Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (Committee) May 13, 2020 Members Present: Astri Baillie, Christine Boyle, Nancy Bruce, Melissa Honohan, Chris Kellogg, George Limbach, Joan Maccari, Deb Mantone, Jill Rhodes Members Absent: Lisa Ellis, Ross Snyder, Claire Whitcomb Guests: Thomas Crimmins, Angelica Diggs, Deborah Farrar Starker Opening Remarks Ms. Honohan called the meeting to order at approximately 7:35 pm and started with introduction of the Committee’s members and guests in attendance. Minutes Ms. Honohan then presented the minutes for approval to the Committee. There being no comments, the minutes were duly moved and approved. Application Review – Luke Miller House Fence (LMH) Ms. Honohan then turned to Mr. Crimmins who presented his application to replace the fence at Miller Station that is fifty percent on Mr. Crimmins’ property and fifty percent on the property of the Borough of Madison (Borough) and noted that the historic easement specifies that the fence must be maintained in good condition. Mr. Crimmin’s indicated that the deteriorated wood fence is in excess of ten years old and proposes to have the original installer, Artistic Fence, replace it. Discussion ensued among the Committee, including questions regarding the condition of the Borough’s ash tree located near the fence and its implications for the fence repair. A motion to approve Mr. Crimmin’s application for funds of up to $9,581 (fifty percent of the costs for the repair) to repair the LMH fence was duly made and approved in conjunction with the review and determination by the arborist for the Shade Tree Commission as to whether the ash tree should be removed. Mr. Crimmins then exited the meeting. Application Review – Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (METC) Ms. Honohan then turned the Committee’s attention to the application submitted by METC. Ms. Starker, Executive Director of METC and Ms. Diggs, Assistant Director of Operations of METC, presented on the application for a feasibility study which will review the 2012 preservation plan to address the issues related to the structure and moisture environment affecting the building’s lower level. Discussion ensued among the Committee members, including questions regarding the specific preservation steps to address the moisture issues, restoration and renovation. A motion to approve up to $10,000 to approve matching funds for a feasibility study to continue the restoration and renovation of the METC James Library Building as stated in the 2012 preservation plan was duly made and approved with one member abstaining due to his position on METC’s Board of Trustees. Ms. Starker and Ms. Diggs then exited the meeting. Sayre House Update Ms. Honohan turned to a discussion of the Sayre House and noted that it is being listed for sale by its current owner. Discussion ensued among the Committee regarding the historic easements affecting the property. 1 Update Regarding Masonic Temple, Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Ms. Honohan then provided an update to the Committee regarding the Masonic Temple, indicating that the Council approved the Borough becoming the applicant for the County of Morris application. New Business Council-member Baillie noted that she is working on compiling information about the Borough’s trails and details for enjoying the trails on National Trails Day on June 6, 2020, consistent with the social distancing requirements currently in effect. Ms. Honohan then noted that the Borough’s Master Plan virtual open house is open from May 11, 2020 through May 25, 2020 and encouraged participation. Adjournment of Meeting A motion was duly made and approved to adjourn the meeting. Respectively submitted, Christine S. Boyle Secretary 2