Westport Historical Commission Minutes, May 11, 2009
Present
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: Bette DeVeuve, Chris Vezetinski
Absent
Member: Jim Collins
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Tim Bryant
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC) in the Town Hall basement meeting area. In addition to the five members present, SC named Bette DeVeuve (BDV) and Chris Vezetinski (CV) to be the sixth and seventh votes. Others in attendance included:
John Conway 1878 Drift Road, WPT
Thomas Fenn 21 Cape Bial Lane, WP’T
Patricia & T. Ferraro 227 River Road, Westport
Ron Flener 1798 Main Road, WPT
J. Furtado 1813-1815 Main Road, WPT
Chip Gillespie Architect for 2065 Main, 1962 Main, and 21 Cape Bial Lane
Al Lees 2065 Main Road, WPT
John & Paul McDonough Main Road
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Barbara & Tom Slaight 2026 Main Road, WPT
Rick Smith 1962 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng 1818 Main Road, WPT
Dorothy & Richard Tongue 2048 Main Road, WPT
A. General Business.
1. Minutes of Previous Meetings. Jane Loos (JL) explained that the draft minutes of the April 6, 2009 meeting were circulated electronically. Arlene Cloutier (AC) moved and Chris Vezetinski (CV) seconded a motion to approve the April 6, 2009 draft minutes as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous, with one abstention (BDV, as she had not attended that meeting).
3. Treasurer’s Report. CV presented the Treasurer’s Report as of May 4, 2009 (Attachment 1). WHC Operating Budget balance is $620; hearing income to date is $600; WHC Trust Fund balance is $6,908 – of which $253 is designated for the Waite Potter Chimney Restoration Project and $197 for the Cemetery Identification Group project. The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is $6,283. The Town Farm Operating Budget balance is $2,714 and Town Farm Trust balance is $12,623. JL moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to approved the Treasurer’s Report. The vote in favor was unanimous.
4. GM informed that there would be $110 in extra costs beyond that discussed previously for the publication of the Head History Book. It was agreed that these costs be paid from the regular FY09 expenditure budget. SC also reminded that WHC should order additional envelopes reflecting the increased postage stamp costs.
5. Dora Millikin Resignation. SC read to the meeting the contents of her April 7, 2009 letter to Dora Millikin, acknowledging her contributions to WHC work and thanking her for her active participation (Attachment 2).
6. Archeological Survey. SC noted that WHC had received a letter from the Newton Historical Commission requesting feedback about WHC experience conducting an archeological survey. Norma Judson (NKJ) mentioned that the survey yielded little benefit for WHC. Betty Slade informed that Jenny O’Neill, Westport Historical Society (WHS), had also received this request and had responded already. SC undertook to consult with WHS to see if any further response was appropriate.
7. National Preservation Month. SC reminded that WHC had discussed some potential activities to bring this event to greater attention, but no concrete plans were made. It was agreed that the “Behind the Shingles” special showing this summer would be WHC’s main outreach effort this year. GM informed that Dan Tripp had agreed to allow his house at the Head to be included in the “Behind the Shingles” demonstration.
8. Handy House Inspection. GM informed that the heirs will be returning to Westport later in May, and the inspection is tentatively planned for May 22, 2009.
9. Community Preservation Act (CPA). Betty Slade informed that there are two important Town Meeting warrant articles concerning CPA (funding for a number of specific projects and a proposal to cease participation in the overall program in future). There is also a draft law under consideration at the State level concerning how to establish and fund the State’s cost sharing arrangement. It was agreed that SC should write a letter to the local newspapers in support of the historic preservation projects on the Town Meeting agenda and WHC’s continued participation in the program. GM moved and AC seconded a motion also to endorse the proposed new law on cost sharing. That motion was approved, with six in favor and one (JL) against.
B. Public Hearing for 1813-1815 Main Road, Corn Crib, 7:30 PM
1. SC read to the meeting the contents of her May 11, 2009 letter to Mr. J. Furtado, concerning the rights for WHC monitors to visit the site (Attachment 3).
2. Mr. Joe Furtado presented his plans to rebuild the corncrib back on its original footprint, now that the new foundation is built. The proposal is to build the demolished ells to match what was there before. He informed that the foundation is at the same height as before, but may appear higher now given the need to backfill around the new foundation. SC confirmed that the Building Inspector is paying particular attention to such aspects in his review of the site work. Mr. Furtado also confirmed that the chimney will be constructed in the same style and with the same types of materials as before.
3. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to build the Corn Crib as shown in drawings dated January 5, 2009, which had been approved prior to the demolition of the ells. The vote in favor was unanimous. JL clarified that, in the reconstruction of the two adjoining north ells, WHC would have no objection to building them as one structure, as long as the exterior view is the same as the original.
A. General Business, continued
10. Window Restoration Seminar. Peter Streng informed that he had attended this event in New Bedford, and that he had picked up some interesting new ideas. He complimented the presenters for being very knowledgeable.
11. Monitor Reports.
(a) 1973 Main Road. SC noted that the new deck/entry was completed, and the painting work appeared to be expanding to other areas of the house. JL undertook to inquire of the owner about his plans for color, and remind that if there are to be any changes, a separate application was required.
(b) 2048 Main Road. JL informed that the boathouse had been moved to its new location and the new septic mound was constructed with a concrete barrier on the south boundary at the neighbor’s fence line. Work to convert the east window into a doorway has not yet begun.
(c) 1953 Main Road. SC informed that exterior work on the main house appeared to be finished, but work on the new garage had not yet begun.
12. Historic Inventory. Betty Slade reported that Wendy Goldberg has completed photographing all the buildings and structures in the Westport Point Local Historic District and compiled complete sets – both hard copy and on gold CD. Copies will be kept in WHC files and at the Library. Betty Slade also undertook to find out if they could also be made available on line, via the Town Website. It was the unanimous sense of the meeting to thank Ms. Goldberg for her excellent work and for her generosity in reproducing copies of the files for town use.
13. Betty Slade explained that more work on the other parts of the historic inventory will be undertaken this summer by two interns Andrew Isidoro and Brandon Cox. Funding for this was included in the CPC proposals to the upcoming Town Meeting. GM and Anne (Pete) Baker have agreed to guide this work.
C. Public Hearing for 2065 Main Road, 8PM
1. Chip Gillespie (architect) and Albert Lees (owner) presented revised plans for restoration of Lees Wharf. Mr. Gillespie summarized the project to date:
(a) foundation was replaced under Certificate of Non-Applicability (9/08).
(b) south utility ell was demolished and replaced like for like and the ice chest was removed under Certificate of Non-Applicability (4/09).
(c) Application for Certificate of Appropriateness for revised plans, dated 4/22/09, including:
..Brosco windows, true divided light, exterior storms, 5/4 trim casings
..Industrial wood railings, allowed to weather to gray
..traditional wood shutters and doors, allowed to weather to gray
..asphalt shingles
2. The main comments concerned the south elevation, as the fenestration of the other sides would be repaired and rebuilt like for like. Several WHC members complimented the revised plans for keeping the quirky nature of the building, while adapting it to new uses. Mr. Lees confirmed that he did not intend to return the “lobster” sign on the east façade, noting that it was a rather recent addition to the building.
3. JL moved and AC seconded a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for plans dated 4/22/09 and list of materials dated 5/11/09. The motion was approved unanimously. Monitors for the project are Geraldine Millham and Chris Vezetinski.
A. General Business, continued, continued
14. Preliminary Review for 1962 Main Road. Chip Gillespie (architect) and Rick Smith (owner) presented two alternatives they are considering to increase the living space on the second floor of this bungalow --- raise the roof 18 inches or increase the pitch of the roof.
15. The discussion noted how difficult it will be to find an appropriate solution for this expansion of space, while retaining the bungalow character. The meeting suggested that the applicant look at other bungalows in town and neighboring areas to understand other possibilities and mistakes to avoid.
16. Preliminary Review of 21 Cape Bial Lane. Chip Gillespie (architect) and Thomas Fenn (owner) presented revised plans, reflecting some of the comments and suggestions provided by WHC at the April preliminary review. The sense of the meeting was that the simplification of the design to resemble the ell on the house was successful and did not interfere with the special nature of the compound. There was some discussion about the use of sliders on the south side, under a porch, and its potential visibility from a public way. One suggestion was to use barn doors over them.
17. Waite-Potter Chimney. Betty Slade noted that the Waite-Potter Chimney is not listed on the Westport Historic Inventory. JL moved and AC seconded a motion to include this important structure on the Westport Historic Inventory. The vote in favor was unanimous. Betty Slade agreed to complete the necessary documentation, with inputs from Anne (Pete) Baker.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 9:20pm. The next meeting will be Monday, June 1, 2009 at the Town Hall.
