MIDDLE HADDAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, March 25, 2010 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Eaton Smith Meeting Room – East Hampton
Minutes
- Call to order – Chairman Royster called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
- Roll Call / Seating of Alternates – Roll call was taken. Present were Commissioners James Royster, Douglas Mackeown, Richard Walsh and David Kneeland, and alternate Commissioners Christopher Dart and Gina Ritchie. Not present was George Coshow. Commissioner Royster seated alternate Commissioner Gina Ritchie.
Other Attendees: Damon Mastroianni of Traditional Innovations
- Public Remarks – Items Not on Agenda – None
- Public Hearings:
- Application #435, filed by Linda and Richard Schroth, regarding 48 Long Hill Road, to replace existing windows to create a sunroom toward the rear of the house.
Mr. Mastroianni commented that the existing double-hung side window is to be replaced with 3-lite sliding windows and the same is to be done on the back wall. The existing bedroom is to become a sunroom. The windows will have a vinyl exterior to match the existing windows and maintain the same colonial grid pattern.
Commissioner Kneeland asked if the existing windows are vinyl windows. Mr. Mastroianni confirmed that the existing windows are vinyl and the trim is consisted of wood casings and were installed by a different company. Commissioner Mackeown confirmed that the only visible windows from the street are those indicated in the photographs. Mr. Mastroianni confirmed that a majority of the existing windows have grids in between the panes and the new windows will be the same. No framing is to be done. Commissioner Mackeown indicated that it appears one row of shingles will be removed.
Richard Walsh moved to approve the application as presented. The motion was seconded by David Kneeland. Motion Carried 5-0-0.
- Approval of minutes and motions
b. Regular Meeting minutes and motions for the February 25, 2010 meeting were reviewed. The minutes were approved with one change. Section 8, paragraph f, … and that (add “when”) the party… Commissioner Mackeown made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by David Kneeland. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
- Expenditures – Commissioner Royster confirmed there were no advertising fees this past month and that future advertising costs will be half of what they have been due to new ordinance.
e. Other – None
- Other – Town Manager’s secretary received eight (8) checks for applications and had not cashed them. Commissioner Royster indicated that the three officers will make necessary calls to get new checks to replace the six (6) that are outdated.
- Revisions to handbook (relative to ordinance revisions) Commissioner Royster suggested that the commission should table this issue for the April meeting. He has his comments prepared and asked if Commissioner Mackeown had any additional revisions and to have them emailed to all commissioners. Douglas Mackeown suggests keeping the old map in the handbook since it references the street listing. References to boundaries need to be changed; ordinances need to be updated; New wording for Map/Block/Lot. Douglas Mackeown indicated that directions to the Tax Assessor’s GIS mapping should be included in the handbook. GIS is to have an overlay of the Historic District and all properties within the historic district will be identified as such in the Assessor’s office so that realtors can show
prospective buyers that the property is in a historic district. Richard Walsh suggested changing date on introduction letter. Mr. Royster asked that commissioners put together suggestions and bring them to the April meeting.
- “Commonly asked Questions” document Gina Ritchie asked if there can be some type of forum where the public can post questions and the commission can discuss and post on the website. Commissioner Royster also stated the public can appear and present questions at the MHHDC’s regular meetings. Douglas Mackeown indicated that the MHHDC section of the website is not yet interactive. Richard Walsh suggested having a designated email for the MHHDC where general questions can go to the chairman and subsequently addressed by the commission.
j. Christ Episcopal Church fence Commissioner Royster spoke with George Sietzer, the chief warden at the church, and that the appropriate authorities of the church will meet and most likely vote to take the fence down. Mr. Sietzer will report back to Mr. Royster with their decision.
- Adjournment – David Kneeland moved to adjourn at 6:54 p.m., seconded by Richard Walsh.
Motion Carried 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Magro
Recording Secretary
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