Historic District Commission Minutes 05/02/2019

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MAY 2, 2019

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 6:58 P.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices, 933 Hopmeadow Street.  Also in attendance was Janell Mullen, Code Compliance Officer; Karen Haberlin, Commission Clerk and other interested parties.

II.            ROLL CALL

Commission members present were Julie Carmelich, Marguerite Carnell, Patty Hyyppa and Mark Nyquist.

                1.            Appointment of Alternates

Patty Hyyppa and Mark Nyquist were appointed full members for the meeting.

III.           APPLICATIONS

                1.            Public Hearing

                                a. None

                2.            Discussion and Possible Action

                                a. None

IV.          GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

                1. Update handbook

Ms. Carnell gave some background on the RFQ received from Goman & York and the opinion of the Commission, noting the emailed response from Goman & York.  Ms. Mullen reported she spoke with staff about the response and noted the Commission’s options going forward, including choosing Goman & York or going back out to bid.  It was agreed a local, qualified, professional architectural historian or historian needs to be part of the team.  It was noted the context statement in the Handbook needs to be rewritten.  Discussion ensued.  It was agreed Commission members will give some new names of professionals to Ms. Mullen by next week.  Ms. Mullen will reach out to Goman & York letting them know the Commission would like to see more information about specific work they have done for historic districts and if they would consider working with an actual historian.  She will also clarify with them the bid versus budget available.

                2. Preliminary Discussion of Proposed New Residence at 130 East Weatogue Street: Tia and Greg Battiston

Mr. Battiston introduced himself and Jim McCormick, a builder who works with his architect.  Mr. Battiston gave some background on the project for those not at the last meeting.  He noted some changes to the plans presented at the last meeting.  Discussion followed.  Topics included the roof line, the setback line, the driveway, garage doors, columns, elevations, window placement and type, shutters and the chimney.  Ms. Carnell requested a sample of the roof shingles and chimney brick be brought in to the June meeting for approval.  Mr. Nyquist noted all the windows should have shutters or none of the windows should have shutters for consistency.  Further discussion followed.  It was suggested a sample of the window material be brought in as well.  Hardscaping was discussed.  Ms. Mullen cautioned the owner and builder about the front setback, noting any overhang from above needs to be within the setback line.  It was noted updated plans should be submitted at least one week before the June 6 meeting.

V.            APPROVAL OF MINUTES

                April 18, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Ms. Carmelich moved to approve the Minutes from the April 18, 2019 Special Meeting.   Ms. Carnell seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

VI.          ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Carnell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 P.M.  Ms. Carmelich seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Haberlin

Commission Clerk