Historic District Commission Minutes 04/05/2018
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
APRIL 5, 2018
MINUTES FROM REGULAR MEETING
SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order at 7:32 P.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices, 933 Hopmeadow Street.
II. ROLL CALL
Commission members present were Chairwoman Marguerite Carnell, Peter Adamowicz, Heather Goetz, Diane Meade, and Julie Carmelich.
1. Appointment of Alternates
Julie Carmelich was appointed to serve for vacancy.
III. APPLICATIONS
1. Public Hearing(s)
a. Application #18-01 of Charles Goetz, Owner, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a pergola adjacent to the house on the property located at 72 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H13, Block 109, Lot 026). Zone R-40. (received 01/31/2018; decision must be rendered by 04/06/2018)
Heather Goetz recused herself.
Charles Goetz presented the application to the commission for the construction of a pergola at the residence located at 72 East Weatogue Street. Mr. Goetz described the materials which will be used and details of the construction. The roofing would be solid and all posts will be wood consistent with the frame and finish of the existing residence. The patio will be blue stone, existing brick will be removed. The columns would be 6x6 square. He plans on starting the project in the next 60 days, May 1st start date and completion expected by June 1st.
Chair Carnell asked if there were any questions for the applicant.
Motion: Ms. Carnell made a motion to close the public hearing. Ms. Carmelich seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The public hearing was closed at 7:40 pm.
b. Application #18-02 of Mark F. and Cherith Sullivan, Owners, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for dwelling roof replacement; replacement of supports under pedestrian entrance to garage; new garage doors; and replacement of rotten wood on right dormer on the dwelling on the property located at 52 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 109, Lot 021AB). Zone R-40. (received 03/14/2018; decision must be rendered by 05/18/2018)
Mark Sullivan of 52 East Weatogue presented to the commission his plans for repairs and improvements to the residence. Mr. Sullivan first discussed the roof repair. He provided the commission with a sample of the asphalt timberline shingle. Next he discussed the changes to the piers/support of the pedestrian walk way. Mr. Sullivan provided the commission a plan illustrating his proposed changes/repairs. Mr. Sullivan moved to discuss the replacement of the garage doors. He provided the commission with a guide which illustrated which manufacturer and type of door replacement that will be used.
Ms. Carmelich inquired about the why the material and design for the replacement door was chosen. The existing doors are wood. Mr. Sullivan explained how the gasket is gone and bottom of the door is rotten.
Chair Carnell asked if there were any questions for the applicant.
Motion: Ms. Carnell made a motion to close the public hearing. Ms. Meade seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The public hearing closed at 8:10pm.
2. Applications and Possible Action
a. Application #18-01 of Charles Goetz, Owner, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a pergola adjacent to the house on the property located at 72 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H13, Block 109, Lot 026). Zone R-40. (received 01/31/2018; decision must be rendered by 04/06/2018)
Motion: Ms. Carnell made a motion to approve Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness on behalf of Charles Goetz for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a pergola adjacent to the house on the property located at 72 East Weatogue Street
Certificate of Appropriateness is subject to the following conditions:
1. A Building and Zoning Compliance permit is for construction of the pergola.
2. Approval for Certificate of Appropriateness is only valid for one year. All work associated with certificate of appropriateness must be completed by March 1, 2019.
In granting the Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission finds that the Applicant has demonstrated compliance to the design guidelines within the Handbook for the East Weatogue Historic District
Chair Carmelich seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
b. Application #18-02 of Mark F. and Cherith Sullivan, Owners, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for dwelling roof replacement; replacement of supports under pedestrian entrance to garage; new garage doors; and replacement of rotten wood on right dormer on the dwelling on the property located at 52 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 109, Lot 021AB). Zone R-40. (received 03/14/2018; decision must be rendered by 05/18/2018)
Chair Carnell stated that she was satisfied with the roofing and other structure repairs however she was not comfortable with the garage door replacement. She felt there were designs made by the manufacturer that were more consistent with the current door design.
Ms. Carmelich felt the door replacement was not objectionable. The current doors met their usefulness and that the applicants made an attempt preserve the structure.
