Historic District Commission

Draft NORWICH HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Minutes of the December 17, 2018 Regular Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held Monday December 17, 2018 at 5:30 pm in City Hall Room 319 annex. Members Present: Scott Learned (Chairman) Regan Miner (Vice Chairman) Timothy Dowhan Richard Guidebeck Nancy O’Neil Members Absent: Robert Allen Media Representatives: Kevin Aherne, Norwich Bulletin I. Public Meeting The public meeting was convened at 5:30 pm • COA 382 – 4 Old Cemetery Lane (Light Fixtures) Gary and Cynthia Lynch, the home’s new owners, presented their application and proposed light fixture replacements. The same fixture design will replace existing fixtures in disrepair at separate house entrances. The proposed fixtures are antique finished, colonial style, carriage lights similar in size to the current applications. In addition, a single fixture located on the center divider of the two car garage will be replaced by two fixtures located on either side of the garage doors. The electrical work and installation to be performed by a contractor. The original electric box will be covered by a decorative application. • COA 383 – 335 Washington Street (Entrance) The owners, Donald Beebe and Nancy O’Neil, along with their contractor Tom Giroux from Custom Carpentry of Norwich presented their application. The proposed work entails restoration and repair of a side porch awning. Photographs indicate damage to trim and siding. Repair and replace with like material. Awning rooftop is fiberglass/architectural shingles imitating wooden shakes. II. Regular Meeting The regular meeting was convened at 5:45 pm A. Action on COAs • COA 382 – 4 Old Cemetery Lane (Light Fixtures)  Discussion noted the replacement fixtures appear period correct for the property. The garage structure is newer than the main house. Motion to accept the COA as presented (TD; second NO) was approved unanimously. • COA 383 – 335 Washington Street (Entrance) Discussion noted that all plans and detail appear in order. Motion to accept the COA as presented (RM; second RG) with the caveat that ‘like for like’ wooden features should be solid wood (i.e. non-composite, non-plywood) was approved unanimously. (NO recused). B. Minutes of November 19, 2018 Regular Meeting • The following issue was noted in the draft meeting minutes: An incorrect next meeting date indicated (Replace Jan 21, 2019 with Dec 17, 2018). • Motion to accept the November Regular Meeting minutes, amended to address the noted issues (RG; second RM) was approved unanimously. C. Chairman Report • Chairman met with Norwich City Attorney, Michael Driscoll to discuss commission concerns and potential actions pertaining to anticipated development plans within the Elm Avenue section of the Norwichtown historic district. Atty Driscoll recommended the commission not act or represent any prejudices as no COA has been put in front of us. • Also discussed were issues surrounding 8 Mediterranean Lane (i.e. discrepancies pertaining to communications with the owner and representative, COA approvals, building permits, and work performed). It was noted that some issues might be difficult to prove (e.g. window replacement). The commission will consider, weigh, and decide which battles to choose. The property, and any additional modifications, will be closely monitored. • Chairman will schedule a meeting with the City Planner (Deanna Rhodes) to gain context within city plans. Chairman will distribute meeting details and all commission members are welcome to attend. D. Old Business • Composition of the Commission: A full roster includes five members and three alternates. The current members have continued reaching out to 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. With concurrence from Atty Driscoll, the Chairman will notify the City of Mr. Allen’s failure to comply with attendance rules and in accordance have vacated his position to make way for new, active applicants. Mr. Guidebeck is scheduled to be re-interviewed for renewal of his position on the commission. • 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. E. New Business • City Planner (Deanna Rhodes) would like formal comments from the commission on the Hale Mill project prior to the Commission on the City Plan (CCP) meeting scheduled for December 18th. The commission reviewed plans made available and are in support of the adaptive re-use and encouraged by the proposed restoration and appearance of the historic building, the core structure of which dates back to 1865. Given the time limited constraints, Ms. Miner will generate and deliver our comments to Ms. Rhodes. • This was to be recording secretary Nicole Coughlin’s last meeting as she is moving from the area. She was unable to attend due to an emergency. The commission thanks Ms. Coughlin for her dedication and professionalism. Duties will be undertaken by the commission members until a replacement can be found. It appears funding to support compensation for the position is non- existent. F. Next Meeting Date • Scheduled for Wednesday January 16, 2019 at 5:30 pm. G. Adjournment • Motion to adjourn (NO; second RG) approved unanimously. The Regular Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm. Respectfully submitted Scott Learned Chairperson SL/td