Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
Monday, June 4, 2018
Place |
|
Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT |
Present |
|
REGULAR: John Forbis (Vice Chairman), Dini Mallory, Barbara Traskos ALTERNATE: Cynthia Taylor, Jeff Cooley |
Absent |
|
John Pfeiffer (Chairman) |
Guests |
|
Wendy Brainerd, Kevin Counter, Dave Vitali, Elizabeth Whitley |
Agenda |
9:00 |
Call to order, Quorum call, Approval of minutes, Communications |
|
9:05 |
Public Open Forum |
|
9:15 |
Plaque Program Update |
|
9:30 |
Public Hearing: 38 Lyme Street renovations |
|
10:00 |
Secretary’s Report – Handbook update, grant update, Active CofAs |
|
10:15 |
District 18 Electronic Sign |
|
10:30 |
Any other new or old business to come before the Commission |
|
10:45 |
Adjournment |
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order at 9:06 a.m. by Vice-Chairman John Forbis who authorized Cynthia Taylor and Jeff Cooley to vote. Dini Mallory moved, seconded by Cynthia Taylor, to approve the May minutes as presented. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
1. Communications:
The HDC received a copy of a letter written to the District 18 Board of Education by Judith Tooker about the new electronic sign on the High School entrance road. Ms. Tooker, 67 Lyme Street, stated that the sign is disturbing at night and shines into her bedroom window, making it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep. She requested that the sign be put on a timer and shut off from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am (the same hours as the noise ordinance for the town).
The sign has been put on a timer as she requested.
The HDC sent an email survey to some Historic District residents to find out how they feel about the sign. The matter will be discussed at the July 9 meeting.
2. Public Open Forum: Wendy Brainerd, 6 Lyme Street, stated that the Congregational Church recently had a large sign on the corner of Lyme Street and Ferry Road which stated “End the Gaza Siege. Join us on Sunday to get involved”. The sign was mounted on a metal structure which remains in place. Ms. Brainerd had a discussion with Reverend Jungkeit about the sign which she feels is too political for Lyme Street. She would like the HDC to be more proactive regarding signage in the Historic District.
The HDC does not have jurisdiction over temporary signs which are defined as those that are displayed for 30 days or less. The discussion will continue at the July 9 meeting of the HDC. Reverend Jungkeit will be invited to attend the meeting.
Action: Invite Reverend Jungkeit to the July 9 meeting (Martha Hansen).
3. Plaque Program Update: Martha Hansen
209 Mile Creek Road: Research is continuing.
32 Lyme Street: Plaque has been delivered “Joseph Peck, ca 1699, moved 1816”
5 Bailey Road: Alexandra Escher is interested in a historic plaque for her home, believed to have been built by Captain Cunningham ca 1820. Martha Hansen will work with her on the project.
26 Sill Lane: Caroline Ronchini has requested historical information about her home. Martha Hansen will contact her.
101 Lyme Street: The plaque has been ordered: Dr. Richard Noyes ca 1814 Carriage House.
4. 38 Lyme Street Renovation plans: Kevin Counter & David Vitali
David Vitali submitted a CofA application for renovations to the house. The structure needs to be raised about 18 inches because of its location in a flood zone. The chimney will be removed, some windows changed, and the board and batten siding will be replaced with clapboards to match the front of the house. New steps will be added to the front entrance to accommodate the increased height.
Motion: John Forbis made a motion, seconded by Cynthia Taylor, to approve the CofA application as presented for one year. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
Elizabeth Whitley, 56 Lyme Street, attended the meeting to inquire about the renovations, but had no objection to them.
5. Secretary’s Report:
The handbook grant was approved in the amount of $3,200.
The handbook updates are being put into proper format for printing by Jim Meehan. Edie Twining is working on an updated map.
Active (Open) CofAs:
- 55 Lyme Street, screening fence for propane tank and AC unit, September 2018.
- The Lyme Art Association has two projects in process – parking lot lighting and new cedar shingles for the building, September 2018. This project is nearly completed.
- 59 Lyme Street, LYSB new sign
- 38 Lyme Street, renovations
6. District 18 Electronic Sign- see above
7. Any Other New or Old Business:
Barbara Traskos asked about the additional sign at the Lawyers office at 44 Lyme Street. It is a For Sale sign.
The HDC has openings for two members. If you are interested please contact the Selectman’s Office at town hall.
8. Adjournment: Barbara Traskos made a motion, seconded by Jeff Cooley, to adjourn the meeting at 9:42 am. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Hansen
Secretary
| 
