Historic District Commission

City of Taunton MASSACHUSETTS Established 1639 Historic District Commission Charles Thayer City Hall Robert Dickerman 15 Summer Street Michele Monteiro Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Joseph Norte Steve Rogers Bruce Thomas _________________________ Samantha Mills, Secretary MINUTES – JUNE 2, 2022 A regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Present were, Joseph Norte, Steve Rogers, Robert Dickerman, Michelle Monteiro, Bruce Thomas and Charles Thayer. Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. Minutes – The Board members each reviewed the minutes of the February 17, 2022 meeting for accuracy. Motion made by Charles Thayer, seconded by Steve Rogers and unanimously passed to approve the minutes from the February 17, 2022 meeting. New Business- 71 Summer Street- A Presentation of changes to the originally approved porch renovation plan were submitted by the Taunton Housing Authority to the commission for review, with two options. Project manager Gregory Siroonian states that when they began the construction of the previously approved plan, they ran into some preexisting and unexpected structural issues. This resulted in a bind due to costs of the project. They were replacing one concrete masonry pier, but repairing the others, however when construction began they discovered that they were missing footings on the piers completely. Replacement of the piers has become an unexpected cost to their original planned scope of the job. The Housing Authority presents the option one, which they express is the one that they prefer. Option one is to bring the same tapered posts down to the deck, eliminate the piers and use Sonotube footings. They believe this is a clean look, looks appropriate and can be achieved within their budget. Commissioner Monteiro requests the original drawing of what was originally approved and presented, to compare side to side what the changes would be. Joseph Norte questions the deviation from the original plan for clarification on whether the concrete piers were part of the original proposed repair, and if there was exploratory assessment done prior to bid for the job. Mr. Siroonian states that from what was able to be seen they were under the impression that the piers had footings. Commissioner Monteiro confirms that the materials being used are all previously approved synthetic materials. Mr. Siroonian confirms that they will only be using the previously approved materials. The Commission asked for clarification about the original cost of the job. Staying with the original approved scope it would amount to an additional $11,000. Proposed option 1 would be $5,000, and proposed option 2 would be an additional $15,000. Commissioner Norte states that the Historic Commission’s decisions need not be based on cost, but rather the aesthetic in keeping with the historic look and design. Commissioner Norte presents to the board, to consider which option do we believe keeps most with the historic look. Commission Rogers states that he prefers option two’s look with the column bases with clapboard. Commissioner Thayer voices that he prefers the half height tapered columns look to the plain railing. Mr. Siroonian expresses concern for the painting of the clapboard to match the siding of the house. Commissioner Thayer voices preference for option two. Mr. Siroonian expresses again his concern for the cost of option two. Michelle Monteiro motions to approve option two, Joseph Norte seconds that motion. Bruce Thomas confirms he is looking at the correct plans for option two. Charles Thayer motions to vote to approve option two, Commissioner Rogers seconds that motion and it is unanimously passed by the Commission. Other Business- Public Input- Mr. Joseph DeMello addresses the Commission. He has begun the process of applying for a certificate of appropriateness for a fence for 37 Church Green. He is asking for the board to consider holding a special meeting to expedite this process. His concern is the time constraints to get the materials if he is required to wait until next month’s meeting. Commissioner Thayer asks where the fence will be installed. Mr. DeMello explains it will be along Dean Street, 85 feet. He continues to explain that he is not certain he will be able to install the fence due to cost being high and shortages to get the materials. Mr. Norte clarifies that Mr. DeMello is concerned about the materials and is uncertain that the project will be possible, but also would like a special meeting. Mr. DeMello explains he would like it to take place during the summer season if it is possible. Commissioner Monteiro presents to Mr. DeMello to research if it is cost effective and possible to complete this project, and when that is complete we can try to schedule a meeting at that time. He confirms and agrees that he does not know if he will be able to do it, and if it will be possible, so he will be in touch with the commission when that information is available. General Business- Official Appointment Chair and Co-Chair. Commissioner Thayer motions to elect Joe Norte as Chair. Commissioner Rogers seconds that and the decision is unanimously passed. Commissioner Thayer motions to appoint a co-chair. Commissioner Norte nominates Commissioner Rogers as co-chair, Commissioner Thayer moves Mr. Rogers and that decision is unanimously passed. Motion to adjourn made by Robert Dickerman, seconded by Michelle Monteiro and unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Samantha Mills Secretary to the Commission