Historic District Commission Minutes 05/07/2020

Meeting date: 
Thursday, May 7, 2020

Historic District Commission
TOWN OF SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
Zoom Meeting/Simsbury Community Television Live Stream

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order at 7:00P.M. via Zoom Meeting/Simsbury Community Television Live Stream. Also in attendance was Laura Barkowski, Land Use Specialist; Michael Glidden, Director of Planning & Community Development; Karen Haberlin, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties.

II. ROLL CALL

Commission members present were Peter Adamowicz, Julie Carmelich, Marguerite Carnell, and Dianne Mead.

1. Appointment of Alternates
Ms. Carnell appointed Mr. Adamowicz as an alternate for the meeting.

III. APPLICATIONS
1. Public Hearing
a. Application #20-01 Ethan M. Girard & Jessica M. Dabkowski, Owner/Applicant; for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a fence on the property located at 93 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H12, Block 107 Lot 019R). Zone R-15.

2. Discussion and Possible Action
a. Application #20-01 Ethan M. Girard & Jessica M. Dabkowski, Owner/Applicant; for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a fence on the property located at 93 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H12, Block 107 Lot 019R). Zone R-15.

Ms. Carnell read the application aloud. She added it is a proposed installation of a split rail fence in the back yard. Approximately 40-45 feet will face East Weatogue Street with the remainder of the fence facing either Bradley Road or the neighbor’s property to the west. A site plan was attached and shows approximate length and locations of the proposed fence. The design will be a three-rail, locust, split-rail fence with black welded wire. It will be approximately 4 feet high with a 10-foot double swing gate of similar style to cross the driveway that connects to Bradley Road. Photos of similar fencing were attached to the application.

Owner Ethan Girard addressed the Commission, noting the fence will give their dogs a safe place in the yard. He noted the split-rail fence matches a lot of other fences on that road.

Ms. Carnell invited the public to speak. There were no comments.

Questions and brief discussion about the location of the shed followed.

Ms. Carnell closed the public hearing at this time.

MOTION: Ms. Carnell made a motion to approve Application #20-01 for a 4-foot split-rail, locust fence infilled with black wire as shown on the submitted plan, noting the barn is already in a location as shown on the submitted plan. Ms. Mead seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

3. Public Hearing
a. Application #20-03Arynn Rosenstein & Michael Kelly, Owner/Applicant; for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a fence on the property located at 105 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H12, Block 107 Lot 002). Zone R-40.

4. Discussion and Possible Action
a. Application #20-03Arynn Rosenstein & Michael Kelly, Owner/Applicant; for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a fence on the property located at 105 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H12, Block 107 Lot 002). Zone R-40.

Ms. Carnell read the application aloud. She noted the description is a 6-foot vinyl fencing on the side and back of the house and a site plan hand drawn by the contractor is attached.

Owner Arynn Rosenstein addressed the Commission, noting the fence is for their dogs, will be installed along the sides of the house and will have gates. She noted since they have lived there for a few months, they have decided the fence should be wood. She indicated they have gotten verbal approval from neighbors on both sides.

Ms. Carnell requested that a site plan be submitted to show exactly where the fence will be installed, as well as a more detailed description of the fencing, i.e. is it solid, is there lattice at the top, what the gates look like, etc. Owner Michael Kelly noted the style is pinnacle. Ms. Rosenstein added there will be no lattice, there are points on top and the gate would be double.

Questions and discussion followed. Commissioners noted appreciation of the change to wood versus vinyl and requested an example of what the fence will look like and the true site plan. Further, the proposed finish was discussed with the applicant noting it will be unpainted.

Ms. Carnell asked for public comment. Marc Lubetkin of 107 East Weatogue Street spoke in support of the fence, noting his approval of the fence, its proposed location and design.

MOTION: Ms. Carnell made a motion to continue the Public Hearing for Application #20-03 to the next regularly scheduled meeting in June. Ms. Mead seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Update Handbook
Mr. Glidden noted the project has been paused due to the current situation. He reported Ken Livingston and Fitzgerald & Halliday have been retained and a contract has been signed. He noted funds are available to do the project. He also indicated preference for doing this project when virtual meetings are no longer required.

Mr. Glidden added that there will be two applications for the June meeting, a continuation of tonight’s application and an application from the Land Trust for the construction of a parking lot on Tanager Hill. Discussion followed.

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTESof the January 9, 2020 Regular Meeting

MOTION: Ms. Carnell moved to approve the Minutes from the January 9, 2020Regular Meeting. Ms. Carmelich seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion followed about repainting the District signs.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Ms.Carnell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27P.M. Ms. Mead seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Haberlin
Commission Clerk