MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Diane Aldi DePaola called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Diane Aldi DePaola, Mary Kennedy, Richard Peters
Members Absent: Randi Bradbury, Jeffrey Meotti, Eugene Creighton, Donald Brigham
Staff Present: Joanne Kegel, Recording Clerk
3 Members of the public were present.
Mr. Henri David of 122 North Cove Road inquired about the status of the signage that had been presented at a prior meeting by the HMC, and also asked about the guiderail. The Commission responded with a brief answer about the signs and stated that the guiderail and Historic District sign would be discussed on tonight’s agenda. Richard Peters explained how Mr. David could access prior minutes and agendas on the Town’s website for more information or could inquire at the Land Use Department.
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
The Commission reviewed the minutes of the meeting of July 17, 2014 and motioned approve with one correction.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of July 17, 2014 with the following correction: Under Physical Improvements-Roadside and Planting Plan-to replace the description of the metal guardrail as a wooden backed wooden to “a steel backed timber” one. MADE: M. Kennedy; SECONDED: R. Peters; IN FAVOR: D. Aldi DePaola, M. Kennedy, R. Peters; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 3-0-0
None.
- Committee, Representative and Staff Reports
None
IV. OLD BUSINESS
The Vice Chair rearranged the Agenda with the consensus of the members present.
A. Historic Structures Inventory
Mr. Tedd Levy of the Old Saybrook Historical Society, reported that the committee of three, Diane Aldi DePaola as Liaison, Christine Nelson as Certified Local Government Coordinator and Tedd Levy as Project Coordinator, had picked 5 applicants and received responses from two to complete the Historic Resource Inventory for the Town of Old Saybrook. The Committee completed the interviews of the two applicants who submitted proposals and had follow up interviews with both. Both were deemed competent, experienced, professional, and had good references. The Committee selected David L. Taylor of Taylor & Taylor Associates, Inc. from Brookville, Pennsylvania. The contract cost is $25,000 maximum and includes all travel and expenses. The contract includes a survey of 266 historic
properties and preparation of a coloring book for children. The competitor would have included less properties for the same cost.
Tedd Levy recommended the approval of Taylor & Taylor, Inc. of Brookville Pennsylvania, to provide a quality survey. The firm will report to the HDC and to the Historical Society and some public management. Diane Aldi DePaoli reported that the committee’s decision was unanimous. Replies will be sent to all applicants and the selection of the consultant will be officially announced by the end of September.
MOTION: To accept the recommendation of the committee for the selection of the consultant who will complete the Historic Resources Inventory for the Town of Old Saybrook as Taylor & Taylor Associates, Inc. from Brookville, Pennsylvania. MADE: R. Peters; SECONDED: M. Kennedy; IN FAVOR: D. Aldi DePaola, M. Kennedy, R. Peters; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 3-0-0
B. Awareness-building Initiative – District Identification Signs
The Commission reported on the status of the District Identification signs. R. Peters reported that the signs are fabricated and delivered. They are not installed yet. The final placement of the signs has been resolved. On will be placed at the westerly entrance of the Historic District and the second one will be placed at the easterly end of the District, on Cromwell Place, and be installed on the easterly side of the road.
C. Physical Improvements – Roadside & Hillside Planting Plan
125 North Cove Road (Map 32/Lot 3)
Kathy Connolly, Landscape Designer of “Speaking of Landscapes” reported that the financing for the proposed new steel backed timber guiderail for North Cove Road was denied at the Board of Finance meeting on August 19, 2014. Ms. Connolly emphasized that there are 2 planting plans; one for the roadside of the guiderail on the upper portion of the hill, and the other for the
hillside or lower portion of the hill. She reiterated that the Harbor Management Commission had objections to the roadside plan as an impediment to the parking spaces, and some concerns as to
how low the plantings could be on the hillside. The Commission agreed that the roadside plan was only a problem for a short time of the year and would only affect 2 narrow parking spaces. Richard Peters pointed out the plan for the upper portion was good, the plant selection is good and suggested the HDC approve the upper plan but agrees that the Harbor Commission has authority over both plans. The Commission agreed to move forward with both plans and is scheduling a public session for neighbors and interested parties as early as possible in September with proper notice.
MOTION: To schedule a public session for comment on for the Roadside and Hillside Planting Plans, 125 North Cove Road (Map 32/Lot 3) at a special meeting to be scheduled for either September 4, 2014 or September 11, 2014. MADE: M. Kennedy; SECONDED: R. Peters; IN FAVOR: D. Aldi DePaola, M. Kennedy, R. Peters; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 3-0-0
D: Proposed sections of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development
“Scenic Roads: A Corridor Management Plan for Local and State Scenic Roads in Old Saybrook” and “Mariner’s Way: A Vision to Improve the Route 1 East Corridor between Saybrook Junction town center and Ferry Point marina district”
The Commission reviewed the implementation tables for both the Scenic Roads plan and Mariner’s Way. The members present will seek clarification for what action or participation is being requested of the HDC. The members agreed that there is not enough consensus and input from all of the members to respond due to absences.
MOTION: To delay action to respond to the request for partnership and implementing of the Scenic Road and Mariner’s way proposals until the Commission receives clarification of what partnership in implementing entails from the HDC and to gain more consensus from absent members. MADE: R. Peters; SECONDED: M. Kennedy; IN FAVOR: D. Aldi DePaola, M. Kennedy, R. Peters; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 3-0-0
V. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. until the next regular meeting on September 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street:; MADE by M. Kennedy; SECONDED by R. Peters; IN FAVOR: D. Aldi DePaola, M. Kennedy, R. Peters. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 3-0-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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