Westport Historical Commission - June 13, 2011 Minutes
Present
Member: Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones, Jane Loos, Donna
Lubell, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: none
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker , Norm Judson, Sean Leach, Chris Vezetinski
Others in attendance:
Jennifer DuBois Trustees of Reservations
Pamela Manchester 1267 Drift Road, Westport
Beverly Schuch 1963 Main Road, WPT
Bob Shaker Citizens Union Bank
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng 1818 Main Road, WPT
Steve Tyson Contractor for Town Farm
Jim Younger Architect for Town Farm
Chair Sharon Connors (SC) opened the meeting at 7pm in the basement meeting area at Town Hall.
A. General Business
1. Town Farm. Jennifer DuBois, Trustees of Reservations, explained that under the terms of the lease, The Trustees are required to restore the house, provide safe public access and engage in agriculture. The lease also requires The Trustees to come to WHC for approvals of any restoration work done on this historic property. The Trustees requested tonight’s meeting to provide an overview of their plans, and would come back with detailed plans at a later date. Mrs. DuBois confirmed that, with the final State approvals of the lease, The Trustees would now move ahead with arrangements to list the farmstead on the National Historic Register. Jim Younger, architect, and Steve Tyson, contractor, presented the current plans.
2. Exterior. No changes, except for:
(a) installation of a wood handicapped ramp on the west side, which they expect can be built without a handrail because the grade change is not large;
(b) replacing the concrete front steps with stone steps ;
(c) placing a/c condenser outside behind the main house; and
(d) installing wooden storm windows .
Other issues yet to be sorted out concern gutters and downspouts and whether to restore the now missing crown moldings. They are also considering burying the power lines, and possibly installing a solar array in the parking lot across the road from the house. They confirmed their intention to continue to use the existing paint color (putty gray).
3. The sense of the meeting was that the proposed changes to the exterior would be acceptable. On the topic of the gutters and downspouts, the meeting advised that it would be acceptable to retain the gooseneck link of gutter to downspout.
4. Interior. South apartment only. Work would involve:
(a) stabilize walls, floors, sill work; structural repairs; anything that needs to be replaced will be done with like technique and kind of materials;
(b) rebuild the stair to the second floor;
(c) second floor will not be open to the public, so no handicapped access required;
(d) chimneys will be closed off, but not removed; and fireplaces and flues will be closed off;
(e) cellulose insulation of walls;
(f) baseboard/hot water heat – new style of fixtures are being considered;
(g) layout of rooms involves moving some interior walls, but no major changes
5. SC thanked The Trustees for presenting this overview, and advised that no formal approvals could be given until WHC has a chance to review the final plans.
6. Citizens Union Bank. Mr. Bob Shaker, contracting supervisor for construction of the Citizens Union Bank in Westport, presented plans that were recently approved by the Westport Planning Board. He explained that his reason for coming before WHC was to obtain a letter from WHC stating that the project does not adversely affect historic property. He presented copies of two letters from other projects, as examples of what he requested from WHC. He stated that the FDIC requires such clearances before they grant their final approvals to proceed with construction.
7. SC explained that WHC had not been asked to provide such assurances before, and would need to investigate the legal and other procedural requirements before acting. However, on the substance of the matter, SC cautioned that WHC did not consider the site plan or the building design to be appropriate for Central Village. GM noted that WHC had met with members of the Planning Board to discuss Central Village and had shared its views on these matters. Jim Collins (JC) explained that the site plan is suburban in concept, whereas the Westport Master Plan called for maintaining the village pattern. JC also noted that the building design attempted to look like a cape, but the proportions were wrong for that style of building.
8. SC thanked Mr. Shaker for briefing WHC about the Bank’s plans, and acknowledged that he was not the person responsible for (or even part of) the officials who made the plans. Mr. Shaker explained that he would report back to his managers about tonight’s discussion and await instructions from them on how to proceed. SC undertook to contact the Westport Planning Board to set up a joint meeting to discuss WHC’s concerns with the plans presented by Mr. Shaker.
