MIDDLE HADDAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, October 22, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Eaton Smith Meeting Room – East Hampton
Minutes
- Call to order – Chairman Royster called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
- Roll Call / Seating of Alternates – Roll call was taken. Present were Commissioners James Royster, Douglas Mackeown, Richard Walsh, David Kneeland, and alternate Commissioners George Coshow, Gina Ritchie and Christopher Dart. Not present was Raymond Krupa. George Coshow was seated for Raymond Krupa.
- Public Remarks – Items Not on Agenda – None.
- Public Hearings:
George Coshow was unseated and alternate Gina Ritchie was seated for the consideration of the #430 Coshow application.
a. App. #430 – Filed by George and Alannah Coshow, regarding 26 Shipyard Road, Middle Haddam, seeking a COA to add bluestone slabs and construct a wood riser and gravel or mulch staircase along their northern property line with the Petersons.
Commissioner Dart arrived at 6:33 p.m.
Part 1 – Mr. Coshow presented color photographs to support his application. Due to wet conditions, the back path consisting of stones and dirt was washed out. Path became just stone dust. Mr. Coshow confirmed water did not enter cellar. He installed 2’ x 3’ bluestone slabs on top of stone dust to take care of path and has also installed half-round tiles that replicate what was there prior. Mr. Coshow is not sure if it will work, but confirms the work has been done.
Part 2 – Mr. Coshow would like to install risers to gain access up the slope to the side of the house facing towards the river. He proposes to use 8’ x 8’ landscape timbers, 8’ x 8’ for terracing and steps. Only the face of timbers, grass, mulch or their garden would be visible from the street. The purpose of the work is to make it easier to access the property to the rear of the house.
Commissioner David Kneeland moved to approve Application 430 filed by George and Alannah Coshow, regarding 26 Shipyard Road, Middle Haddam, seeking a COA to install steps up the side lawn. The motion was seconded by James Royster. Motion Carried 5-0-0
Gina Ritchie was replaced by Commissioner Coshow for the remainder of the meeting.
- Approval of minutes and motions
Regular Meeting minutes and motions for the September 24, 2009 were reviewed, and no comments or amendments being offered, Commissioner Royster deemed them approved.
- Correspondence – None
- Reports
d. Expenditures – Authorized payment of $67.18 for September notices with The Middletown Press and $80.83 for August notices with The Middletown Press.
e. Other – None
Commissioner Mackeown asked for authorization to support the filing system for applications at the East Hampton Library. Funds are needed for folders and a stamp so they can cross-reference filings. Commissioner Royster asked that Commissioner Mackeown put the request in writing and Commissioner Royster as chairperson has the authority to release funds.
- Consider preparation of “Commonly Asked Questions” document/newsletter. Commissioner Mackeown would like to create a list to put on the website of frequently asked questions. Questions will be updated every few months as they come in. Commissioner Royster stated that no motion is required, but asked each commissioner to come to next month’s meeting with proposed suggestions that ought to be considered as a frequently asked question. Commissioner Mackeown will gather suggestions and make a list.
- Revisions to handbook – Commissioner Mackeown asked that revisions to handbook be added to handbook now that there is a new and adequate boundary description. The MHHDC is waiting for the Town Council to approve a number of revisions to our ordinance. When that happens, the MHHDC can make all necessary revisions to handbook at one time.
- Other –
I. Commissioner Coshow would like to take down two signs one at McCutcheon’s and one down by Robert’s and touch up the paint. He has the same paint but needs a certain tool and assistance to remove the signs so that they can be painted.
II. Commissioner Royster received an email from Nannette Woodcock regarding the installation of a “temporary fence” over five (5) years ago between the Christ Episcopal Church and the rectory at the request of the Givens’ who no longer reside there. Removal of fence is now appropriate and suggests that the commission communicate with the building inspector who enforces the ordinance along with a deadline for its removal. Commissioner Royster asked Commissioner Mackeown to retrieve the original application for review and discussion at the MHHDC’s next meeting and the matter was tabled until then.
- Unfinished business:
- 35 Middle Haddam Road (Michelle Baz, Shawn France); Jim Carey was not present but is still monitoring the situation. Observations of trucks still on premises and owners are in violation and the MHHDC questions whether to notify the town that the owners are in violation. Commissioner Royster will check with Jim Carey regarding the status.
- Review draft of COA application – Changes have been made per Commissioner Royster’s suggestions. However, language listed on back page is not in compliance with the law. Commissioner Royster moved to be authorized to send Cathy Sirois a letter asking that item #2 be changed to read “Erection or alteration of any architectural feature that the building inspector or a similar agent certifies is required by the public safety because of a condition that is unsafe or dangerous due to deterioration.” Said motion applies only to backside of application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coshow. Motion Carried 5-0-0
10. Public Remarks – None
11. Adjournment – James Royster moved to adjourn at 7:06 p.m., seconded by Richard Walsh.
Motion Carried 5-0-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Magro
Recording Secretary
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