Drafted by Jane Loos, approved June 1, 2009
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report
2. SC letter to Dora Millikin
3. SC letter to Mr. Joe Furtado
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: Bette DeVeuve, Chris Vezetinski
Absent
Member: Jim Collins
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Tim Bryant
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC) in the Town Hall basement meeting area. In addition to the five members present, SC named Bette DeVeuve (BDV) and Chris Vezetinski (CV) to be the sixth and seventh votes. Others in attendance included:
John Conway 1878 Drift Road, WPT
Thomas Fenn 21 Cape Bial Lane, WP’T
Patricia & T. Ferraro 227 River Road, Westport
Ron Flener 1798 Main Road, WPT
J. Furtado 1813-1815 Main Road, WPT
Chip Gillespie Architect for 2065 Main, 1962 Main, and 21 Cape Bial Lane
Al Lees 2065 Main Road, WPT
John & Paul McDonough Main Road
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Barbara & Tom Slaight 2026 Main Road, WPT
Rick Smith 1962 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng 1818 Main Road, WPT
Dorothy & Richard Tongue 2048 Main Road, WPT
A. General Business.
1. Minutes of Previous Meetings. Jane Loos (JL) explained that the draft minutes of the April 6, 2009 meeting were circulated electronically. Arlene Cloutier (AC) moved and Chris Vezetinski (CV) seconded a motion to approve the April 6, 2009 draft minutes as circulated. The vote in favor was unanimous, with one abstention (BDV, as she had not attended that meeting).
3. Treasurer’s Report. CV presented the Treasurer’s Report as of May 4, 2009 (Attachment 1). WHC Operating Budget balance is $620; hearing income to date is $600; WHC Trust Fund balance is $6,908 – of which $253 is designated for the Waite Potter Chimney Restoration Project and $197 for the Cemetery Identification Group project. The Wolf Pit School Trust balance is $6,283. The Town Farm Operating Budget balance is $2,714 and Town Farm Trust balance is $12,623. JL moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to approved the Treasurer’s Report. The vote in favor was unanimous.
4. GM informed that there would be $110 in extra costs beyond that discussed previously for the publication of the Head History Book. It was agreed that these costs be paid from the regular FY09 expenditure budget. SC also reminded that WHC should order additional envelopes reflecting the increased postage stamp costs.
5. Dora Millikin Resignation. SC read to the meeting the contents of her April 7, 2009 letter to Dora Millikin, acknowledging her contributions to WHC work and thanking her for her active participation (Attachment 2).
6. Archeological Survey. SC noted that WHC had received a letter from the Newton Historical Commission requesting feedback about WHC experience conducting an archeological survey. Norma Judson (NKJ) mentioned that the survey yielded little benefit for WHC. Betty Slade informed that Jenny O’Neill, Westport Historical Society (WHS), had also received this request and had responded already. SC undertook to consult with WHS to see if any further response was appropriate.
7. National Preservation Month. SC reminded that WHC had discussed some potential activities to bring this event to greater attention, but no concrete plans were made. It was agreed that the “Behind the Shingles” special showing this summer would be WHC’s main outreach effort this year. GM informed that Dan Tripp had agreed to allow his house at the Head to be included in the “Behind the Shingles” demonstration.
8. Handy House Inspection. GM informed that the heirs will be returning to Westport later in May, and the inspection is tentatively planned for May 22, 2009.
9. Community Preservation Act (CPA). Betty Slade informed that there are two important Town Meeting warrant articles concerning CPA (funding for a number of specific projects and a proposal to cease participation in the overall program in future). There is also a draft law under consideration at the State level concerning how to establish and fund the State’s cost sharing arrangement. It was agreed that SC should write a letter to the local newspapers in support of the historic preservation projects on the Town Meeting agenda and WHC’s continued participation in the program. GM moved and AC seconded a motion also to endorse the proposed new law on cost sharing. That motion was approved, with six in favor and one (JL) against.
B. Public Hearing for 1813-1815 Main Road, Corn Crib, 7:30 PM
1. SC read to the meeting the contents of her May 11, 2009 letter to Mr. J. Furtado, concerning the rights for WHC monitors to visit the site (Attachment 3).
2. Mr. Joe Furtado presented his plans to rebuild the corncrib back on its original footprint, now that the new foundation is built. The proposal is to build the demolished ells to match what was there before. He informed that the foundation is at the same height as before, but may appear higher now given the need to backfill around the new foundation. SC confirmed that the Building Inspector is paying particular attention to such aspects in his review of the site work. Mr. Furtado also confirmed that the chimney will be constructed in the same style and with the same types of materials as before.
3. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to build the Corn Crib as shown in drawings dated January 5, 2009, which had been approved prior to the demolition of the ells. The vote in favor was unanimous. JL clarified that, in the reconstruction of the two adjoining north ells, WHC would have no objection to building them as one structure, as long as the exterior view is the same as the original.
A. General Business, continued
10. Window Restoration Seminar. Peter Streng informed that he had attended this event in New Bedford, and that he had picked up some interesting new ideas. He complimented the presenters for being very knowledgeable.
11. Monitor Reports.
(a) 1973 Main Road. SC noted that the new deck/entry was completed, and the painting work appeared to be expanding to other areas of the house. JL undertook to inquire of the owner about his plans for color, and remind that if there are to be any changes, a separate application was required.
(b) 2048 Main Road. JL informed that the boathouse had been moved to its new location and the new septic mound was constructed with a concrete barrier on the south boundary at the neighbor’s fence line. Work to convert the east window into a doorway has not yet begun.
(c) 1953 Main Road. SC informed that exterior work on the main house appeared to be finished, but work on the new garage had not yet begun.
12. Historic Inventory. Betty Slade reported that Wendy Goldberg has completed photographing all the buildings and structures in the Westport Point Local Historic District and compiled complete sets – both hard copy and on gold CD. Copies will be kept in WHC files and at the Library. Betty Slade also undertook to find out if they could also be made available on line, via the Town Website. It was the unanimous sense of the meeting to thank Ms. Goldberg for her excellent work and for her generosity in reproducing copies of the files for town use.
13. Betty Slade explained that more work on the other parts of the historic inventory will be undertaken this summer by two interns Andrew Isidoro and Brandon Cox. Funding for this was included in the CPC proposals to the upcoming Town Meeting. GM and Anne (Pete) Baker have agreed to guide this work.
C. Public Hearing for 2065 Main Road, 8PM
1. Chip Gillespie (architect) and Albert Lees (owner) presented revised plans for restoration of Lees Wharf. Mr. Gillespie summarized the project to date:
(a) foundation was replaced under Certificate of Non-Applicability (9/08).
(b) south utility ell was demolished and replaced like for like and the ice chest was removed under Certificate of Non-Applicability (4/09).
(c) Application for Certificate of Appropriateness for revised plans, dated 4/22/09, including:
..Brosco windows, true divided light, exterior storms, 5/4 trim casings
..Industrial wood railings, allowed to weather to gray
..traditional wood shutters and doors, allowed to weather to gray
..asphalt shingles
2. The main comments concerned the south elevation, as the fenestration of the other sides would be repaired and rebuilt like for like. Several WHC members complimented the revised plans for keeping the quirky nature of the building, while adapting it to new uses. Mr. Lees confirmed that he did not intend to return the “lobster” sign on the east façade, noting that it was a rather recent addition to the building.
3. JL moved and AC seconded a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for plans dated 4/22/09 and list of materials dated 5/11/09. The motion was approved unanimously. Monitors for the project are Geraldine Millham and Chris Vezetinski.
A. General Business, continued, continued
14. Preliminary Review for 1962 Main Road. Chip Gillespie (architect) and Rick Smith (owner) presented two alternatives they are considering to increase the living space on the second floor of this bungalow --- raise the roof 18 inches or increase the pitch of the roof.
15. The discussion noted how difficult it will be to find an appropriate solution for this expansion of space, while retaining the bungalow character. The meeting suggested that the applicant look at other bungalows in town and neighboring areas to understand other possibilities and mistakes to avoid.
16. Preliminary Review of 21 Cape Bial Lane. Chip Gillespie (architect) and Thomas Fenn (owner) presented revised plans, reflecting some of the comments and suggestions provided by WHC at the April preliminary review. The sense of the meeting was that the simplification of the design to resemble the ell on the house was successful and did not interfere with the special nature of the compound. There was some discussion about the use of sliders on the south side, under a porch, and its potential visibility from a public way. One suggestion was to use barn doors over them.
17. Waite-Potter Chimney. Betty Slade noted that the Waite-Potter Chimney is not listed on the Westport Historic Inventory. JL moved and AC seconded a motion to include this important structure on the Westport Historic Inventory. The vote in favor was unanimous. Betty Slade agreed to complete the necessary documentation, with inputs from Anne (Pete) Baker.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 9:20pm. The next meeting will be Monday, June 1, 2009 at the Town Hall.
Drafted by Jane Loos, approved June 1, 2009
Attachments:
1. Treasurer’s Report
2. SC letter to Dora Millikin
3. SC letter to Mr. Joe Furtado
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