Historic District Commission

Draft NORWICH HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Minutes of the October 15, 2018 Regular Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held Monday October 15, 2018 at 5:30 pm in City Hall Room 319. Members Present: Scott Learned (Chairman) Regan Miner (Vice Chairman) Timothy Dowhan Nancy O’Neil Members Absent: Richard Guidebeck Robert Allen Guests: None I. Public Meeting The public meeting was convened at 5:35 pm • COA 378 – 365 Washington (Roof) Ms. Minor presented for the applicant. Repairs and restoration of the building have been in progress for approximately 12 months. The work is being funded by a grant. A contractor estimate was provided detailing the material and labor to be performed. Replace existing wooden roof with like material (cedar shake). • COA 379 – 23 Broad Street (Windows) Although a detailed application was submitted, it was noted that the property lies in a district outside of the commission jurisdiction. The application is to address lead abatement for safety considerations. A short discussion ensued on similar situations arising and appropriate commission action. II. Regular Meeting The regular meeting was convened at 5:43 pm A. Action on COAs • COA 379 – 23 Broad Street (Windows) No action taken as property lies outside of HDC jurisdiction. To prevent any future confusion, the COA number will not be re-used. Based on precedence, Chairman will respond to applicant in support of the endeavor and provide any recommendations and opinion for historic appropriateness and commission preferences. • COA 378 – 365 Washington Street (Roof)  Discussion noted that all plans and detail appear in order. Motion to accept the COA as presented (TD; second NO) was approved unanimously. (RM abstain). B. Old Business • Nothing to report. C. New Business • 2019 Schedule: The City requests a schedule for 2019 HDC meeting. The commission has decided on meeting the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm beginning January 2019. It is assumed the location (City Hall room 319) will remain available. • Composition of the Commission: A full roster includes five members and three alternates. Ms. Minor has reached out to four potential candidates for roster openings and recommended they pursue the application process. Mr. Allen (Alternate) has not attended HDC meetings nor responded to communications pertaining to HDC activities. The Chairman will notify the City of Mr. Allen’s failure to comply with attendance rules and in accordance recommend vacating his position to make way for new, active applicants. • Mr. Allen has not acted on his approved COA within the requisite six month period. Chairman will mail Mr. Allen a letter indicating the need to re-apply for the COA. • Nicole: Compensation & Performance. City Clerk & Building Dept have noted incorrect/inaccurate (date & address specifics); Follow up with Nicole & Deanna to obtain facts. City had eliminated recording secretary (Unbeknownst to Commission). Is HDC a budget line item under Planning & Zoning department? Budget of ‘$750’ (2018) only enough to pay for legal notices to the Bulletin newspaper, meeting secretary, IT maintaining email address. HDC needs adequate tools to perform its duties. • 2019 Budget: The City requests the HDC submit a 2019 budget by the end of the month (October). Communications with City officials have led to ambiguous direction and questions on appropriate items to include in the submission. Ms. Miner will investigate and confirm known items and quantities to provide adequate tools to perform HDC duties. Given the near-term deadline for submission and no scheduled HDC meetings in the interim, a motion was made to allow Ms. Minor to make the appropriate adjustments to the budget framework based on her findings and submit the budget to meet the deadline (NO; second RM). The motion was approved unanimously. D. Minutes of September 17, 2018 Regular Meeting • The following issues were noted in the draft meeting minutes: An incorrect meeting date indicated; Guest Cam Farlow incorrectly identified; New Business motion clarification on commission providing recommendation to the city on street light options. • Motion to accept the September Regular Meeting minutes, amended to address the noted issues with provided detail and clarification (TD; second RM) was approved unanimously.  • It was also noted, COA 368 from the July Regular Meeting minutes was incorrectly identified as 423 Washington St. The correct address is 428 Washington St. E. Next Meeting Date • Scheduled for Monday November 19, 2018 at 5:30 pm. F. Adjournment • Motion to adjourn (NO; second TD) approved unanimously. The Regular Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm. Respectfully submitted Scott Learned Chairperson SL/td