Historic District Commission

Approved NORWICH HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Minutes of the August 20, 2018 Meeting _______________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held Monday August 20, 2018 at 5:30pm in City Hall Room 319. Members Present: Scott Learned (Chairman) Regan Miner (Vice Chairman) Richard Guidebeck Tim Dowhan Members Absent: Nancy O’Neil (excused) Bob Allen Guests: Nicole Coughlin, Robin and Paul Giardi, Michael Yesenko, John Fournier, Ching-Nien Lee, Bill Champagne I. Public Meeting Public meeting convened at 5:34 pm A. COA 369- 17 Harland Road (Chimney) B. COA 370- 28 Huntington Place (Foundation) C. COA 371- 28 Huntington Place (Porch) D. COA 372- 4 Old Cemetery Lane (Chimney) E. COA 373- 370 Washington Street (Porch Reconstruction) F. COA 374 – 370 Washington Street (Gutter Replacement) G. COA 375 – 7 East Town Street (Roof Replacement) H. COA 376 – 161 Broadway (Roof) I. 12 Elm Street (Pergola) II. Regular Meeting Regular meeting convened at 6:10 pm Approved A. Action on COAs 1. COA 369- 17 Harland Road (Chimney) Tim Dowhan made a motion to accept the COA as presented as well as provide a list of materials to be used on the chimney restoration. Richard Guidebeck seconded the motion. Scott Learned recommended the COA be accepted with a written description of materials to be used as well as workmanship; a part by part restoration. Scott Learned was agreed to be the member to write the letter describing the guidelines. The motion was unanimously approved. 2. COA 370- 28 Huntington Place (Foundation) Richard Guidebeck made a motion to accept the COA as presented with the lattice replacement so the appearance is not changed. Regan Miner seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 3. COA 371- 28 Huntington Place (Porch) Mr. Lee chose to table this COA and bring it to the commission at a later time. 4. COA 372- 4 Cemetery Lane (Chimney) Tim Dowhan made a motion to accept the COA as presented, providing the solution is up to code. Richard Guidebeck seconded the motion. Scott Learned made the suggestion to ensure there are no plans to remove the chimney as the work done would only bring the chimney up to safety standards. The motion was unanimously approved. 5. COA 373- 370 Washington Street (Porch Reconstruction) Richard Guidebeck made a motion to accept the COA as presented. Regan Miner seconded the motion. The commission was accepting of the stoop reconstruction, however decided more information was needed regarding materials as well as a dimensional sketch to understand the final goal of the project. Scott Learned made a motion to table the COA to await more information. The motion was unanimously approved. 6. COA 374- 370 Washington Street (Gutter Replacement) Tim Dowhan made a motion to accept the COA as presented with the addition that the commission is in favor of shortening the gutter towards the garage to reduce build-up of debris. Regan Miner seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Approved 7. COA 375- 7 East Town Street (Roof Replacement) Regan Miner made a motion to accept the COA as presented. Tim Dowhan seconded the motion. The commission agreed the plans of the roof replacement were an improvement of the existing roof. The motion was unanimously approved. 8. COA 376- 161 Broadway (Roof Replacement) Tim Dowhan made a motion to accept the COA as presented. Richard Guidebeck seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 9. COA 377- 12 Elm Ave (Pergola) There was no motion made as a decision on whether or not a COA was needed in this particular instance was voted on. Scott Learned reminded the commission that if the COA was dismissed, they would lose the ability to have say in material and style Richard Guidebeck voted to dismiss the COA. Tim Dowhan voted to dismiss the COA. Regan Miner voted to dismiss the COA. Scott Learned abstained his vote. B. Chairman’s Report No Chairman’s Report C. Minutes of the July 16, 2018 Meeting Tim Dowhan made a motion to accept the July Special Meeting minutes as written. Regan Miner seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. D. Old Business 1. Letter to Residents -Regan Miner and Scott Learned made several more changes to the letter to residents -It was discussed by the commission to request all COA’s be submitted by the first of the month to allow time to advertise the meeting. - It was discussed by the commission to add a paragraph reminding residents of historically accurate holiday lighting. - It was discussed by the commission to move away from having personal addresses given to residents to contact the Historic District Commission but rather centralize a public domain for this communication. - It was discussed by the commission to include information about the Fall Awards for historic preservation. The idea of sending a newsletter out with the NPU letters was discussed. Approved -The idea of a mailbox outside the Visitors’ Center, a P.O. Box at the post office, and a shared mailbox with the city historian were discussed. - The commission decided the mailbox outside the Visitors’ center would be the most appropriate option. - It was agreed by the commission that Regan Miner would be added to the signature of the letter as Vice Chairman. - Scott Learned made a motion to accept Regan Miner’s revision to the letter to residents to request COA’s by the first of every month, add Regan Miner to the signature of the letter, add a paragraph to the letter about holiday lights, and to include a start date of when residents may drop applications in the mailbox while still encouraging emails. Richard Guidebeck seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 2. 8 Mediterranean Lane - The letter sent by certified mail was received back to Scott Learned with a return to sender note. - Scott Learned will discuss future action with the city attorney. - No decisions will be made until the entire commission is present. F. Adjournment -Scott Learned made a motion to adjourn. Regan Miner seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. The Regular meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm. Respectfully submitted Scott Learned Chairperson SL/nc