[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Historic District Commission acceptance.]
The Wethersfield Historic District Commission held a public meeting on August 10, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room of the Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Chairperson Logan called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. and Acting Clerk Ovian read the Legal Notice as it appeared in the Hartford Courant on July 30, 2004.
APPLICATION NO. 3226-04. James Horvat seeking to install replacement windows at 232 Middletown Avenue.
James Horvat came before the Commission seeking to install replacement windows at 232 Middletown Avenue. Mr. Horvat indicated he had purchased the property from his uncle in March of 1999. He and his mother, Irene Horvat, are the owners of the two family house. He further stated that he was unaware that their house was located in the historic district since the house was built in the 60's. He received some quotes for replacement windows because the current windows were difficult to maintain. His mother and grandmother now live in the house. The contractor provided a quote and began replacing the windows. Chairperson Logan indicated that the contractor had not pulled a permit for this work. Mr. Horvat confirmed this statement. He further said the contractor told him that they had never pulled a permit for replacing windows in any jobs he had done. Mr. Horvat said he lives in West Haven and did not require a building permit for window replacement. Mr. Cook indicated that it was a State law that a permit is pulled when replacing windows which was proposed about 4 or 5 years ago. Mr. Horvat said he was informed by the building inspector that he only needed a permit if the house was located in a Historic District. Acting Clerk Ovian did not feel that the Wethersfield building inspector would have indicated that a permit was not necessary. Mr. Horvat indicated that Brian O'Connor had indicated this. He further apologized for not pulling a permit or realizing that the house was located in the Historic District. Chairperson Logan stated that if his home were purchased through a real estate agent he would have been told that his home was located in the Historic District of Town. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned a box on the seller's disclosure form requires an answer to the question as to whether the house was located in a Historic District. Mr. Cook thought the closing attorney would have mentioned that the house was located in the Historic District, during the closing, following a bring down on the property. Acting Clerk Ovian agreed that a good closing attorney would have brought this information to his attention during the closing. Mr. Horvat provided photographs of the property. Chairperson Logan confirmed that the members of this commission also visit the properties on the agenda in order to familiarize the members with the property. Mr. Horvat also provided photographs of the current windows and a garbage can filled with aluminum trim taken down from the house. He submitted this because the building inspector told the contractor to stop the work when the contractor was putting up aluminum trim around the new windows. The contractor continued to do the work. Chairperson Logan indicated that the building inspector had placed a stop work order and the contractor should have complied with this. The contractor has to by law stop working which was not done. Acting Clerk Ovian asked Mr. Horvat if he were aware of this stop work order. Mr. Horvat said he walked into the conversation after the building inspector finished his conversation with the contractor. Mr. Horvat spoke with the building inspector away from the contractor. He was informed that his home was located in the Historic District by the building inspector but was not informed that he told the contractor to stop working on the project. The contractor told Mr. Horvat that the building inspector told him to stop the job and the contractor indicated that he was going to finish the job. Acting Clerk Ovian asked if he told the contractor that he had to stop working on the job. Mr. Horvat said that the building inspector did not tell him to stop the job and that he did not know what to do. He was unsure if he stopped the work if he would be responsible for paying for another day of work in order to finish the job. Acting Clerk Ovian indicated that Mr. Horvat might have felt he would have suffered the financial loss. He pointed out that Mr. Horvat should have been aware of what the building inspector had to say. Mr. Horvat said the contractor was told by the building inspector that the house never had aluminum trim around the windows. Mr. Horvat made the contractor save the aluminum trim from the windows and he photographed it for this Commission. Mr. Horvat provided pictures of the old window, which was comprised of wood and difficult to maintain. Mr. Cook inquired as to what other restoration was done with the