeting on May 4 with two changes to its protocol. It added a public comment period, and it recorded the entire meeting.

Two agenda items — working on amending the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and drafting a letter to Maine Department of Transportation on the demolition plans for the Haggett’s Garage building on Water Street — were tabled because member James Kochan was out of town.

The first certificate of appropriateness on the agenda was for a small stairway and door to replace a window on a property at 25 Middle Street. Applicant Kathleen Kathleen Kennedy had proposed at the commission’s April 6 meeting. Kennedy came back with a drafted drawing of what the stairway would look like.. She stated that the door would be fiberglass. “We’d prefer natural materials,” said Chairman John Reinhardt. “But we can’t tell you that you have to use them.”

The certificate was approved, with the fiberglass door, 5-0.

The second certificate was sought for a project at 10 Summer Street. The property’s owner, Craig Shaw. proposed replacing 28 vinyl windows with a glass/outer screen combination, and replacing a front door. The certificate was approved, 5-0.

The meeting had several spectators. No one spoke during the time set aside for public comment. 

On Tuesday, May 2, Wiscasset selectmen cancelled plans for a May 9 public hearing on the commission. The board instead voted unanimously to begin a process to consider repeal of the historic preservation ordinance. The board referred its request to the commission and the Ordinance Review Committee.