WHC Minutes, June 2, 2008
Present
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos,
Geraldine Millham, Dora Millikin
Alternate: Betty DeVeuve
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Tim Bryant, Barbara Koenitzer
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC)). SC noted that all members were present for a total of seven votes. Others present included:
Brian Corey, Jr. 1041 Main Road, Westport
Ed Jackson, 1806 Main Road, WPT
John and Sylvia McDonough, 1965 Main Road, WPT
Sam Powell, Contractor for ME Kennedy,
Betty Slade, 2037 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng, 1818 Main Road, WPT
A. General Business.
1. Minutes. May 5, 2008. Dora Millikin (DM) moved and Arlene Cloutier (AC) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous, with Jane Loos (JL) abstaining, as she had not attended the meeting.
May 16, 2008. DM moved and AC seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes of this executive meeting as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous.
May 19, 2008. AC moved and DM seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes of this executive session as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous.
2. Treasurer’s Report. DM presented the June Treasurer’s report (Attachment 1). The balance in the General Fund is about $367, with hearing income to date of $800. The Historical Commission Trust Account balance is over $7,399. The Town Farm expense budget balance is over $2,700, and the Town Farm Trust balance is about $12,693. The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is about $6,195. The Waite Potter Chimney Trust balance remains at $625.
In response to questions about the interest income shown, DM agreed to double check the methods by which this is shown. JL moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to table the draft Treasurer’s report until the next meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
DM explained that there are bills in hand to draw some of the remaining balance in the General Fund, but she expects there to be about $282 left uncommitted. SC suggested that these funds be used to cover costs of items WHC needs – ranging from paper and printing cartridges to possibly purchasing a microphone/speaker system, which is necessary as long as WHC meets in the basement conference meeting. AC undertook to investigate the costs of such a microphone system. In the meantime, DM would arrange with the Town Accountant to pay for or encumber the funds needed for items identified by SC or the microphone system.
3. Elections. SC explained that Barbara Koenitzer would retire as an alternative, after many years of good service to the WHC and to the town.
By unanimous vote, the existing officers were re-elected to their current posts—SC as Chair, AC as Clerk, JL as Secretary and DM as Treasurer. Jim Collins (JC) was nominated for Vice Chair, and approved by a unanimous vote, with JC abstaining.
SC noted that WHC needs to recruit additional alternates, who would be able to move up to Member status, as the current members transition back to civilian life.
4. Meeting Day. SC explained that there continue to be difficulties in arranging to meet on a regular basis at the Town Hall Annex. Therefore she recommended, and the meeting agreed, that WHC shift back to meeting at the Town Hall basement meeting room on Mondays.
5. Conservation Commission. SC noted that she had agreed to meet with the Conservation Commission to discuss how best to coordinate the joint work on properties in the local historic district. SC will meet with the CC on June 3, 2008.
6. Request for Certificate of Non-applicability, 1831 Main Road. Sam Powell, contractor, represented Mary Ellen Kennedy and her request to rebuilt the “cap” of the chimney on the kitchen ell, which is visible from a public way, as part of the proposed project to remove the chimney from the interior of the kitchen ell. After considerable discussion about whether the request as formulated would be eligible for a certificate of non-applicability or would need to be handled under a request for certificate of appropriateness, it was agreed to offer to the applicant what the WHC could offer now under a certificate of non-applicability. AC moved and Norma Judson (NKJ) seconded a motion to approve a certificate of non-applicability for preserving the part of the chimney visible from a public way and undertaking whatever work is necessary to open the side/roof of the house to be able to complete the work to stabilize and maintain the visible part of the chimney in its current place and condition; this approval does not allow the visible part of the chimney to be demolished and rebuilt using lighter weight materials (even if it ends up looking like the existing chimney). The vote in favor was unanimous.
In response to a question, SC clarified that WHC did not have purview over what happens to the chimney on the interior of the kitchen ell, as that part of the chimney is not visible to a public way.
7. Information about plans for 874 Main Road. Brian Corey, Jr. informed the meeting that he is proceeding with plans for developing the property at 874 Main Road, which, in combination with associated contiguous land plots, amounts to about 5 acres of commercially zoned property a little south of the Town Hall Annex. He will be operating under a 40B legal regime, which allows him to supercede local zoning and historical restrictions. He explained that the current house is a hodge -podge of additions and remodeling of an 1890 house, which is barely visible within the now enlarged structure, and is in his view not usable in his future plans. He also noted that the attached garages and barn appear to be of more recent construction (likely in the 1960’s or so). Current plans call for about 7,000 square feet of commercial/retail development at the front of the property (but behind a 80 foot wide park like barrier at the road) and about 18 stand-alone condos at the back. His current architect for the project is Steve Habib.
Mr. Corey offered to work with WHC to find a way to move the original 1890 house off the property, and would contribute $2,500 towards the costs of advertising the property to those who may be interested in moving it.
