In Attendance:Lillian G. Burry, Chairperson/Township Committee Liaison

Nancy L. Boylan

Thomas Clarke

Jane Davis

Lori Furey

Peggy Joline

Harold Kilbride

Chris McGarry

Julie McGowan

Diana Piotrowski

Ed Piotrowski

Nancy Plumfield

Cathi Trost

Absent:Robert Cooke (excused)

Louise Whitney

Ellen Terry, Secretary (excused)

Visitors:Brian & Laura Sheehy

Tom McMahan

1. Committeewoman Burry called the meeting to order.

2. On a motion by Mr. Clarke and seconded by Mrs. McGarry the minutes of December 6, 1999 were accepted as submitted.
3. Committeewoman Burry introduced Mr. & Mrs. Sheehy of 60 Conover Road, Colts Neck, and Mr. McMahan, who does preservation work in Rockland County. Mrs. Sheehy identified her home as the Conover/Crine House built in the 1700s. The house was previously owned by the Silipigni’s. Mrs. Sheehy expressed her concern of recently learning of the plans of the Board of Education. She showed a print that places a new K-2 school directly behind their property with road access on Conover Road. They were advised by their attorney that in 1966 Harry Crine gave 55 acres to the Colts Neck Schools; in 1968, the Conover/Crine House was spun off. (This is the opinion of the Sheehy’s, not necessarily the Committee.) They further speculated that there may have been restrictive covenants in the deed. Their major worry and concern was how the school will impact on their "historic home." They request a letter be sent to Dr. Hauser.
4. The reappointments of Mrs. Davis, Mr. Piotrowski, Mrs. Plumfield and Mrs. Burry were confirmed by Committeewoman Burry.
5. Mrs. Burry stated that Meridian Health Systems, builders of the assisted living facility in Colts Neck, have officially decided on the name of Shadow Isle. Shadow Isle was the commonly known name for the site when Armand Hammer, noted industrialist, owned the property.
6. Mrs. Burry entertained nominations for Chairperson. Mrs. Joline put Mrs. Burry’s name in nomination, seconded by Mrs. Trost. There being no further nominations, a voice vote was taken and all were in agreement. Mrs. Burry then accepted nominations for Vice Chairperson. Mrs. McGowan nominated Harold Kilbride, seconded by Mrs. Boylan. There being no further nominations, a voice vote indicated in the affirmative Mr. Kilbride’s position as Vice Chairperson.
7. The Colts Neck "settled in 1700" signs will be increased by three. The Committee will request a line item in its 2000 budget of $5,400 for these signs.
8. Mr. Kilbride reported that the work on the eighteenth century Colts Neck map is progressing. Mrs. McGowan has created ink drawings of important local sites for the map. The new Colts Neck Library and Learning Center requested a copy of the map. It will be mounted, framed and hung in the Library.

Mr. Kilbride further reported that he is working to complete the list of historic properties of the 1800s.

9. Mrs. Burry introduced the idea of recognition of historic sites, as opposed to historic structures. The cemetery sites that Mr. Piotrowski has been diligently working on will be highlighted. Mr. Piotrowski, Mr. Kilbride and Mrs. Burry will serve on this sub-committee. There will be a request of $1,000 in the budget for this work.
10. The second phase of "Colts Neck Celebrates Its History" will take place in the fall. The highlights of this weekend will be from private donations. A $2,000 request will be earmarked in the 2000 budget. Mrs. Furey, Mrs. Boylan, Mrs. Joline, Mr. Kilbride, Mrs. Trost, Mrs. McGarry and Mrs. Burry will serve on this sub-committee. Mrs. Burry and Mrs. Furey will do the initial research for the happening.

Mrs. Piotrowski, Chairperson of the Spring History Celebration, and her sub-committee presented an in-depth progress report. Mrs. Burry suggested the Town Hall site be considered for the Saturday activities, rather thatn Bucks Mill Park. She felt this would eliminate the need for tents, which could be a costly expenditure. A detailed report is part of these minutes. Budget request for this line item will be $10,000. It is expected that a sizeable portion of this expenditure will be returned in light of the charges for the House Tour, Candlelight Tour, etc.

11. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. The next meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of the months — February 1, March 7 and April 4, 2000.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Terry

Secretary

(from notes by Cathi Trost)

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