Final Minutes, July 5, 2011, Westport Historical Commission
Present
Member: Jim Collins, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones, Jane Loos, Donna Lubell,
Geraldine Millham
Alternate: Sean Leach
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker , Norm Judson, Chris Vezetinski
Others in attendance:
Norm Anderson & Laurie Marinone Oscar Palmer Farm
Chris Detwiller Trustees of Reservations
Rick Mercier Designer for 1963 Main Road, WPT
Beverly Schuch 1963 Main Road, WPT
Robert Tripp 1834 Main Road, WPT
Dennis Talbot Builder for 1963 Main Road, WPT
Mark Wilson Trustees of Reservations
Chair Wendy Goldberg (WG) opened the meeting at 7:02 pm in the basement meeting area at Town Hall. WG named Alternate Sean Leach as the 7th voting member for tonight’s meeting.
A. General Business
1. Minutes of June 13, 2011 Meeting. Jane Loos (JL) explained that the draft minutes had been circulated electronically to all members. WG presented comments received from former chair Sharon Connors and Geraldine Millham (GM) suggested some additional changes. GM moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote was 6 in favor, with one abstention from Sean Leach because he had not attended that meeting.
2. Treasurer’s Report. GM presented the report as of June 30, 2011 (Attachment 1):
(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $107.64, which will be returned to the General
Fund. Revenue for the full year was $500.
(b) WHC Trust Account balance of $9,706.31 The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is
$6,459.61.
(c) The Town Farm expense account balance is $674.00, which was encumbered to FY2012.
The Town Farm Trust balance is $11,297.56.
Donna Lubell (DL) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Mail.
(a) WG read to the meeting the June 24, 2011 response received from Mr. John L. Clemmey in reply to Sharon Connors’ April 21, 2011 letter concerning the third ell on his property at 1954 Main Road, as well as her reply dated June 27, 2011 enclosing the requested materials (Attachment 2).
(b) WG read to the meeting the June 28, 2011 email from Betty Slade requesting to receive all WHC agendas, notices of public hearings and final minutes by email (Attachment 3). JL noted that with the new email data base, WHC will be sending notices of public hearings to all those who have provided email accounts (which includes Ms.Slade), and explained that it was no problem to (continue) to include Ms. Slade on the email distribution of final minutes.
(c) WG read to the meeting a notice from the Town Accountant setting up a new contracting procedure for contracts over $2,000. JL noted that since WHC’s entire budget is less than that, this did not appear to apply to WHC contracts. GM noted that she will keep in mind this procedure when using the Town Farm budget.
4. WHC Subcommittees for Properties with Historic Preservation Restrictions. GM reminded that WHC now has three subcommittees dealing with three historic properties for which WHC has responsibilities overseeing historic preservation restrictions – Oscar Palmer Farm, Handy House, and the Town Farm. The meeting agreed that there needs to be a clear set of procedures for handling these matters, but that this should be taken up at another meeting with full preparations.
5. Preliminary Review for 1963 Main Road. Beverly Schuch, owner, introduced the proposal, with the assistance of Dennis Talbot, builder, and Rick Mercier, designer. The proposed project would add a full story to the western-most of the two connected buildings – in order to regain a view of the water. The house is ranch-style design and does not have a clear overall style – with various elements added piecemeal over time.
6. The sense of the meeting was that it is always hard to add on to a ranch, and the proposed mass was beyond what the house and lot could endure. The meeting also noted that sequence of buildings was not appropriate to the fabric of the district, because the scale and mass of proposed buildings increased going away from Main Road, whereas nearly all buildings in the historic district design additions to be subservient to the main house. In response to requests for some feedback about what would me more appropriate, several commission members offered suggestions, including enlarging the main house and raising the roofline to include another half story and rotate the proposed gable end to be east/west; this would result in only 2 roof levels (as opposed to three in the proposal) and also set up a better progression from the building nearest the road. The applicant thanked WHC for its comments and indicated that they would likely return for a second preliminary review.
B. Oscar Palmer Farm.
1. Chris Detwiller introduced the new owners of the Oscar Palmer Farm, Laurie Marinone and Norm Anderson, and summarized the basic steps for obtaining clearances under the historic preservation restrictions. He indicated that WHC and The Trustees of Reservations agreed to hold joint meetings on applications in order to increase the efficiency of the process and speed up the timeline.
