The Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission clarified their policy on preserving historic photos moving forward.

Commission member Mary Evans said that whenever a large collection of photos is being considered, it should be a commission decision on how much of the library is maintained.

Evans said the commission has space for 31 full Hollinger boxes of items to be preserved.

One of the things Evans is weighing is knowing there will need to be photos for an upcoming 200th year anniversary for the community which will need some photographs and writing.

Commission member Guy Booth said the storage overall is a moot point, that within 20 years, the city will need to make more room for either a new city hall or city items.

Evans said one of her parameters when it comes to preserving photos is that photos preserved should be able to be identified.

Commission member Duane Eash said his concern was that the commission may be overwhelmed by future donations. Eash was worried reviewing donations historic significance would take more time from the commission’s work.

Commission president Sue Astley said she would leave Evans as the person to have discretion of what is kept or thrown, and Evans will bring the item for discussion with the commission when a donation is received.

The commission also discussed the coming public meeting for their new design guidelines, which will likely be held in late November at Mount Vernon City Hall council chambers.

Discussion will be had with Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group and Mount Vernon city council about the project before that happens.

Subcommittees were established for that particular day as well.

Commission also approves a certificate of appropriateness

The commission also approved a certificate of appropriateness for Laura and Tom Nogaj’s home in the Ash Park Historic District.

The couple plan on adding a porch to the rear of their historic house. They will utilize a current window space as the space for the door to the exterior of the house.

Laura said she is happy to work with the county on the design for the plans, but was getting the plan in front of historic preservation. The couple plans on maintaining the cedar siding on the exterior of the home and carrying design elements from the front of the house with this porch.

The commission unanimously approved the certificate of appropriateness.