Historic Conservation Commission members approved alterations on two properties and discussed some matters of protocol Feb. 23.

The HCC is a volunteer body of residents who review planning and zoning matters in the Southside historic district to ensure property alterations are in keeping with the neighborhood's aesthetic. Their recommendations appear before zoners for approval.

The committee heard an altered plan from a November review on 208 E. Fourth St., a three-story Queen Ann previously submitted for a large addition. The new plan was scaled back to include only a rear dormer. After some talking over some details about paint, siding and possibly including a casement egress window, members agreed to recommend approval of the project.

The second property, mere blocks from the first, was the Subway restaurant at 1 E. Fourth St. A separate business joining the popular sub shop, Auntie Anne's, sought approval to add signage for its soft pretzels. Members talked over the size and colors of the intended signs, agreeing they should be smaller than the Subway signs and constrained within existing border frames on the exterior structure.

City of Bethlehem Building Inspector Philip Roeder said minor changes to common branding colors might be readily accepted by Auntie Anne's corporation as even MacDonald's had been willing to comply with their suggestions.

Finally, the committee discussed its own bylaws. Beth Starbuck said the group responsible for the Northside historic district has operated under a clear set of bylaws since 1963 and the Southside group should consider that a basis for their own organization.

The group discussed participation and absences, the importance of quorums, conflicts of interest and recusals, and offices and terms. Members promised to use the next month to research the issue for the next meeting.

City Director of Planning Darlene Heller said the commission was created through a codified ordinance and appointed by the mayor more than 15 years ago, and the bylaw discussion is likely a means of clarifying what the ordinance does not already delineate.

The Southside and Mount Airy Historic District was created by Pa. Article 1714 in 1961, and while it explains the makeup and responsibilities of the commission, it does not commit the group to operating under Robert's Rules of Order.