MIDDLE HADDAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, December 17, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Town Hall Annex – East Hampton
Minutes
- Call to order – Chairman Royster called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m.
- Roll Call / Seating of Alternates – Roll call was taken. Present were Commissioners James Royster, Douglas Mackeown, David Kneeland and alternate Commissioners Gina Ritchie and George Coshow. Not present was Christopher Dart, Raymond Krupa and Richard Walsh.
Other Attendees: Steven Ritchie and Fred Hansen.
- Public Remarks – Items Not on Agenda – None
- Public Hearings:
- Application #433, filed by Steven and Gina Ritchie, regarding 56 Keighley Pond Road, to rebuild chimney, install copper gutters and add an exterior door.
Douglas Mackeown and Gina Ritchie both recused themselves.
Steven Ritchie stated the chimney is to be rebuilt starting from the first floor. The dimensions will change as stated in the Application #433. The visible part of the chimney will extend four (4) feet from the roof when completed. The chimney will have the same design, but will be a little wider and longer from front to back. The contractor stated that if the dimensions do not meet approval, he will change them. A restoration style brick material will be used. Gina Ritchie stated that in order for the chimney to meet code, they must expand the chimney and change the dimensions to accommodate three (3) flues, one for the furnace and two (one each) for the two fireplaces. The existing chimney is an open chimney with no flues. The contractor feels the revised
look will match the home to the period of the house.
The second part of this application was regarding the removal of “K” style aluminum gutters and downspouts and replace them with 5” half round copper gutters. Mr. Ritchie chose the style for their look and feels they will compliment the look of the house.
The third part of this application was to install an antique door where one is not currently located. The door is being installed for safety reasons and is not highly visible. Mr. Ritchie will be using an antique four panel restored door.
George Coshow moved to approve the application on all three issues. The motion was seconded by David Kneeland. Motion Carried 3-0-0.
James Royster reseated Douglas Mackeown and Gina Ritchie.
- Approval of minutes and motions
b. Regular Meeting minutes and motions for the November 19, 2009 were reviewed. The minutes were approved with three changes. The first being within Section 2, to read, “Commissioner David Kneeland arrived at 7:01 p.m. and was seated upon his arrival.” The second being within Section 6, paragraph 2, “David Kneeland was seated as an alternate upon his arrival” is to be removed. The third being within Section 9 i., to read, “Douglas Mackeown suggested that the fence was considered temporary and for the protection of the kids”. George Coshow moved to approve with corrections. The motion was seconded by David Kneeland. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
e. Other – None
- File Stamp – James Royster suggested adding “Date of Application” and changing “Other” to “Disposition” to proposed stamp. Commissioner Royster moved that the proposed self-inking stamp be amended to include said changes. The motion was seconded by David Kneeland. Motion Carried 5-0-0.
- Other – Commissioner George Coshow began a lengthy discussion regarding the proposition of streamlining the application process for smaller projects within the MHHD. Commissioner Coshow feels that the applicants should not have to go through the long process if the MHHDC is going to approve the application. Commissioner Royster stated that changing the process would require a change in the state statute, and that an initiative to do so is not an appropriate action for the commission.~ Commissioner Royster advised that all the MHHDC is
authorized do to is consider COA applications.
- Revisions to handbook (waiting for ordinance revisions) Douglas Mackeown reported that they are still waiting for revisions to the Town Charter.
- “Commonly asked Questions” document Douglas Mackeown has not received any input to date, but asked the commission to forward any input prior to the next schedule meeting.
j. Christ Episcopal Church fence Commissioner Royster reported that George Seitzer, senior warden of the church, wasn’t sure if they had any records and was told by Commissioner Royster to contact the administrator of the MHHDC. The application filed was approved provisionally and temporarily (no more than 10 years). The fence has since been changed without approval from the MHHDC. MHHDC records show the provisional approval was not met. Pursuant to the September 30, 2001 application, Commissioner Royster wants to know if the current fence is what was originally installed. Other MHHDC members believe there currently is a galvanized fence with no lattice. Commissioner Royster told the church is was only
temporary and it needs to be removed. He will wait for their response.
10. Public Remarks – Fred Hansen stated that he feels the MHHDC is doing a good job.
11. Adjournment – George Coshow moved to adjourn at 7:20 p.m., seconded by David Kneeland.
Motion Carried 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Magro
Recording Secretary
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