2. Ms. Marinone and Mr. Anderson presented a list of intended restorations for the proposed first phase of their restoration efforts, planned for next 9-12 months. They explained that they felt they were stewards of the property, and want to keep the quirky feel that accumulated over the centuries. Mr. Anderson is a builder and plans to undertake much of the individual tasks himself, but would be calling in experts where needed.
3. The meeting voted unanimously in favor of the following projects:
HOUSE:
(1) Restore Chimney: repair foundation, repair brickwork and install new liner, clean surface and whitewash surface on interior of house, remove existing (not original) chimney above roof line and rebuild using period appropriate bricks and mortar color to size/design as shown in 1905 photos (larger than current, and with corbelled detail- attachment 1); repair/restore beehive oven if possible; repair/restore 3 fireboxes. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to approve.
(2) Exterior Surfaces: strip roof, reshingle with 5/8” red cedar shingles; repair front gutter and back cornice like for like; clean and repair/treat shingles, trim and corner boards like for like. No decision made yet on color of paint, if it is to be used. JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve.
(3) Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace: dig test holes to assess depth of footings and, if possible, excavate 3-6” of dirt, add gravel, vapor barrier and lay brick floor; assess existing footings/wood posts and repair/replace as needed; make structural repairs to carrying beams/joists where needed, check sills for damage and repair as needed, like for like; re-point and re-parge foundation where needed; replace bulkhead door/frame; open up and inspect crawlspace under 2nd and 3rd additions for structural framework integrity/mold, and repair where needed, assess depth of crawlspace and excavate slightly if possible and install vapor barrier, remove 50’s era oak flooring on first floor and replace with pine. JL moved and Jim Collins (JC) seconded a motion to approve.
(4) Skylights: replace existing north roof skylight; install 2 additional operable skylights on south roof per drawing dated July 5, 2011- attachment 2; velum brand. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to approve.
(5) Kitchen: remove wall between Eleanor’s bath and bedroom on 1st floor to create larger kitchen in south east corner; JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (5) and (6) in the same motion.
(6) Windows: replace short bathroom window on east side to match others on that side (same size, materials, 2/2 sash); add window over bulkhead on south façade to match others on the south side (same size, materials, 2/2 sash).
BARN:
(1) Roof, Siding and Trim: strip old asphalt roof shingles and re-shingle with red cedar; strip siding and trim and replace with unpainted white cedar. JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (1) and (2) in the same motion.
(2) Haymow Door and Venting: uncover existing haymow door and repair, like for like; install 2 gable vents in north and south gable ends.
(3) Foundation: repair masonry where needed, like for like; replace cinderblock posts under east addition with either pressure treated 6x6” posts or cedar posts of comparable strength.
JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (3).
OUTBUILDINGS:
JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (1), (2), (3) and (4).
(1) Shed #5: repair or rebuild to existing dimensions, repair fireplace to working order, install plumbing/electrical/heating and bathroom.
(2) Shed #1: repair plumbing, clean and paint interior to install interim milking parlor, repair windows like for like.
(3) Shed #2: repair/rebuild to existing specs (board and batten corncrib); install red cedar roof. If plans change to build a corncrib to utilize more of the existing poured concrete floor (which extends beyond the current corn crib dimensions), the applicant would make additional application and submit detailed drawings for WHC/TTOR consideration.
(4) Sheds #3 & #4: repair/rebuild to existing specs, adding louvered gable vents; repair/replace windows, like for like; re-side with white cedar and re-roof with red cedar.
A. General Business, continued
7. Certificate of Non-Applicability for 1834 Main Road. Robert Tripp presented the proposal to replace deteriorated wood decking, stairs and railing (like for like), and the replace outer walls and doors on back of shed (like for like). JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve the Certificate of Non-Applicability because the work is replacement/repair like for like and because the shed is not visible from a public way. The motion in favor was unanimous.
8. Briefing Note on Clearances for Projects using State and Federal Funds. JL noted that a draft version had been circulated in advance of the meeting. The meeting made a number of comments, and JL undertook to incorporate them in a final draft (Attachment 4). WG would provide copies of the Note to members of the Planning Board in advance of our July 19 joint meeting and also copy it to the BOS for their information.
