MIDDLE HADDAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, November 19, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Town Hall Annex – East Hampton
Minutes
- Call to order – Vice Chairman Mackeown called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
- Roll Call / Seating of Alternates – Roll call was taken. Present were Commissioners Douglas Mackeown, Richard Walsh, David Kneeland, and alternate Commissioners Gina Ritchie and Christopher Dart. Not present was James Royster and Raymond Krupa. Douglas Mackeown seated Gina Ritchie and Christopher Dart.
Commissioner George Coshow arrived at 6:58 p.m. Douglas Mackeown seated George Coshow.
Commissioner David Kneeland arrived at 7:01 p.m. and was seated upon his arrival.
- Public Remarks – Items Not on Agenda – None
- Public Hearings: None
- Approval of minutes and motions
Regular Meeting minutes and motions for the October 22, 2009 were reviewed. The minutes were approved with one change within Section 8, New Business, h. Other - II, change “Gibbons’” to “Given’s”. Richard Walsh moved to approve with correction. The motion was seconded by Christopher Dart. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
- From Gary Smith on behalf of Steve and Gina Ritchie. Application #432 regarding 56 Keighley Pond Road. Determine if any of the stated work is exempt from the need for a COA.
Douglas Mackeown recused himself and handed the meeting over to Richard Walsh. Gina Ritchie also recused herself, leaving Christopher Dart, Richard Walsh and George Coshow. Richard Walsh stated this was not a public hearing but a review of the application filed by Mr. Smith to see if it warrants a COA or repair and maintenance. George Coshow asked the recused parties to leave the room. Mr. Ritchie remained to represent himself and his wife, Gina Ritchie.
Mr. Smith presented color photographs to support his application. The scope of the first half (clapboards and trim) of the stated work was presented as “like for like,” replacing and using wood materials and up for discussion was whether that portion of the work is considered repair and maintenance. Materials to be used are same size as material, reveal of all material is the same. Mr. Smith stated that nothing is changing but just being upgraded. George Coshow moved to approve the above work is “like for like” and does not require a COA. The motion was seconded by Christopher Dart. Motion Carried 3-0-0.
The second part of this application was whether the roofing portion of the application needs a COA. Material is asphalt for asphalt. The entire roof would be covered in the new material. The existing roof is black 3 tab shingle and the new shingle would be an architectural shingle manufactured by Certainteed called Heather Blend. George Coshow moved that a COA is not necessary being that the material to be used is a similar color (dark color for a dark color), the material is an improvement, not a detriment. The motion was seconded by David Kneeland. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Richard Walsh indicated that Application #432 will not require a COA and the $25 application fee will be returned to the applicant.
Mr. Smith asked the committee if he could add an additional “like for like” matter to Application #432. He advised that the current chimney does not have a flue and would like to take down the chimney, install a flue and build the chimney back up re-using the original bricks in the same manner. The purpose of this work is for safety reasons. Mr. Smith asked if he could add this proposed work to Application #432 or if he would have to return in December for the committee’s review. Richard Walsh advised that this matter did not go to publication and proposed the committee discuss whether someone could add something to a pending application. The committee members discussed whether the work would look the same on the exterior. Mr. Smith confirmed it will
look the same. He will save the interior antique brick to be used on the exterior. Richard Walsh indicated that the application would need to be amended and would like to see a paper trail. He further stated that if the work needs to be done before the next meeting, the committee should discuss the matter further. There is no application that records the request. Richard Walsh questioned whether the committee allows someone to amend an application even if it’s “like for like”. Mr. Ritchie indicated that the work may need to be done for heating and safety purposes prior to the December meeting. Richard Walsh asked the committee if they had any issue with Mr. Smith adding the chimney rebuild to his original application. Richard Walsh proposed a short break to allow Mr. Smith to add this issue to the application.
During the break, Mr. Smith amended request #432 – the roofing material was changed from Timberline GAF Weather Wood to Certainteed Heather Blend and the applicant added a component that was omitted which is to remove and repair existing chimney. The chimney is to be rebuilt containing a flue, but the exterior features (brick and trim around chimney) will duplicate the existing material. David Kneeland moved that the additional work falls under the “like for like” clause and does not require a COA and also that the chimney is “like for like”. The motion was seconded by George Coshow. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Richard Walsh stated that the full application #432 with the amendments, including the chimney, does not require a COA and the $25 application fee will be refunded. The committee will convey to the town that the COA is not required.
Richard Walsh reseated Douglas Mackeown and Gina Ritchie.
- Expenditures – Douglas Mackeown drew up a mock stamp for the East Hampton Library to stamp files and manila folders. Approximate cost is $45.00 for stamp. Stamp should read Map __ Block __ Lot __. Will wait to order until James Royster approves. Will cost no less than $100 to purchase stamp and additional folders to get all everything up to date. No vote required.
d. Other – None
- Approval of 2010 meeting dates.
Monthly meetings will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month with the exception of November and December due to holidays. Christopher Dart moved to approve the 2010 meeting schedule. The motion was seconded by Richard Walsh. Motion Carried 4-0-0. The posted notice and calendar were handed out.
- Revisions to handbook (waiting for ordinance revisions) Douglas Mackeown reported that there are no updates at this time.
- “Commonly asked Questions” document Douglas Mackeown has not received any input to date.
- Christ Episcopal Church fence Commissioner Mackeown gathered and presented information regarding the fence. Handed out copies of the following: Minutes from the following meetings - October 2001 (2 pages), March 2002 (2 pages), April 2002 (2 pages) and May 2002 (2 pages); two letters from the church dated September 2001 and May 2002; original application from September 2001; and two drawings of the fences they were suggesting.
Commissioner Mackeown suggested that the fence was considered temporary and for the protection of the kids. Suggests commission allows James Royster to discuss with the church to see what their next thoughts are. Christopher moved to allow James Royster to talk to the church. The motion was seconded by Gina Ritchie. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
- Public Remarks – None
- Adjournment – Christopher Dart moved to adjourn at 7:27 p.m., seconded by David Kneeland.
Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Magro
Recording Secretary
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