SC thanked Mr. Corey for coming to WHC, and offered to meet with him at the site to investigate further what may be options for the 1890’s house and the barn. GM urged that a way be found to maintain the feeling of central village streetscape, even if there is a different form of development further back from the street, including rethinking possible re-use of the main house and barn. Norma Judson (NKJ) noted that this property is the homestead of the Howland family, who were staunch Quakers and great contributors to the fabric of Westport. SC agreed with Mr. Corey to hold a site visit in the near future, bringing in some of the experts from WHC to share their ideas.
8. Wolf Pit School Maintenance. SC noted that Tim Palmer, Tim’s Lawn Service, would provide mowing and yard maintenance gratis for this property. SC undertook to make sure the Hopkinsons’ are informed of this arrangement.
9. 1813 Main Road. SC read to the meeting contents of letters written by the Building Inspector concerning the need to continue to protection of the property (Attachment 2).
10. 2028 Main Road. SC and Jim Collins (JC) recused themselves as abutters, and moved from the meeting table to the general public seating area. GM assumed the chair, and invited DM and AC to report on the current situation. DM and AC explained that there remain issues in getting the “ticketing” process to function across the various Town offices involved. AC undertook to meet again with the Town Administrator to try to move this process along. In the meantime, AC and GM proposed that WHC agree to allow them, as monitors, to send a letter to Mr. David Kelly, requesting his presence at the July 7, 2008 at 7:15 WHC meeting to discuss what appears to be changes to the work approved under the certificate of appropriateness and certificate of non-applicability. JL moved and NKJ seconded a motion to authorize the monitors to send such a letter to Mr. Kelly. The vote in favor was unanimous.
11. Town Library. NKJ explained that the Town Library Board is planning to approach the CPC to request funding for some of the work involved in constructing a “history” room” as part of the current remodeling plan. The CPC asked for WHC’s views on the activity. After some discussion, it was agreed to request the Library Board and the Westport Historical Society to the July 7, 2008 WHC meeting to learn more about the plans and possible linkages with other activities.
12. New Fire Station. GM inquired if there was still time to influence some of the design decisions for this new station, specifically the siding. Betty Slade clarified that, after the June 17 vote, the Planning Committee will be considering options and tradeoffs, including energy saving and other matters.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm. The next regular meeting is July 7, 2008 at Town Hall.
prepared by JL
approved August 4, 2008
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report
2. Letter from BI re 1813 Main Road
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos,
Geraldine Millham, Dora Millikin
Alternate: Betty DeVeuve
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Tim Bryant, Barbara Koenitzer
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC)). SC noted that all members were present for a total of seven votes. Others present included:
Brian Corey, Jr. 1041 Main Road, Westport
Ed Jackson, 1806 Main Road, WPT
John and Sylvia McDonough, 1965 Main Road, WPT
Sam Powell, Contractor for ME Kennedy,
Betty Slade, 2037 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng, 1818 Main Road, WPT
A. General Business.
1. Minutes. May 5, 2008. Dora Millikin (DM) moved and Arlene Cloutier (AC) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous, with Jane Loos (JL) abstaining, as she had not attended the meeting.
May 16, 2008. DM moved and AC seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes of this executive meeting as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous.
May 19, 2008. AC moved and DM seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes of this executive session as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous.
2. Treasurer’s Report. DM presented the June Treasurer’s report (Attachment 1). The balance in the General Fund is about $367, with hearing income to date of $800. The Historical Commission Trust Account balance is over $7,399. The Town Farm expense budget balance is over $2,700, and the Town Farm Trust balance is about $12,693. The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is about $6,195. The Waite Potter Chimney Trust balance remains at $625.
In response to questions about the interest income shown, DM agreed to double check the methods by which this is shown. JL moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to table the draft Treasurer’s report until the next meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
DM explained that there are bills in hand to draw some of the remaining balance in the General Fund, but she expects there to be about $282 left uncommitted. SC suggested that these funds be used to cover costs of items WHC needs – ranging from paper and printing cartridges to possibly purchasing a microphone/speaker system, which is necessary as long as WHC meets in the basement conference meeting. AC undertook to investigate the costs of such a microphone system. In the meantime, DM would arrange with the Town Accountant to pay for or encumber the funds needed for items identified by SC or the microphone system.
3. Elections. SC explained that Barbara Koenitzer would retire as an alternative, after many years of good service to the WHC and to the town.
By unanimous vote, the existing officers were re-elected to their current posts—SC as Chair, AC as Clerk, JL as Secretary and DM as Treasurer. Jim Collins (JC) was nominated for Vice Chair, and approved by a unanimous vote, with JC abstaining.
SC noted that WHC needs to recruit additional alternates, who would be able to move up to Member status, as the current members transition back to civilian life.
