Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes
Special Meeting
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Place: |
|
Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT |
Present: |
|
REGULAR: John Pfeiffer (Chairman), John Forbis (Vice Chairman), Jim Bechtel, Joanne DiCamillo, Barbara Traskos ALTERNATE: Jeff Cooley, Carol Winters |
Absent: |
|
Dini Mallory |
Guests: |
|
Bob McCracken, Sarah McCracken, Russell Learned, Carleen Gerber, Dr. Steven Jungkeit |
Agenda: |
9:00 |
Call to order, Quorum call |
|
9:05 |
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme- propane tank |
|
9:35 |
Adjournment |
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman John Pfeiffer.
1. First Congregational Church of Old Lyme – Propane Tank
At the HDC meeting on Monday, May 4, a motion was put forth by Jeff Cooley, seconded by John Forbis, to approve the above-ground installation of two 500 gallon propane tanks surrounded by a 4 foot high natural cedar fence screened by shrubs and located near the south property boundary.
A vote was taken on May 4: two voted in favor, and two opposed, resulting in a tie vote, and no decision was made.
Because no decision was made at the May 4 meeting the secretary read the motion again and a second vote was called (all five voting members were now present). A discussion followed.
Bob McCracken stated that the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme submitted a CofA application in February to install a 1,000 gallon propane tank surrounded by a fence near the south property boundary of the Parsonage. The old oil furnace in the building needed to be replaced and a propane furnace was the best option. A plan was presented at the March 2 meeting of the HDC. The HDC requested more information and the FCCOL returned at the April meeting with a revised plan: two 500 gallon tanks to be installed in a new location farther back on the property. Fence specs and a planting plan were also presented. The HDC asked to have several other locations flagged so that they could look at them. Another plan was presented at the May 4 meeting: two 500 gallon tanks, installed in a lower section farther back on the
property, surrounded by a fence and screened with plantings. Mr. McCracken stressed that the primary issue was one of a sight line, and that what would be visible was a fence screened by shrubs. He read from a section of the Historic District Handbook:
“In considering an application for a CofA, the HDC has no requirements as to specific architectural form or style and it has no mandate to favor the past over the present. The HDC recognizes that change is inevitable, and in many cases desirable, and asks only that new structures or artifacts introduced into the Historic District and all changes to structures already existing be appropriate, be competently designed and show respect both for their immediate neighbors and for the Historic District as a whole.”
Mr. McCracken stated that he was convinced that there would be no negative impact from the installation.
Dr. Steven Jungkeit, who lives in the parsonage, stated that there is a degree of urgency as diesel fumes are leaking into the building.
John Pfeiffer remarked that there is an area of interpretation in the regulations and that the HDC is responsible for the entire Historic District. Jim Bechtel, referring to the Historic District Handbook, stated that there is more to consider than just the appearance of the fence. Joanne DiCamillo asked for an explanation of the cost factor.
Bob McCracken replied that it will cost $3,000-$4,000 to bury the tank. In addition, the church must own the tank and is not comfortable being responsible for a large, pressurized propane tank. If the tank is leased, the gas company has the entire responsibility for the tank.
Joanne DiCamillo met with Sarah McCracken on Tuesday, walked the site, and suggested that the addition of needled evergreens to the planting plan would better screen the view from McCurdy Road and Lyme Street. She also did some research on buried propane tanks. She found two companies that will lease and fill an underground tank, providing a considerable savings to the applicants compared to purchasing the tank outright. She asked if the church would consider that option as a compromise.
Russell Learned stated that the area in question is not far from the septic tank and that some large trees are nearby. The real issue is the fence, not what is inside the fence.
John Pfeiffer again noted that the HDC needs to consider the impact on the entire Historic District.
Carleen Gerber remarked that Tony Hendricks surveyed the area, and that the water table is high there. She is not sure that they can bury a tank because of the site constraints and the existence of historic trees which would be impacted by digging in the area.
John Forbis stated that the church has a compelling argument: it is expensive to maintain a historic building; the closest neighbor, Marty Ames, has no problem with the installation; and there are necessary ancillary structures in back of many primary buildings on the street. Mr. Forbis has no problem with the installation as presented.
Jeff Cooley stated that the fence will be virtually invisible once screened. There are many fences on the street in back of buildings and this fence is appropriate.
Joanne DiCamillo asked if the church would be willing to do more research regarding the water table. She would like to make sure that every avenue is explored so that she can feel comfortable with her vote.
Bob McCracken stated that they have practical information from Speirs Plumbing and others that the water table is very high there.
Russell Learned stated that if the HDC approves the present plan, the church will investigate burying the tank as suggested, as long as it does not incur a large cost. If it’s not feasible then they will go ahead with the current plan.
John Pfeiffer suggested having another meeting on Monday, May 11 to allow the church to obtain more information on the water table.
Russell Learned refused, stating that they do not want to return to discuss this issue again and would like a decision today.
John Pfeiffer stated that the church came to the HDC with an above-ground plan and that the HDC asked about the alternative of burying the tank, which has been done in several other locations nearby. He asked the secretary to read the motion again so a vote could be taken.
The secretary read the motion: There is a motion on the floor to approve the above-ground installation of two 500 gallon propane tanks surrounded by a 4 foot high natural cedar fence screened by shrubs and located near the south property boundary.
John Pfeiffer and Jim Bechtel opposed, John Forbis and Barbara Traskos approved, Joanne DiCamillo abstained. No decision was made.
Bob McCracken stated that the second tie vote meant that the FCCOL has not received a decision from the HDC on the CofA application. It is past the 65 days allowed to make a decision.
2. Adjournment:
John Forbis made a motion, seconded by Jim Bechtel, to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 am. All present voted in favor. Motion passed
Martha Hansen
Recording Secretary
| 
