The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 2 again discussed possible changes to the town’s historic preservation ordinance. First, however, members discussed an application for a certificate of appropriateness from 4 Fort Hill Street. The applicant had again not shown up; according to Town Planner Ben Averill, she is unable to go out on her own at night. She purchased the property sometime last fall, and erected a new fence that required the certificate.

The commission voted to direct the code enforcement officer to write her a letter informing her she is in violation and that the fence must come down. If the fence is not removed, the commission said it would recommend selectmen levy a fine.

Averill said he believed the applicant would be able to make it to the March meeting.

The commission also briefly discussed the courthouse’s new propane tank. Advertising on the tank has caused some consternation. Lincoln County commissioners agreed to the above-ground tank last after the underground tank failed and had to be removed for safety reasons. For safety, environmental and cost reasons, commissioners approved the above-ground tank, which advertises the propane company that supplies it and is visible from Route One.  Averill said utilities do not fall under the ordinance.

The commission looked at possible changes to the application process, including the notification of abutters. The commission considered levying a fee for the application and using that fee to notify abutters by mail and by newspaper advertisement, as well as possibly posting the property to alert residents that construction was proposed.

None of the ideas were finalized because any levy of fees would require selectmen’s approval, and the commission wanted to see an example of a notification poster.

The commission will meet at 5 p.m. Feb. 16 to consider other possible changes to the ordinance. The next regular meeting is March 2 at 5 p.m. Both meetings are at the municipal building.