WHC Minutes March 2, 2009
Present
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos, Geraldine Millham,
Alternate: None
Absent
Member: Jim Collins, Dora Millikin
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Bette DeVeuve, Tim Bryant, Chris Vezetinski
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC) in the Town Hall basement. Others in attendance included:
Sue Branco Westport Library Director
Pauline Dooley Westport Library Trustee
Lynda Mackenzie 10 Cunningham Lane, WPT
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
A. General Business
1. Audio Quality of Meeting Videos. SC reported that she had attempted to review the video of the February 2, 2009 meeting and had found it nearly impossible to hear what was said. The noise of the coke machine and the furnace was louder than the speakers’ voices. Betty Slade noted that she had been informed by the Cable Office that there were also technical problems with the equipment. Although the Cable Office indicated that it would try to scrounge up some other old equipment, Betty Slade recommended that WHC ask for new amplifier and microphones. Norma Judson (NKJ) moved and Arlene Cloutier (AC) seconded a motion for SC to write a letter to the Board of Selectmen advising them of the difficulties and requesting that the coke machine be moved out of the area of the meeting space (possibly to the staff break room). The vote in favor was unanimous.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting. Jane Loos (JL) explained that the February 2, 2009 draft minutes had been circulated electronically, and reviewed four corrections to be made. AC moved and NKJ seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes with the corrections as presented. The motion was approved unanimously, with one abstention (SC, as she had not attended that meeting).
3. Treasurer’s Report. Due to the absence of the Treasurer, there was no formal Treasurer’s Report. SC circulated copies of the current expenditure report for WHC operating expenses (Attachment 1).
4. Letters. SC informed the meeting of the following letters and notices:
(a) Invitation to Oct 30-Nov1 Meeting on Rail-Volution in Boston
(b) Invitation to March 12-14 Conference on Traditional Buildings
(c) Introduction of new window product by Custom Built of Warwick, Rhode Island
(d) SC stated that she had seen a cable broadcast of a ConCom meeting in which it became apparent to her that there is confusion regarding our joint cooperation. SC wrote an email to ConCom to clarify our understanding of the cooperation. SC’s email and the response from ConCom were read into the minutes (Attachment 2)
(e) February 6, 2009 letter from Building Inspector lifting the Cease and Desist Order on 1813-1815 Main Road (Attachment 3)
(f) February 6, 2009 letter from Town Counsel to Superior Court filing a Stipulation of Dismissal regarding 1813-1815 Main Road (Attachment 4).
(g) February 6, 2009 letter from Tow Counsel to Board of Selectmen stating their rationale for filing the Stipulation of Dismissal (Attachment 5).
4. Handy House. SC reminded that it is again time to undertake the legally mandated, regular inspection of the Handy House. GM undertook to make the arrangement with the owners for her and Anne (Pete) Baker (APB) to conduct this inspection.
5. Archeological Dig at Waite Potter Chimney site. Betty Slade informed that the Bibeau family had confirmed that any artifacts found at this site would be given to the Library, which in return would store them at the Westport Historical Society. Written agreement had been obtained from the three parties involved. That completed the preconditions necessary for CPC support, and CPC had approved a grant of $8,950 for the proposed dig at this site. CPC will include the proposed grant as part of its annual article at Town Meeting to confirm the allocation of funds from the CPA accounts.
7. Route 6 Paving. JL explained that, because the proposed work would not change the current road alignment, there did not appear to be any issues to be concerned about from an historic preservation outlook. It was agreed that JL would prepare a response to that effect for Mass Highways.
8. SC letter Re Fred and Anne’s. SC noted that there appeared to be some negative reaction to this letter among the commission members and she requested clarification.
The members noted that SC had included comments and suggestions that went beyond what had been discussed by WHC. SC offered to contact the addressee again to ensure that he understood the suggestions were her private views. The Commission agreed that this wasn’t necessary. Betty Slade noted that the development proposal will be discussed again at the Planning Board on March 3, and suggested that those with an interest in this issue may wish to attend.
9. Windows. SC noted that a copy of the “Windows Tip Sheet” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation was available in WHC files.
10. Preliminary Review for 10 Cunningham Lane. Lynda Mackenzie presented her preliminary thoughts on replacing eight leaky windows on the first floor and installing railings on the porch of this 1901 cottage, and asked for guidance on how to proceed. Ms. Mackenzie explained that she wished to install railings on the front porch to match those on the side deck (which had been approved by WHC in 1998 when the deck was added).