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:35pm. The next meeting will be August 1, 2011 at 7pm.
draft prepared by JL, approved August 1, 2011
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report as of 6/30/11
2. Letters Re 1934 Main Road
3. Betty Slade’s email requesting documents
4. Briefing Note on Clearances for Projects Using State and Federal Funds
Member: Jim Collins, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones, Jane Loos, Donna Lubell,
Geraldine Millham
Alternate: Sean Leach
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker , Norm Judson, Chris Vezetinski
Others in attendance:
Norm Anderson & Laurie Marinone Oscar Palmer Farm
Chris Detwiller Trustees of Reservations
Rick Mercier Designer for 1963 Main Road, WPT
Beverly Schuch 1963 Main Road, WPT
Robert Tripp 1834 Main Road, WPT
Dennis Talbot Builder for 1963 Main Road, WPT
Mark Wilson Trustees of Reservations
Chair Wendy Goldberg (WG) opened the meeting at 7:02 pm in the basement meeting area at Town Hall. WG named Alternate Sean Leach as the 7th voting member for tonight’s meeting.
A. General Business
1. Minutes of June 13, 2011 Meeting. Jane Loos (JL) explained that the draft minutes had been circulated electronically to all members. WG presented comments received from former chair Sharon Connors and Geraldine Millham (GM) suggested some additional changes. GM moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote was 6 in favor, with one abstention from Sean Leach because he had not attended that meeting.
2. Treasurer’s Report. GM presented the report as of June 30, 2011 (Attachment 1):
(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $107.64, which will be returned to the General
Fund. Revenue for the full year was $500.
(b) WHC Trust Account balance of $9,706.31 The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is
$6,459.61.
(c) The Town Farm expense account balance is $674.00, which was encumbered to FY2012.
The Town Farm Trust balance is $11,297.56.
Donna Lubell (DL) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Mail.
(a) WG read to the meeting the June 24, 2011 response received from Mr. John L. Clemmey in reply to Sharon Connors’ April 21, 2011 letter concerning the third ell on his property at 1954 Main Road, as well as her reply dated June 27, 2011 enclosing the requested materials (Attachment 2).
(b) WG read to the meeting the June 28, 2011 email from Betty Slade requesting to receive all WHC agendas, notices of public hearings and final minutes by email (Attachment 3). JL noted that with the new email data base, WHC will be sending notices of public hearings to all those who have provided email accounts (which includes Ms.Slade), and explained that it was no problem to (continue) to include Ms. Slade on the email distribution of final minutes.
(c) WG read to the meeting a notice from the Town Accountant setting up a new contracting procedure for contracts over $2,000. JL noted that since WHC’s entire budget is less than that, this did not appear to apply to WHC contracts. GM noted that she will keep in mind this procedure when using the Town Farm budget.
4. WHC Subcommittees for Properties with Historic Preservation Restrictions. GM reminded that WHC now has three subcommittees dealing with three historic properties for which WHC has responsibilities overseeing historic preservation restrictions – Oscar Palmer Farm, Handy House, and the Town Farm. The meeting agreed that there needs to be a clear set of procedures for handling these matters, but that this should be taken up at another meeting with full preparations.
5. Preliminary Review for 1963 Main Road. Beverly Schuch, owner, introduced the proposal, with the assistance of Dennis Talbot, builder, and Rick Mercier, designer. The proposed project would add a full story to the western-most of the two connected buildings – in order to regain a view of the water. The house is ranch-style design and does not have a clear overall style – with various elements added piecemeal over time.
6. The sense of the meeting was that it is always hard to add on to a ranch, and the proposed mass was beyond what the house and lot could endure. The meeting also noted that sequence of buildings was not appropriate to the fabric of the district, because the scale and mass of proposed buildings increased going away from Main Road, whereas nearly all buildings in the historic district design additions to be subservient to the main house. In response to requests for some feedback about what would me more appropriate, several commission members offered suggestions, including enlarging the main house and raising the roofline to include another half story and rotate the proposed gable end to be east/west; this would result in only 2 roof levels (as opposed to three in the proposal) and also set up a better progression from the building nearest the road. The applicant thanked WHC for its comments and indicated that they would likely return for a second preliminary review.
B. Oscar Palmer Farm.
1. Chris Detwiller introduced the new owners of the Oscar Palmer Farm, Laurie Marinone and Norm Anderson, and summarized the basic steps for obtaining clearances under the historic preservation restrictions. He indicated that WHC and The Trustees of Reservations agreed to hold joint meetings on applications in order to increase the efficiency of the process and speed up the timeline.