Ms. Meade also agreed that the door replacement was not objectionable and that it looks better than the existing ones.
Motion: Ms. Carmelich Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness on behalf of Mark F. and Cherith Sullivan for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the dwelling roof replacement; replacement of supports under pedestrian entrance to garage; new garage doors; and replacement of rotten wood on the dormer on the dwelling on the property located at 52 East Weatogue Street
Certificate of Appropriateness is subject to the following conditions:
1. A Building and Zoning Compliance permit is for the dwelling roof replacement; replacement of supports under pedestrian entrance to garage; new garage doors; and replacement of rotten wood on the dormer on the dwelling.
2. Approval for Certificate of Appropriateness is only valid for one year. All work associated with certificate of appropriateness must be completed by March 1, 2019.
In granting the Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission finds that the Applicant has demonstrated compliance to the design guidelines within the Handbook for the East Weatogue Historic District
Chair Carnell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: Ms. Carnell made a motion to add a preliminary discussion to the agenda with Eric Liljedahl concerning repairs and improvements to the structure located at 25 East Weatogue Street. Ms. Meade seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
M. Glidden stated that the applicants contacted his office concerning meeting with the commission on a preliminary basis to discuss changes proposed to the farm stand building located at 25 East Weatogue Street. They have submitted an application for the May meeting however due to time sensitivity, the applicants wanted to discuss this matter with the Commission before their application is reviewed formally. Both the applicants and commission acknowledged that the meeting tonight is preliminary and the comments are non-binding.
Eric Liljedahl and James Karoutas discussed with the Commission. The plan is for the removal of existing garage doors and replacement with windows. Two roofed additions are planned on the northern and western elevation of the building. A steel washing sink would be housed below the roofed overhang on the northern elevation. Photographs of the existing structure were provided which illustrated the location of the proposed renovations.
Chair Carnell asked whether members had comments or questions of the applicants.
Ms. Carmelich inquired about the history of the structure. The applicants did not have information on the history however will include it in the application material.
Ms. Meade asked whether they had plans that shown the proposed sinks. Mr. Lijedahul did not however he would bring drawings/information to the next meeting.
Mr. Adamowicz asked whether the applicant has plans to connect the two roofed additions so that it wrapped around the structure. Mr. Lijedahul stated that they could look at and will consider.
Mr. Lijedahul thanked the commission and will work on providing information to the Commission at the May meeting.
IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Update handbook
Chair Carnell thanked staff for having this on the agenda. She asked members if they were prepared to look at the examples provided by M. Glidden to begin the discussion on updating the current handbook.
M. Glidden reviewed with the Commission the three examples of recent updates of handbook provided from the Town of Westport, West Hartford, and Windsor. Mr. Glidden explained that these documents all were chosen due to difference in scope and wanted to use them as examples to discuss with the Commission.
Chair Carnell gave her comments regarding each of the documents. She liked the background information that was contained within the Town of Westport’s handbook. She commented on how the certified local government and enabling statutes were well written.
Ms. Meade stated the length and size of the Westport regulations could be overwhelming for home owners.
M. Glidden asked the Commission on their thoughts for using of photographs of structures within the district to illustrate architecture or as part of guidance. He felt there could be issues with this and would like to know what people thought.
Ms. Carmelich the importance of addressing issues such as renewable energy and replacement materials should be looked into for an update. She would like to see comments on why a certified local government is important.
Chair Carnell asked M. Glidden what is the next steps. Some members wanted to really look at the examples in greater detail before proceeding. Mr. Glidden would like to start this project before the end of the fiscal year therefore additional meetings maybe required.
Members reviewed their calendars for scheduling a special meeting. The members present agreed to schedule to meet Monday April 23 at 7:00pm to continue the discussion. Staff would prepare a list of items that they should be considered to prepare feedback on updating the current handbook.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Ms. Carnell moved to approve the Minutes from the March 1, 2018 regular meeting as written. Ms. Meade seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Carnell moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 P.M. Ms. Meade seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Glidden CFM CZEO
Assistant Town Planner