(a) Windows --the commission advised that the older windows are valuable and longer-lasting than those made of new wood, and that there are ways to improve their energy efficiency that are less costly than replacement. The commission advised her to discuss options for weather stripping and storm windows with her contractor. Members also noted that finding replacement windows to fit exactly the current exterior and interior woodwork might be difficult; use of windows of different dimensions (if found appropriate by WHC) would result in making costly changes to exterior and interior woodwork as well. If she did decide to proceed with replacement windows, WHC would require them to match the existing windows -- true divided lights, muntins profiles and pane configurations.
(b) Railings -- The commission advised that copying existing railings seemed to be a good solution, but would need to see architectural drawings to reach a definite position. Old photos of the house in previous times also could be useful in making the choice.
11. AC provided Ms. Mackenzie with a copy of the WHC guidelines as well as the application from, which lists the information required to be filed with an application. SC advised that current photos to establish the question of visibility from a public way would also be helpful.
B. Amendment of Certificate of Appropriateness for 2048 Main Road, 7:45 PM
1. SC reminded that at the February 2, 2009 meeting, WHC had agreed that this change (to remove the proposed new rear deck from the approved plans) was insubstantial and that WHC would follow the procedure to notify abutters that WHC intended to approve the revision to the Certificate of Appropriateness without holding another public hearing unless an abutter requested a hearing. AC affirmed that the notices were sent to abutters and that no reply was received within the stipulated time. JL moved and GM seconded a motion that the Certificate of Appropriateness dated January 12, 2009 be amended to remove the deck and railings from the east side of the boathouse. The vote in favor was unanimous.
A. General Business, continued.
12. Library Request for CPC Funding for History Room. SC reminded that WHC had, in July 2008, supported the idea of drawing on CPA funds for a history room at the remodeled/expanded Library. However, many of the planning decisions and costs were not then established. Sue Branco and Pauline Dooley presented updated information about the proposed History Room, which had been prepared to substantiate their proposal and set final costs for CPC consideration. The update included bid prices for the HVAC and humidifier systems, how the scale of the facility was calculated, and revised logistics, which would allow users to take the materials outside of the temperature-controlled environment.
13. WHC members advised that the project proposal (and budget) should include the initial installation needs for the efficient and effective use of the new space --- casing, shelving, archival papers and boxes, gloves, etc.
14. SC asked NKJ (WHC representative to CPC) to provide WHC’s opinion in support of the idea of a history room, at the forthcoming March 12 CPC meeting.
15. CPC Funding for Westport Historic Inventory. Betty Slade informed that CPC had approved $20,000 for the proposed project to hire experts and support other expenses to assist in the completion and updating of the Historic Inventory.
16. CPC Funding for Preservation of Town Records. Betty Slade informed that she and the Director of the Historical Society, Jenny O’Neill, had visited NEDCC, a well respected book preservation group in Andover, and found that the work done in a proper way might be much more expensive than planned. BS suggested that the total cost of preservation of all the relevant town documents might cost $75,000 and CPC was considering whether to approve the total $75,000 over three years or to approve $25,000 for one year alone. JL urged the latter. Jenny and Betty will continue their research and report to the CPC at their next meeting
17. Update on Oscar Palmer Farm Preservation. Betty Slade informed that she will circulate copies of the minutes of the working group groups which are which is trying to set the parameters of the historic preservation objectives and agreements for this property, keeping in mind the related objective of keeping this land in farming.
18. Reorganization of WHC Files. SC thanked the volunteers who are working to reorganize WHC files to increase their efficiency and accessibility. Keys for the filing cabinets have been given to each WHC member and alternate.
19. History of the Head. GM explained that she had updated and improved the presentation of this little book and is now ready to go to print again. GM requested WHC endorse the related grant proposal for $2,000 from the Helen Ellis Fund, which would be used to print 500 copies. The proceeds of the sale of these books benefit the WHC Trust. JL moved and AC seconded a motion for WHC to send a sponsoring letter in support of this grant application. The vote in favor was unanimous. SC undertook to prepare and send the letter to the Westport Cultural Council.