9. Minutes of May 2, 2011 Meeting. JL explained that the draft minutes had been circulated electronically to all members. Geraldine Millham (GM) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote in favor was unanimous.
10. Treasurer’s Report. GM presented the report as of June 6, 2011 (Attachment 1):
(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $334.51. Revenue to date is $500.
(b) WHC Trust Account balance of $9,582.98 The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is
$6,443.92.
(c) Town Farm expense account is $674.00. Town Farm Trust balance is $11,270.12.
11. GM also reported on her follow-up to Sean Leach’s suggestions about ways to carry over funds across fiscal years. The principal clerk in the Town Accountant’s office explained that such carry over was possible only with articles, grants, trust funds or revolving funds, not regular budgets. She advised that we may encumber funds to cover final purchases that may occur after the cut-off date of June 22, 2011 (but must be transacted before June 30, 2011). JL moved, and Donna Lubell (DL) seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The vote in favor was unanimous.
12. Mail.
(a) SC read her letter to the Board of Selectmen of April 11, 2011, announcing her intention not to seek re-appointment to WHC when her term ends on Jun 30, 2011 (Attachment 2).
(b) SC read her letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation of May 26, 2011, in support of a grant for the Cadman-White-Handy House project (Attachment 3). This letter was requested by the Westport Historical Society and had a deadline of June 1, 2011.
13. Election of Officers. SC polled the members about their views on rotating assignments. The general sense was that it was a good idea that all members take on officer assignments. SC advised that the new officers would take over starting July 1, 2011.
Betty Slade advised that she would resign as Researcher and as Clerk.
(a) Chair – GM moved and JL seconded a motion to elect Wendy Goldberg (WG) as Chair. The vote in favor was unanimous, with one abstention (WG).|
(b) Vice Chair – WG moved and JL seconded a motion to re-elect JC as Vice Chair. The vote in favor was unanimous.
(c) Treasurer – JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to re-elect GM as Treasurer. The vote in favor was unanimous.
(d) Recording Secretary – WG moved and JJ seconded a motion to re-elect JL as Recording Secretary. The vote in favor was unanimous. JL agreed to take over Betty Slade’s responsibilities for posting information on the WHC website.
(e) Clerk – JL moved and WG seconded a motion to elect DL as Clerk. The vote in favor was unanimous.
(f) CPC – WG moved and JL seconded a motion to re-appoint JJ as WHC representative to CPC. The vote in favor was unanimous.
14. Betty Slade advised that Ted Kinnari had made application to the BOS to join WHC, and that Tim Bryant is in the process of doing so.
15. Update on 1813-1815 Main Road. SC reported that the BOS had closed the continuing nuisance hearing, because the main house had been secured by installing a cap over the basement. SC reported that the BOS had instructed Town Counsel to move to dismiss the case against Mr. Furtado, because the historic house no longer exists. The timing of the decision was precipitated by the June 9, 2011 conference date set by the court to outline how the case would proceed to trial.
16. The meeting discussed how building codes would apply to the main house, now that the historic house no long exists. Historic houses are granted certain exemptions from building codes, but in this case, that can no longer apply. The meeting noted that there might be contradictions between the approved plans (which were to restore and remodel) and the codes that apply to a new house.
17. Rules and Regulations. Betty Slade reminded that the change in the boundary for notifying abutters would go into effect on July 1, 2011. The rules and regulations, guidelines and application forms need to be revised to reflect this change. GM undertook to update those formats and have copies printed.
18. Pet Waste disposal at the Point. Betty Slade reported that David Cole will arrange for a post to be installed near the Church and that WRWA will provide the biodegradable bags. It was agreed that there would be no additional signage.
19. Handy House. The WHC subcommittee (GM, WG and Anne (Pete) Baker) should be prepared for more active contacts with WHS in the near future.
