HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: February 4, 2013
The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission of East Hartford, Connecticut was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room A on the first floor of Town Hall by Chairman David Holmes. On a roll call by Secretary Gloria Visgilio-Lupi:
PRESENT: Chairman David Holmes, Secretary Gloria Visgilio-Lupi, Travis Simpson, Alternate Eileen Driscoll, Alternate Mary Manns and Alternate Jeffrey Cummings.
ABSENT: Vice Chairman Steven Hudak, Karen Bonzani and Municipal Historian Raymond Johnson.
ALSO PRESENT: Liaison Clare Fravel, Mary Martin (Raymond Library Project Administrator) and Peter Wells (Tuthill & Wells Architects LLC)
Alternate Mary Manns and Alternate Jeffrey Cummings were appointed voting members by Chairman Holmes.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION by Ms. Visgilio-Lupi to accept the October 1, 2012 Public Hearing Minutes with one correction stating that the applicant claims that the windows facing Naubuc Avenue would be all wood rather than wood clad; seconded by Ms. Manns. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
MOTION by Mr. Cummings to accept the October 1, 2012 Regular Meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Driscoll. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
COMMUNICATIONS: The items listed on the agenda were presented and discussed by Ms. Fravel and the Commission. In addition: It was decided by the Chair Holmes to send a letter on behalf of the Commission to the company requesting to erect a Telecommunications Facility at 465 Hills Street. This letter will state the Commission’s opposition to the tower and will include comments submitted by members.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS/RESIDENTS TO SPEAK: None
OLD BUSINESS:
RESULTS OF “DEAR NEIGHBOR LETTER”: Ms. Fravel sent out a “Dear Neighbor” letter in October 2012. She received a few phone calls regarding the letter, mostly questions by the residents.
NEW BUSINESS
PRESENTATION FAÇADE ELEVATIONS FOR RAYMOND LIBRARY EXPANSION: Ms. Martin and Mr. Wells presented the façade elevations for the expansion of Raymond Library. The addition design is basically a continuation of the original masonry design, echoing the original details of the existing building. The roof pitches will remain the same and the main entrance on Central Avenue will not be changed. The Main Street side (west elevation) will remain the same, however, the façade will be cleaned and there will be various repairs done to the existing masonry.
BREWER HOUSE TRUST FUND: Ms. Fravel briefly discussed how the trust fund works. She will ask the Parks and Recreation Department for cost estimates on some of the projects that have been suggested.
REAPPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL HISTORIAN: Mr. Johnson has been reappointed as the Town’s Municipal Historian. His term will run till December 2016. The Commission members would like to acknowledge Mr. Johnson’s sincere commitment to the history of the Town and they are very grateful to have him as an active participant in the Commission.
PAYMENTS:
MOTION by Mr. Cummings to pay the above listed expenses; seconded by Ms. Visgilio-Lupi. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
- Mr. Simpson discussed holding a “meet and greet” at the Brewer House in late summer, early fall for Historic District residents. Members will discuss planning in upcoming meetings.
- Steven Hudak, who served as Vice Chair of the Commission, has resigned.
- Member Karen Bonzani has not been reappointed to the Commission.
- The Town’s cable channel, Channel 5, has provided a DVD for the Commission
on the Town’s Historic District. See Ms. Fravel to borrow.
- Ms. Fravel asked Mr. Cummings about the Design Review Committee. He would still like to participate and is waiting for a call from the Town’s Development Department.
- Chair Holmes mentioned that he spoke to the owners of the Octagon house on Naubuc Avenue regarding some questions they had about repairs to the roof of their home.
- Chair Holmes spoke of his conversation with Party Chairman Mr. Currey regarding Alternate members becoming regular members when a vacancy occurs on the Commission. Mr. Currey explained that the ordinances regarding vacancies do not allow this to happen.
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Ms. Manns to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Cummings. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Michelle Enman, clerk
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