Adjournment. The next meeting will be on April 6, 2009. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Drafted by Jane Loos, revised April 6, approved April 6
Attachments:
1. WHC Expenditure Report
2. SC email to Conservation Commission and reply
3. Building Inspector’s February 6, 2009 letter lifting the Cease and Desist Order on 1813-
1815 Main Road
4. February 6, 2009 letter from Town Counsel to Superior Court filing a Stipulation of
Dismissal regarding 1813-1815 Main Road
5. February 6, 2009 letter from Town Counsel to Board of Selectmen stating their rationale
for filing the Stipulation of Dismissal
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos, Geraldine Millham,
Alternate: None
Absent
Member: Jim Collins, Dora Millikin
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Bette DeVeuve, Tim Bryant, Chris Vezetinski
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC) in the Town Hall basement. Others in attendance included:
Sue Branco Westport Library Director
Pauline Dooley Westport Library Trustee
Lynda Mackenzie 10 Cunningham Lane, WPT
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
A. General Business
1. Audio Quality of Meeting Videos. SC reported that she had attempted to review the video of the February 2, 2009 meeting and had found it nearly impossible to hear what was said. The noise of the coke machine and the furnace was louder than the speakers’ voices. Betty Slade noted that she had been informed by the Cable Office that there were also technical problems with the equipment. Although the Cable Office indicated that it would try to scrounge up some other old equipment, Betty Slade recommended that WHC ask for new amplifier and microphones. Norma Judson (NKJ) moved and Arlene Cloutier (AC) seconded a motion for SC to write a letter to the Board of Selectmen advising them of the difficulties and requesting that the coke machine be moved out of the area of the meeting space (possibly to the staff break room). The vote in favor was unanimous.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting. Jane Loos (JL) explained that the February 2, 2009 draft minutes had been circulated electronically, and reviewed four corrections to be made. AC moved and NKJ seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes with the corrections as presented. The motion was approved unanimously, with one abstention (SC, as she had not attended that meeting).
3. Treasurer’s Report. Due to the absence of the Treasurer, there was no formal Treasurer’s Report. SC circulated copies of the current expenditure report for WHC operating expenses (Attachment 1).
4. Letters. SC informed the meeting of the following letters and notices:
(a) Invitation to Oct 30-Nov1 Meeting on Rail-Volution in Boston
(b) Invitation to March 12-14 Conference on Traditional Buildings
(c) Introduction of new window product by Custom Built of Warwick, Rhode Island
(d) SC stated that she had seen a cable broadcast of a ConCom meeting in which it became apparent to her that there is confusion regarding our joint cooperation. SC wrote an email to ConCom to clarify our understanding of the cooperation. SC’s email and the response from ConCom were read into the minutes (Attachment 2)
(e) February 6, 2009 letter from Building Inspector lifting the Cease and Desist Order on 1813-1815 Main Road (Attachment 3)
(f) February 6, 2009 letter from Town Counsel to Superior Court filing a Stipulation of Dismissal regarding 1813-1815 Main Road (Attachment 4).
(g) February 6, 2009 letter from Tow Counsel to Board of Selectmen stating their rationale for filing the Stipulation of Dismissal (Attachment 5).
4. Handy House. SC reminded that it is again time to undertake the legally mandated, regular inspection of the Handy House. GM undertook to make the arrangement with the owners for her and Anne (Pete) Baker (APB) to conduct this inspection.
5. Archeological Dig at Waite Potter Chimney site. Betty Slade informed that the Bibeau family had confirmed that any artifacts found at this site would be given to the Library, which in return would store them at the Westport Historical Society. Written agreement had been obtained from the three parties involved. That completed the preconditions necessary for CPC support, and CPC had approved a grant of $8,950 for the proposed dig at this site. CPC will include the proposed grant as part of its annual article at Town Meeting to confirm the allocation of funds from the CPA accounts.
7. Route 6 Paving. JL explained that, because the proposed work would not change the current road alignment, there did not appear to be any issues to be concerned about from an historic preservation outlook. It was agreed that JL would prepare a response to that effect for Mass Highways.
8. SC letter Re Fred and Anne’s. SC noted that there appeared to be some negative reaction to this letter among the commission members and she requested clarification.
The members noted that SC had included comments and suggestions that went beyond what had been discussed by WHC. SC offered to contact the addressee again to ensure that he understood the suggestions were her private views. The Commission agreed that this wasn’t necessary. Betty Slade noted that the development proposal will be discussed again at the Planning Board on March 3, and suggested that those with an interest in this issue may wish to attend.
9. Windows. SC noted that a copy of the “Windows Tip Sheet” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation was available in WHC files.
10. Preliminary Review for 10 Cunningham Lane. Lynda Mackenzie presented her preliminary thoughts on replacing eight leaky windows on the first floor and installing railings on the porch of this 1901 cottage, and asked for guidance on how to proceed. Ms. Mackenzie explained that she wished to install railings on the front porch to match those on the side deck (which had been approved by WHC in 1998 when the deck was added).