home. Mr. Horvat indicated this was the first project done. Chairperson Logan mentioned the windows were 2 over 2 originally and now were 1 over 1. Mr. Horvat indicated that he purchased atrium windows. He also provided photographs of windows on his neighbor's home. The windows were vinyl and provided maximum glass. Commissioner McDougall asked if the configuration of the window would remain the same. Chairperson Logan indicated that it would not and that it went from 2 over 2 to 1 over 1. Acting Clerk Ovian asked about a conversation between the Building Inspector and his contractor. Mr. Horvat explained that he was informed by his contractor that the building inspector had informed him that he had to stop working. The contractor refused to stop the project. Mr. Horvat indicated the job was almost complete and he had already paid for the work. Mr. Cook confirmed the contractor was licensed. Chairperson Logan asked for the name of the contractor. Mr. Horvat indicated it was Carefree located in Newington. Mr. Horvat asked if the building inspector responded to a complaint or just happen to be in the area. Chairperson Logan was not sure if a complaint was made. Mr. Horvat mentioned the neighbor next door was having a roof installed. He mentioned a lot of replacement windows on Middletown Avenue and asked if permits were pulled and if they had to come before this commission. Chairperson Logan indicated if the windows were replaced like with like he would not have to come before this Commission. Mr. Horvat mentioned an hour before the work was completed the building inspector showed up.
There being no one who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3227-04. Edward Pytel and Stanislaus Dziedzik seeking to modify entrance overhang, install shutters, construct a rail on the front steps and build a shed at 363-365 Middletown Avenue.
Edward Pytel and Stanislaus Dziedzik came before the commission seeking permission to modify the entrance overhang, install shutters, construct a rail on the front steps and build a shed. Chairperson Logan mentioned the front of their home looked wonderful. Mr. Dziedzik indicated he wished to put up a plastic railing. Chairperson Logan informed him that would not be in conformance to the Historic District's regulations. Mr. Dziedzik wished to erect a small woodshed, 8 x 10, which would be located on the south side behind the house in the corner. The shed would have a sliding door and no windows with white vinyl siding. Mr. Cook mentioned the need for a building permit. Chairperson Logan asked what the roof would look like. Mr. Dziedzik indicated the roof would match the house. Mr. Cook was under the impression that the shed would be located on the left side of the house in the back. The shed would be on blocks. The railing would be on the two sides from the house to the post and down the steps. Commissioner McDougall asked if the railings would have caps. Acting Clerk Ovian confirmed the railings would be located on the two sides of the flat section and the two sides of the sloping section. Commissioner Garrey confirmed it would be from the house to the post and then from the post to the stairs. Mr. Dziedzik indicated it would have a ball cap on the railing. Commissioner Hart asked what kind of stock would be used for the railing. Mr. Dziedzik indicated it would be flat.
There being no one who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3228-04. Leigh and Betty Standish seeking to install an in-ground pool and fence at 278 Hartford Avenue.
Leigh Standish came before the Commission seeking to install an in-ground pool and fence. He provided photographs of the proposed pool and fence. He mentioned that there was a slight grade in the back. The pool would not be visible from Hartford Avenue or the Cove. Mr. Standish indicated that he wished to install a black fence but would like to have approval for either black or Hartford Green. The fence would be 54" in height. In response to Commissioner McDougall's question, Mr. Standish indicated that the fence was aluminum with powder-coated paint made to look like rod iron but would not rust. Chairperson Logan mentioned it was same style fence as the one used at Mikey's Place. Commissioner Garrey asked about the area between the house and pool. Mr. Standish indicated installing a standard cement collar measuring 4' wide on three of the sides and he was going with six on the other and then he was putting in stone and that there would be no diving board or slide. There will be an aluminum ladder at one end of the pool. There will be one straight gate from the patio to the pool in the same style as the fence with a lock manufactured by the same one for the fence. He further stated that the collar would be enclosed and possible landscaping around the fence.
There being no one who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3229-04. Town of Wethersfield seeking to remove double door and replace with double windows to match existing windows on the 1st floor at 100 Marsh Street.
