The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission met on Nov. 16 for the first time since the ordinance survived a challenge at the polls Nov. 7. The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for Sherri Dunbar’s property on Federal Street.

The commission also drafted a letter to the Maine Department of Transportation, requiring the department to appear for a certificate to demolish the Haggett building on Water Street.

Dunbar brought in samples of vinyl windows she is planning to use in the 1860s structure, as well as vinyl siding designed to look like cedar shingles. Those were the only changes she was planning to make to the house, but the commission was not completely satisfied. “I am just replacing in kind,” Dunbar said. “I don’t need to use real cedar shingles or glass windows. I have to have a building that I can maintain easily.”

Albert Kontrath said he would like to see her consider future upgrades, such as downspouts. “There are downspouts already there,” Dunbar said. “They’re functional, and I’m not replacing them right now.” Wendy Donovan said while she agreed the ordinance permits in-kind replacements, she believed it should be amended to request people use historic materials in historic properties if at all possible.

In commission approved Dunbar’s proposal 3-1, with Susan Blagden dissenting.

The commission resumed consideration of changes to the ordinance, including the size of the district and the cost of a certificate to applicants, currently set at $40 by selectmen.

The next meeting is at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the municipal building.