(a) Windows --the commission advised that the older windows are valuable and longer-lasting than those made of new wood, and that there are ways to improve their energy efficiency that are less costly than replacement. The commission advised her to discuss options for weather stripping and storm windows with her contractor. Members also noted that finding replacement windows to fit exactly the current exterior and interior woodwork might be difficult; use of windows of different dimensions (if found appropriate by WHC) would result in making costly changes to exterior and interior woodwork as well. If she did decide to proceed with replacement windows, WHC would require them to match the existing windows -- true divided lights, muntins profiles and pane configurations.
(b) Railings -- The commission advised that copying existing railings seemed to be a good solution, but would need to see architectural drawings to reach a definite position. Old photos of the house in previous times also could be useful in making the choice.
11. AC provided Ms. Mackenzie with a copy of the WHC guidelines as well as the application from, which lists the information required to be filed with an application. SC advised that current photos to establish the question of visibility from a public way would also be helpful.
B. Amendment of Certificate of Appropriateness for 2048 Main Road, 7:45 PM
1. SC reminded that at the February 2, 2009 meeting, WHC had agreed that this change (to remove the proposed new rear deck from the approved plans) was insubstantial and that WHC would follow the procedure to notify abutters that WHC intended to approve the revision to the Certificate of Appropriateness without holding another public hearing unless an abutter requested a hearing. AC affirmed that the notices were sent to abutters and that no reply was received within the stipulated time. JL moved and GM seconded a motion that the Certificate of Appropriateness dated January 12, 2009 be amended to remove the deck and railings from the east side of the boathouse. The vote in favor was unanimous.
A. General Business, continued.
12. Library Request for CPC Funding for History Room. SC reminded that WHC had, in July 2008, supported the idea of drawing on CPA funds for a history room at the remodeled/expanded Library. However, many of the planning decisions and costs were not then established. Sue Branco and Pauline Dooley presented updated information about the proposed History Room, which had been prepared to substantiate their proposal and set final costs for CPC consideration. The update included bid prices for the HVAC and humidifier systems, how the scale of the facility was calculated, and revised logistics, which would allow users to take the materials outside of the temperature-controlled environment.
13. WHC members advised that the project proposal (and budget) should include the initial installation needs for the efficient and effective use of the new space --- casing, shelving, archival papers and boxes, gloves, etc.
14. SC asked NKJ (WHC representative to CPC) to provide WHC’s opinion in support of the idea of a history room, at the forthcoming March 12 CPC meeting.
15. CPC Funding for Westport Historic Inventory. Betty Slade informed that CPC had approved $20,000 for the proposed project to hire experts and support other expenses to assist in the completion and updating of the Historic Inventory.
16. CPC Funding for Preservation of Town Records. Betty Slade informed that she and the Director of the Historical Society, Jenny O’Neill, had visited NEDCC, a well respected book preservation group in Andover, and found that the work done in a proper way might be much more expensive than planned. BS suggested that the total cost of preservation of all the relevant town documents might cost $75,000 and CPC was considering whether to approve the total $75,000 over three years or to approve $25,000 for one year alone. JL urged the latter. Jenny and Betty will continue their research and report to the CPC at their next meeting
17. Update on Oscar Palmer Farm Preservation. Betty Slade informed that she will circulate copies of the minutes of the working group groups which are which is trying to set the parameters of the historic preservation objectives and agreements for this property, keeping in mind the related objective of keeping this land in farming.
18. Reorganization of WHC Files. SC thanked the volunteers who are working to reorganize WHC files to increase their efficiency and accessibility. Keys for the filing cabinets have been given to each WHC member and alternate.
19. History of the Head. GM explained that she had updated and improved the presentation of this little book and is now ready to go to print again. GM requested WHC endorse the related grant proposal for $2,000 from the Helen Ellis Fund, which would be used to print 500 copies. The proceeds of the sale of these books benefit the WHC Trust. JL moved and AC seconded a motion for WHC to send a sponsoring letter in support of this grant application. The vote in favor was unanimous. SC undertook to prepare and send the letter to the Westport Cultural Council.
Adjournment. The next meeting will be on April 6, 2009. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Drafted by Jane Loos, revised April 6, approved April 6
Attachments:
1. WHC Expenditure Report
2. SC email to Conservation Commission and reply
3. Building Inspector’s February 6, 2009 letter lifting the Cease and Desist Order on 1813-
1815 Main Road
4. February 6, 2009 letter from Town Counsel to Superior Court filing a Stipulation of
Dismissal regarding 1813-1815 Main Road
5. February 6, 2009 letter from Town Counsel to Board of Selectmen stating their rationale
for filing the Stipulation of Dismissal
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