HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
REGULAR MEETING: December 7, 2009
The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission of East Hartford, Connecticut was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Building Department Conference Room at Town Hall by Chair David Holmes. On a roll call by Travis Simpson:
PRESENT: Chair David Holmes, Vice-Chair Steven Hudak, Travis Simpson, Gloria Visgilio-Lupi, Alternate Jeffrey Cummings and Alternate Michelina Lauzier.
ABSENT: Alternate Catherine Condio and Secretary Robert Pasek.
Mr. Cummings and Ms. Lauzier were appointed voting members by the Chair for acting on this meeting’s agenda.
ALSO PRESENT: Liaison Mary G. Martin and Mr. Eric Brownell (owner: 224 Naubuc Ave.)
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION by Ms. Visgilio-Lupi to accept the August 3, 2009 Public Hearing Meeting Minutes; seconded by Mr. Hudak. Vote was unanimous and uncontested. Ms. Lauzier abstained.
MOTION by Mr. Hudak to accept the August 3, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes; seconded by Mr. Simpson. Vote was unanimous and uncontested. Ms. Lauzier abstained.
COMMUNICATIONS: Those items listed on the agenda were presented.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS/RESIDENTS TO SPEAK: Mr. Brownell is a new homeowner in the Historic District. He was welcomed by Commission members.
OLD BUSINESS:
STATUS OF COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENTS: Both Alternate members, Ms. Condio and Ms. Lauzier, appointments will be ending this month. They will remain on the Commission till they are reappointed or another Commissioner is selected. At this time all appointments are filled. There is 1 unaffiliated member, 3 Republicans and 4 Democrats.
PITKIN VAULT IN CENTER CEMETERY – UPDATE: Since the structural integrity of the structure was compromised, there was an emergency appropriation of Locip funds in the amount of $25,000.00 to secure the structure. Since it appears that it is not safe to enter the structure to remove the remains that lie within, the Town’s Engineering Department is working on a way to secure the structure by blowing sand into it and burying the remains. If the structure were to collapse, then it would collapse onto itself while leaving the remains intact and protected. Ms. Martin was unaware of the time frame that the Engineering Department is following.
CIVIL WAR MONUMENT IN CENTER CEMETERY – UPDATE: The carving of the Eagle for the Civil War Monument is well under way and will hopefully be mounted on the brownstone obelisk in the late spring or early summer, while the original remains on display in a glass case at the Community Cultural Center.
NEW BUSINESS:
WELLING CONFERENCE ROOM – DESIGNATION: The second floor conference room in the Town Hall (formerly the old Council Chambers) has been renamed the Welling Conference Room. The Welling Conference Room houses a collection of 7 pen and ink drawings by Mr. Welling that date back to the mid to late 1970’s. The drawings have been reframed and rematted. The room will also have a plaque that gives some history on Mr. Welling.
DESIGN GUIDELINES DISCUSSION – SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS: After an in-depth discussion, it was decided that a sub-committee of 3 members would begin reviewing the Commission’s Design Guidelines. The sub-committee shall keep in mind the best interest of the entire historic district neighborhood as well as look at materials that had not yet been made available when the design guidelines were originally written. The sub-committee will explore cost incentive options as well as distinguish between main structures and outbuildings and decide whether or not synthetic materials can be used for roofing, siding and/or window replacement. The sub-committee will utilize the current language in the existing guidelines and expound upon that, while reviewing and approving applications on a case by case
basis. The sub-committee members are Mr. Cummings, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Pasek (if he agrees).
BUDGET REVIEW: Chair Holmes suggested that the Commission keep the current budget figures for the new Fiscal Year of 2010/2011.
PAYMENTS: 1. Clerk – M. Enman ($75)
MOTION by Mr. Simpson to pay the above listed expenses; seconded by Mr. Hudak. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
MOTION by Ms. Visgilio-Lupi to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.; seconded Mr. Cummings. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Michelle A. Enman, Clerk
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