4. Meeting Day. SC explained that there continue to be difficulties in arranging to meet on a regular basis at the Town Hall Annex. Therefore she recommended, and the meeting agreed, that WHC shift back to meeting at the Town Hall basement meeting room on Mondays.
5. Conservation Commission. SC noted that she had agreed to meet with the Conservation Commission to discuss how best to coordinate the joint work on properties in the local historic district. SC will meet with the CC on June 3, 2008.
6. Request for Certificate of Non-applicability, 1831 Main Road. Sam Powell, contractor, represented Mary Ellen Kennedy and her request to rebuilt the “cap” of the chimney on the kitchen ell, which is visible from a public way, as part of the proposed project to remove the chimney from the interior of the kitchen ell. After considerable discussion about whether the request as formulated would be eligible for a certificate of non-applicability or would need to be handled under a request for certificate of appropriateness, it was agreed to offer to the applicant what the WHC could offer now under a certificate of non-applicability. AC moved and Norma Judson (NKJ) seconded a motion to approve a certificate of non-applicability for preserving the part of the chimney visible from a public way and undertaking whatever work is necessary to open the side/roof of the house to be able to complete the work to stabilize and maintain the visible part of the chimney in its current place and condition; this approval does not allow the visible part of the chimney to be demolished and rebuilt using lighter weight materials (even if it ends up looking like the existing chimney). The vote in favor was unanimous.
In response to a question, SC clarified that WHC did not have purview over what happens to the chimney on the interior of the kitchen ell, as that part of the chimney is not visible to a public way.
7. Information about plans for 874 Main Road. Brian Corey, Jr. informed the meeting that he is proceeding with plans for developing the property at 874 Main Road, which, in combination with associated contiguous land plots, amounts to about 5 acres of commercially zoned property a little south of the Town Hall Annex. He will be operating under a 40B legal regime, which allows him to supercede local zoning and historical restrictions. He explained that the current house is a hodge -podge of additions and remodeling of an 1890 house, which is barely visible within the now enlarged structure, and is in his view not usable in his future plans. He also noted that the attached garages and barn appear to be of more recent construction (likely in the 1960’s or so). Current plans call for about 7,000 square feet of commercial/retail development at the front of the property (but behind a 80 foot wide park like barrier at the road) and about 18 stand-alone condos at the back. His current architect for the project is Steve Habib.
Mr. Corey offered to work with WHC to find a way to move the original 1890 house off the property, and would contribute $2,500 towards the costs of advertising the property to those who may be interested in moving it.
SC thanked Mr. Corey for coming to WHC, and offered to meet with him at the site to investigate further what may be options for the 1890’s house and the barn. GM urged that a way be found to maintain the feeling of central village streetscape, even if there is a different form of development further back from the street, including rethinking possible re-use of the main house and barn. Norma Judson (NKJ) noted that this property is the homestead of the Howland family, who were staunch Quakers and great contributors to the fabric of Westport. SC agreed with Mr. Corey to hold a site visit in the near future, bringing in some of the experts from WHC to share their ideas.
8. Wolf Pit School Maintenance. SC noted that Tim Palmer, Tim’s Lawn Service, would provide mowing and yard maintenance gratis for this property. SC undertook to make sure the Hopkinsons’ are informed of this arrangement.
9. 1813 Main Road. SC read to the meeting contents of letters written by the Building Inspector concerning the need to continue to protection of the property (Attachment 2).
10. 2028 Main Road. SC and Jim Collins (JC) recused themselves as abutters, and moved from the meeting table to the general public seating area. GM assumed the chair, and invited DM and AC to report on the current situation. DM and AC explained that there remain issues in getting the “ticketing” process to function across the various Town offices involved. AC undertook to meet again with the Town Administrator to try to move this process along. In the meantime, AC and GM proposed that WHC agree to allow them, as monitors, to send a letter to Mr. David Kelly, requesting his presence at the July 7, 2008 at 7:15 WHC meeting to discuss what appears to be changes to the work approved under the certificate of appropriateness and certificate of non-applicability. JL moved and NKJ seconded a motion to authorize the monitors to send such a letter to Mr. Kelly. The vote in favor was unanimous.
11. Town Library. NKJ explained that the Town Library Board is planning to approach the CPC to request funding for some of the work involved in constructing a “history” room” as part of the current remodeling plan. The CPC asked for WHC’s views on the activity. After some discussion, it was agreed to request the Library Board and the Westport Historical Society to the July 7, 2008 WHC meeting to learn more about the plans and possible linkages with other activities.
12. New Fire Station. GM inquired if there was still time to influence some of the design decisions for this new station, specifically the siding. Betty Slade clarified that, after the June 17 vote, the Planning Committee will be considering options and tradeoffs, including energy saving and other matters.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm. The next regular meeting is July 7, 2008 at Town Hall.
prepared by JL
approved August 4, 2008
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report
2. Letter from BI re 1813 Main Road
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