City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday December 11, 2013 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini,
Matthew Veno, Robert Curran, Bob Curran, and Russell Vickers
Members Absent:
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan,
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Ms. Duncan followed up on the MOU for the disposition of the District Court buildings. She noted that she sent the discussed revisions to the MA Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). Right now, the focus is on working with the Mayor and Rep. Keenan on getting legislation in regards to this process to move forward.
Separately, Ms. Duncan noted that the work to be done on the Washington Street fountain is out to bid. Two contactors have already picked up the bid packages. There seems to be more interest in the project at this point.
Sign, Awning, Lighting, and Façade Review
Prior to starting, Ms. Duncan asked if the City Hall project could be discussed first given that Assistant Building Inspector Mike Lutrzykowski was present as a representative of the City to discuss the project. Chairman Mitnik agreed to proceed with the City Hall item first.
- 93 Washington Street (City Hall): Discussion and vote on proposed exterior improvements / restoration
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a proposal, plans, and photos.
Mr. Lutrzykowski introduced himself and noted that the architect in charge of the project could not attend. He noted that in October of 2012 the City repointed City Hall’s chimney and repaired the roof; skylights were added. The second phase of the project included structural work, which was more intensive than first thought. That work ended in April of 2013. Since then, work has been on hold. The latest proposal to complete restoration of City Hall was conceived in October.
This project covers fixing the windows, repointing 100% of the brick work and granite, adding storm windows, replacement of all brownstone lintels and sills, and upgrading of handicap access on the interior of the building.
The architect recommended the hiring of a historic paint consultant to examine what types and shades of paint were used in earlier iterations of City Hall. The consultant found that the front detailing of the building was once painted a mahogany finish, and that the sides of the building had detailing painted in “Essex Green” (offered by Benjamin Moore). Both alley sides of the building will have window treatments painted in Essex Green, whereas the front windows will have their treatments painted in a mahogany tone. The mahogany will match the tone of the door and tie-in the look of the building.
Once they are removed and replaced, the side windows will have storm windows added to them. This will preserve them.
The repointing of the brick will be done in much the same fashion that the chimney was done in the earlier stages of the project. The City is looking at the possibility of using a mechanical lift instead of scaffolding the entire building.
Mr. Lutrzykowski noted that the Mayor had inquired about upgrading the building’s HVAC and heating system but that the budget did not allow for such work to proceed. At this point, a recommendation will be made to have all window A/C units go in and out on uniform dates. They would go in on April 1st and come out on November 1st. The Department of Public Works would be responsible for this process.
Mr. Lutrzykowski noted that the granite face of the building would be repointed and cleaned. Metal bolts and hangers will be removed and correctly patched.
Mr. Baldini inquired as to the age of City Hall. Mr. Veno noted that he thought it was built two years after Salem’s incorporation as a city. Mr. Lutrzykowski noted that the building had portions erected in 1837 and 1878; Mr. Vickers confirmed this detail in the report provided to the Board.
Mr. Lutrzykowski noted that although it is not within the Board’s purview, that the lift in the front stairway would be removed given that it is currently inoperable.
Ms. Duncan (through Chairman Mitnik) inquired as to any plans for backup for the elevator given the plans to remove the lift. Mr. Lutrzykowski replied noting that this issue had been discussed; however, the lift simply does not meet code and must be removed as a best course of action.
Ms. Duncan followed up by asking if other department heads, especially the City Solicitor, were aware of the plan to remove the lift. Mr. Lutrzykowski replied by saying that the City Solicitor is aware of these plans.
Mr. Lutrzykowski continued by noting that the window security grates on the north side of the building would be removed, cleaned, and placed back on the building as part of this project.
Mr. Veno asked for confirmation about the handicap access to the building being rerouted. Mr. Lutrzykowski confirmed by noting that the changes were approved by the Architectural Access Board (AAB). Mr. Veno followed up by asking if there would be appropriate signage. Mr. Lutrzykowski said that there would be signage.
Ms. Duncan noted that the proposal was unanimously recommended without further comment by the DRB.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
- 299 Essex Street: Discussion and vote on proposed façade renovation
The submission under review before the SRA included a proposal, drawings, and photos.
Ms. Duncan presented the proposal to the Board noting that the package contained both a photo of existing conditions of the storefront, as well renderings for the proposed renovation. She noted that the project was approved unanimously by the DRB and that the space would either be retail or restaurant. She explained that the sign shown on the rendering is just an example and that the proposal does not include the signage. There will be two-tone metal panels on the upper half of the façade. Black granite will be used for the lower half.
Ms. Duncan requested that the Board stipulate that any motion to approve the project include a clear statement noting that the signage being represented in the proposal not be included in the overall approval, and that any future tenant would have to apply for signage approval.
Veno: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, with the comment that signage must be approved by the DRB and SRA by any future tenant.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 5-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the November 13, 2013 regular meeting was reviewed.
Chairman Mitnik noted that Mr. Veno did not vote in favor of the proposed A&B Burger signage, therefore, the vote should read 3-1 as opposed to 3-0. Mr. Curran seconded the motion to approve the proposal instead of Mr. Veno.
Veno: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:25 pm.
| 