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:35pm. The next meeting will be July 5, 2011 at 7pm.
draft prepared by JL, approved July 5, 2011
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report as of 6/6/11
2. SC April 11, 2011 letter to BOS re resignation
3. SC May 26, 2011 letter to National Trust re Handy House
Member: Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones, Jane Loos, Donna
Lubell, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: none
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker , Norm Judson, Sean Leach, Chris Vezetinski
Others in attendance:
Jennifer DuBois Trustees of Reservations
Pamela Manchester 1267 Drift Road, Westport
Beverly Schuch 1963 Main Road, WPT
Bob Shaker Citizens Union Bank
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng 1818 Main Road, WPT
Steve Tyson Contractor for Town Farm
Jim Younger Architect for Town Farm
Chair Sharon Connors (SC) opened the meeting at 7pm in the basement meeting area at Town Hall.
A. General Business
1. Town Farm. Jennifer DuBois, Trustees of Reservations, explained that under the terms of the lease, The Trustees are required to restore the house, provide safe public access and engage in agriculture. The lease also requires The Trustees to come to WHC for approvals of any restoration work done on this historic property. The Trustees requested tonight’s meeting to provide an overview of their plans, and would come back with detailed plans at a later date. Mrs. DuBois confirmed that, with the final State approvals of the lease, The Trustees would now move ahead with arrangements to list the farmstead on the National Historic Register. Jim Younger, architect, and Steve Tyson, contractor, presented the current plans.
2. Exterior. No changes, except for:
(a) installation of a wood handicapped ramp on the west side, which they expect can be built without a handrail because the grade change is not large;
(b) replacing the concrete front steps with stone steps ;
(c) placing a/c condenser outside behind the main house; and
(d) installing wooden storm windows .
Other issues yet to be sorted out concern gutters and downspouts and whether to restore the now missing crown moldings. They are also considering burying the power lines, and possibly installing a solar array in the parking lot across the road from the house. They confirmed their intention to continue to use the existing paint color (putty gray).
3. The sense of the meeting was that the proposed changes to the exterior would be acceptable. On the topic of the gutters and downspouts, the meeting advised that it would be acceptable to retain the gooseneck link of gutter to downspout.
4. Interior. South apartment only. Work would involve:
(a) stabilize walls, floors, sill work; structural repairs; anything that needs to be replaced will be done with like technique and kind of materials;
(b) rebuild the stair to the second floor;
(c) second floor will not be open to the public, so no handicapped access required;
(d) chimneys will be closed off, but not removed; and fireplaces and flues will be closed off;
(e) cellulose insulation of walls;
(f) baseboard/hot water heat – new style of fixtures are being considered;
(g) layout of rooms involves moving some interior walls, but no major changes
5. SC thanked The Trustees for presenting this overview, and advised that no formal approvals could be given until WHC has a chance to review the final plans.
6. Citizens Union Bank. Mr. Bob Shaker, contracting supervisor for construction of the Citizens Union Bank in Westport, presented plans that were recently approved by the Westport Planning Board. He explained that his reason for coming before WHC was to obtain a letter from WHC stating that the project does not adversely affect historic property. He presented copies of two letters from other projects, as examples of what he requested from WHC. He stated that the FDIC requires such clearances before they grant their final approvals to proceed with construction.
7. SC explained that WHC had not been asked to provide such assurances before, and would need to investigate the legal and other procedural requirements before acting. However, on the substance of the matter, SC cautioned that WHC did not consider the site plan or the building design to be appropriate for Central Village. GM noted that WHC had met with members of the Planning Board to discuss Central Village and had shared its views on these matters. Jim Collins (JC) explained that the site plan is suburban in concept, whereas the Westport Master Plan called for maintaining the village pattern. JC also noted that the building design attempted to look like a cape, but the proportions were wrong for that style of building.
8. SC thanked Mr. Shaker for briefing WHC about the Bank’s plans, and acknowledged that he was not the person responsible for (or even part of) the officials who made the plans. Mr. Shaker explained that he would report back to his managers about tonight’s discussion and await instructions from them on how to proceed. SC undertook to contact the Westport Planning Board to set up a joint meeting to discuss WHC’s concerns with the plans presented by Mr. Shaker.
