Historic District Commission

Draft NORWICH HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting 5:45 p.m. Date Monday September 25, 2017 City Hall Room 319 Members Present: Scott Learned (Chair) Richard Guidebeck Nancy O’Neil Tim Dowhan Regan Miner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Public Hearing Opened at 5:54pm COA 354- 348 Washington Street, Society of the Founders, Richard Guidebeck COA 355- 26 Scotland Road, Scott Learned II. Regular Meeting Opened at 5:56pm A. Action on COAs COA 354- 348 Washington Street, Society of the Founders, Richard Guidebeck Richard Guidebeck recused himself from the vote. Nancy O’Neil made a motion to accpet the application as presented and Tim Dowhan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. COA 355- 26 Scotland Road, Scott Learned Scott Learned recused himself from the vote. Tim Dowhan made a motion to accept the application as presented and Nancy O’Neil seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Minutes of the August 16, 2017 meeting Regan Miner made a motion to accept the minutes as presented and Richard Guidebeck seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Tim Dowhan and Nancy O’Neil abstained. Draft C. Chairman’s Report The Chairman met with Michael Driscoll for his advice regarding legal matters of the Commission. Michael Driscoll recommended using audio recording of meeting, full commission vote and approval of actions moving forward. D. Old Business Commissioners Status - Regan Miner is a full member and Louise Leake is an alternate member - The Chairman recommended Tim Dowhan become a full commissioner. Scott Learned made a motion to appoint Tim Dowhan as a full commissioner. Richard Guidebeck seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Tim Dowhan recused himself from the vote. - Scott Learned is sending a letter to the City of Norwich regarding updating the website to reflect the current Commission membership. - Officers Nominations: Nancy O’Neil made a motion to appoint Regan Miner as Vice Chair of the Commission. Richard Guidebeck sectioned the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Regan Miner recused herself from the vote. Recording Secretary - Will continue to search for a Recording Secretary 8 Mediterranean Lane - Scott Learned updated the Commission about the history regarding 8 Mediterranean Lane. - The Commission will ask the owner of 8 Mediterranean Lane to appear in front of the Commission and explain the unauthorized changes to the porch and remind him that further exterior work needs to come before the Commission. - Scott Learned asked for a motion to write a letter to the owner approving the roof retroactively and address the concern that work is proceeding without approval. Nancy O’Neil seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Development on Town Street - Scott Learned would like to craft a letter expressing specific concerns over the proposed development on Town Street. Concerns include but are not limited to odor, noise, light, pedestrian safety, increasing traffic flow, and pollution/trash. - The area abutting cemetery is archaeologically sensitive. - Scott Learned will draft a letter and the Commission will vote on the letter at the October Meeting. New Business Discussion regarding contributing properties in local historic district - Scott Learned and Regan Miner will review and present to Commission at the October meeting. Draft Meeting Dates/Times for 2018 - Meeting dates and times for 2018 - The Commission decided to meet on the third Monday of the month, effective immediately - Nancy O’Neil made a motion to change the Historic District Commission meeting dates to the third Monday of the month effective immediately. Richard Guidebeck seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Adjournment - Nancy O’Neil made a motion to adjourn and Richard Guidebeck seconded motion. The motion passed unanimously and the Commission adjourned at 7:27pm.