2. Ms. Marinone and Mr. Anderson presented a list of intended restorations for the proposed first phase of their restoration efforts, planned for next 9-12 months. They explained that they felt they were stewards of the property, and want to keep the quirky feel that accumulated over the centuries. Mr. Anderson is a builder and plans to undertake much of the individual tasks himself, but would be calling in experts where needed.
3. The meeting voted unanimously in favor of the following projects:
HOUSE:
(1) Restore Chimney: repair foundation, repair brickwork and install new liner, clean surface and whitewash surface on interior of house, remove existing (not original) chimney above roof line and rebuild using period appropriate bricks and mortar color to size/design as shown in 1905 photos (larger than current, and with corbelled detail- attachment 1); repair/restore beehive oven if possible; repair/restore 3 fireboxes. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to approve.
(2) Exterior Surfaces: strip roof, reshingle with 5/8” red cedar shingles; repair front gutter and back cornice like for like; clean and repair/treat shingles, trim and corner boards like for like. No decision made yet on color of paint, if it is to be used. JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve.
(3) Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace: dig test holes to assess depth of footings and, if possible, excavate 3-6” of dirt, add gravel, vapor barrier and lay brick floor; assess existing footings/wood posts and repair/replace as needed; make structural repairs to carrying beams/joists where needed, check sills for damage and repair as needed, like for like; re-point and re-parge foundation where needed; replace bulkhead door/frame; open up and inspect crawlspace under 2nd and 3rd additions for structural framework integrity/mold, and repair where needed, assess depth of crawlspace and excavate slightly if possible and install vapor barrier, remove 50’s era oak flooring on first floor and replace with pine. JL moved and Jim Collins (JC) seconded a motion to approve.
(4) Skylights: replace existing north roof skylight; install 2 additional operable skylights on south roof per drawing dated July 5, 2011- attachment 2; velum brand. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to approve.
(5) Kitchen: remove wall between Eleanor’s bath and bedroom on 1st floor to create larger kitchen in south east corner; JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (5) and (6) in the same motion.
(6) Windows: replace short bathroom window on east side to match others on that side (same size, materials, 2/2 sash); add window over bulkhead on south façade to match others on the south side (same size, materials, 2/2 sash).
BARN:
(1) Roof, Siding and Trim: strip old asphalt roof shingles and re-shingle with red cedar; strip siding and trim and replace with unpainted white cedar. JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (1) and (2) in the same motion.
(2) Haymow Door and Venting: uncover existing haymow door and repair, like for like; install 2 gable vents in north and south gable ends.
(3) Foundation: repair masonry where needed, like for like; replace cinderblock posts under east addition with either pressure treated 6x6” posts or cedar posts of comparable strength.
JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (3).
OUTBUILDINGS:
JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve (1), (2), (3) and (4).
(1) Shed #5: repair or rebuild to existing dimensions, repair fireplace to working order, install plumbing/electrical/heating and bathroom.
(2) Shed #1: repair plumbing, clean and paint interior to install interim milking parlor, repair windows like for like.
(3) Shed #2: repair/rebuild to existing specs (board and batten corncrib); install red cedar roof. If plans change to build a corncrib to utilize more of the existing poured concrete floor (which extends beyond the current corn crib dimensions), the applicant would make additional application and submit detailed drawings for WHC/TTOR consideration.
(4) Sheds #3 & #4: repair/rebuild to existing specs, adding louvered gable vents; repair/replace windows, like for like; re-side with white cedar and re-roof with red cedar.
A. General Business, continued
7. Certificate of Non-Applicability for 1834 Main Road. Robert Tripp presented the proposal to replace deteriorated wood decking, stairs and railing (like for like), and the replace outer walls and doors on back of shed (like for like). JL moved and JJ seconded a motion to approve the Certificate of Non-Applicability because the work is replacement/repair like for like and because the shed is not visible from a public way. The motion in favor was unanimous.
8. Briefing Note on Clearances for Projects using State and Federal Funds. JL noted that a draft version had been circulated in advance of the meeting. The meeting made a number of comments, and JL undertook to incorporate them in a final draft (Attachment 4). WG would provide copies of the Note to members of the Planning Board in advance of our July 19 joint meeting and also copy it to the BOS for their information.
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:35pm. The next meeting will be August 1, 2011 at 7pm.
draft prepared by JL, approved August 1, 2011
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report as of 6/30/11
2. Letters Re 1934 Main Road
3. Betty Slade’s email requesting documents
4. Briefing Note on Clearances for Projects Using State and Federal Funds
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