MIDDLE HADDAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Eaton Smith Meeting Room, East Hampton Town Hall
Minutes – Draft
- Call to Order – Chairman Royster called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
- Roll Call/Seating of Alternates – Roll call was taken. Present were Commissioners James Royster, Charles Roberts, David Kneeland, Gina Ritchie, and alternates Colleen Mellen and Demian Battit. Commissioner Royster seated alternate Coleen Mellen. Not present were Commissioners Richard Walsh and Christopher Dart.
- Public Remarks – Items not on Agenda – None.
- Public Hearing
- Application #464, filed by Nancy M. Kowalski, regarding 123 Middle Haddam Road, to install a driveway.
Nancy Kowalski was present to address Commission with plan to build an adjunct to a common drive put in 3-4 years ago. She explained location of drive on exhibit A, as is now and with proposed drive. The quote from the contractor was reviewed. Commissioner Kneeland noted the drive will be crushed stone.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Roberts to approve Application #464, as proposed; seconded by Commissioner Ritchie; Motion carried 5-0-0.
- Approval of Minutes and Motions
- December 15, 2011 Minutes and Motions
The Minutes and Motions were approved after correction to reflect that Commissioner Christopher Dart was not present.
- December 15, 2011 Letter from Margaret Faber.
Commissioner Royster noted that on December 15, 2011, original letter was not stamped in, and has now been stamped in for the record, and was passed to the Recording Clerk to be appended to the minutes.
The 12-15-11 letter from Ms. Faber has been submitted to Attorney Jean D’Aquilla for her review and comment. Chair Royster suggested that the lengthy letter be handled in parts: the first part has to do with Chair Royster’s conduct, as chair; part two has to do with Ms. Faber’s recommendations for the Handbook. Part three has to do with the legal meaning of street, way, or place as that phrase as used in Section 7.147a of the enabling statute.
Commissioner Roberts stated he was disturbed by the tone of the accusations, and that they affect all Commissioners. He submitted a draft (unsent) copy of a letter he wrote to Ms. Faber, attached. Chair Royster recused himself for this item as parts relate to him personally, and seated Commissioner Battit. He appointed Commissioner Roberts temporary Chair, and left the room.
Commissioner Mellen commented she assumed her statements were written after listening to the recording of the meeting, and that sometimes it is difficult to determine “silenced”, when she was not present in the room. She questioned whether the Commission had the authority to comment, etc., since the review and comments were not received back from the attorney. Discussion ensued regarding Commissioner Roberts letter. The recommendation of all was to table this item until next month.
Chair Royster rejoined the meeting at 6:47 p.m. and apprised of the tabling of the item.
Chair Royster asked for comments at this time, on the rest of the letter. The Commission consensus was to wait for review and comment from Attorney D’Aquilla.
Commissioner Mellen asked if all correspondence items sent to this commission, must be addressed, reviewed and answered. Chair Royster answered that specific questions, should be addressed, but that generally letters should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Chair Royster stated that part three, having to do with the meaning of street, way or place, has to do directly with him, and he intends to respond in a letter, individually, on his own behalf. The Commission was reminded that the meaning of street, way or place, that he concluded was correct after legal research, was endorsed in 2007 by Attorney Janet Brooks.
The Commission will wait for the attorney’s response.
- Expenditures –For publications, approximately $70.
- Other - None
- Public Remarks – None
- Adjournment
There being no further business before this Commission, Commissioner Mellen motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Roberts. Motion carried 5-0-0. Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
1-29-12
All attachments are made part of these minutes and are available at Town Hall.
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