9. Minutes of May 2, 2011 Meeting. JL explained that the draft minutes had been circulated electronically to all members. Geraldine Millham (GM) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote in favor was unanimous.
10. Treasurer’s Report. GM presented the report as of June 6, 2011 (Attachment 1):
(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $334.51. Revenue to date is $500.
(b) WHC Trust Account balance of $9,582.98 The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is
$6,443.92.
(c) Town Farm expense account is $674.00. Town Farm Trust balance is $11,270.12.
11. GM also reported on her follow-up to Sean Leach’s suggestions about ways to carry over funds across fiscal years. The principal clerk in the Town Accountant’s office explained that such carry over was possible only with articles, grants, trust funds or revolving funds, not regular budgets. She advised that we may encumber funds to cover final purchases that may occur after the cut-off date of June 22, 2011 (but must be transacted before June 30, 2011). JL moved, and Donna Lubell (DL) seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The vote in favor was unanimous.
12. Mail.
(a) SC read her letter to the Board of Selectmen of April 11, 2011, announcing her intention not to seek re-appointment to WHC when her term ends on Jun 30, 2011 (Attachment 2).
(b) SC read her letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation of May 26, 2011, in support of a grant for the Cadman-White-Handy House project (Attachment 3). This letter was requested by the Westport Historical Society and had a deadline of June 1, 2011.
13. Election of Officers. SC polled the members about their views on rotating assignments. The general sense was that it was a good idea that all members take on officer assignments. SC advised that the new officers would take over starting July 1, 2011.
Betty Slade advised that she would resign as Researcher and as Clerk.
(a) Chair – GM moved and JL seconded a motion to elect Wendy Goldberg (WG) as Chair. The vote in favor was unanimous, with one abstention (WG).|
(b) Vice Chair – WG moved and JL seconded a motion to re-elect JC as Vice Chair. The vote in favor was unanimous.
(c) Treasurer – JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to re-elect GM as Treasurer. The vote in favor was unanimous.
(d) Recording Secretary – WG moved and JJ seconded a motion to re-elect JL as Recording Secretary. The vote in favor was unanimous. JL agreed to take over Betty Slade’s responsibilities for posting information on the WHC website.
(e) Clerk – JL moved and WG seconded a motion to elect DL as Clerk. The vote in favor was unanimous.
(f) CPC – WG moved and JL seconded a motion to re-appoint JJ as WHC representative to CPC. The vote in favor was unanimous.
14. Betty Slade advised that Ted Kinnari had made application to the BOS to join WHC, and that Tim Bryant is in the process of doing so.
15. Update on 1813-1815 Main Road. SC reported that the BOS had closed the continuing nuisance hearing, because the main house had been secured by installing a cap over the basement. SC reported that the BOS had instructed Town Counsel to move to dismiss the case against Mr. Furtado, because the historic house no longer exists. The timing of the decision was precipitated by the June 9, 2011 conference date set by the court to outline how the case would proceed to trial.
16. The meeting discussed how building codes would apply to the main house, now that the historic house no long exists. Historic houses are granted certain exemptions from building codes, but in this case, that can no longer apply. The meeting noted that there might be contradictions between the approved plans (which were to restore and remodel) and the codes that apply to a new house.
17. Rules and Regulations. Betty Slade reminded that the change in the boundary for notifying abutters would go into effect on July 1, 2011. The rules and regulations, guidelines and application forms need to be revised to reflect this change. GM undertook to update those formats and have copies printed.
18. Pet Waste disposal at the Point. Betty Slade reported that David Cole will arrange for a post to be installed near the Church and that WRWA will provide the biodegradable bags. It was agreed that there would be no additional signage.
19. Handy House. The WHC subcommittee (GM, WG and Anne (Pete) Baker) should be prepared for more active contacts with WHS in the near future.
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:35pm. The next meeting will be July 5, 2011 at 7pm.
draft prepared by JL, approved July 5, 2011
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report as of 6/6/11
2. SC April 11, 2011 letter to BOS re resignation
3. SC May 26, 2011 letter to National Trust re Handy House
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