Mr. Cook indicated that the removal of the double door on the side closest to Marsh Street. The window would have bricks placed underneath it to make it look like the rest of the building.
There being no one who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3230-04. Joanne Mueller-London seeking to erect an addition to the family room and connect to existing deck at 27 Kenwood Road.
Joanne Mueller-London came before the commission seeking to erect an addition to the family room. Kate DiBattista from Holland Kitchen was also present to explain the details of this project. Both Commissioner Garrey and Chairperson Logan agreed that the addition was not visible from the street. Ms. Mueller-London confirmed that the existing room would be made a little longer for extra living space and connects to the deck in order to have more symmetry. Commissioner McDougall confirmed the deck was more of a landing. Chairperson Logan confirmed everything would match including the roof, shingles and gutters. Commissioner Garrey confirmed the project would match the existing house. Acting Clerk Ovian asked if the foundation was concrete. Ms. DiBattista stated that there were piers and was not a full concrete foundation. Acting Clerk Ovian asked if their was lattice. Commissioner Hart confirmed the reuse of a window on the side of the addition. Chairperson Logan confirmed the addition would be supported by piers and has a skirt made of a textured covering.
There being no one who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3231-04. Lynn & Glenn Pilczak seeking to install a new roof at 33 Hart Street.
Lynn and Glenn Pilczak came before the Commission seeking to install a new roof at 33 Hart Street. A sample of the proposed roof was presented. The house has a non-approved white roof on it now and they wished to put up a non-approved color roof. The house is a clay color. Chairperson Logan asked who manufactured the proposed roof. Mr. Pilczak said the name of the manufacturer was Elk. Mr. Cook confirmed that samples in the office were not up-to-date. Mrs. Pilczak could not leave the sample with the Commission and could not remember the name of it. Chairperson Logan indicated the sample was made up of chocolate, tan and blue.
There being no one who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3232-04. Mark & Lisa DiMattia seeking to add a second level to existing ranch house at 456 Hartford Avenue.
Mark and Lisa DiMattia came before the Commission seeking to add a second level to an existing ranch house. Drawings of the proposed second level were submitted along with the proposed materials to be used on this project. The building department had already been notified of this second level with regard to obtaining permits. The footprint would remain the same and the addition would be added as a second level to a two-bedroom ranch. He was proposing a smooth siding with vented soffits. The windows would be either vinyl-clad wood or an aluminum clad wood window manufactured by Andersen. The existing siding is vinyl and he would like to go with a smooth siding Hardiplank plank or Azek material that can be painted. In response to Acting Clerk Ovian's question, Mr. DiMattia indicated that this would include trim around the windows. Commissioner Garrey stated this would be similar to what was used on the two-family on Spring Street. Chairperson Logan confirmed he would be using the smooth. Mr. DiMattia wanted to get started soon because of flooding in the basement, Acting Clerk Ovian asked how much higher would the reach be compared to now, Mr. DiMattia said the chimney went up 8' so it would probably be about 5 1/2'. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned that the drawing with the dormer and enlarged triangle above the entrance kept it in a scale that fooled the eye into thinking the structure went up higher. Commissioner McDougall mentioned the existing house was a 1949 ranch and they were proposing a 1920 style house. Chairperson Logan mentioned growing in a 1940 house, which was similar to this proposed drawing but had smaller dormers. Acting Clerk Ovian was pleased with the proposal brought before the Commission. Commissioner McDougall was concerned with the dormer and its size in proportion to the house. Chairperson Logan said the pitch of the roof would change and should soften the look. She confirmed that the picture window would remain and the lines would remain the same. Commissioner McDougall expressed concern with the other windows and the large picture window. She further stated it was a nice design. Commissioner Hart asked if gutters would be added. Mr. DiMattia said the gutters would be added and had submitted a proposal for it. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned a roof would also be placed above the dormer. Chairperson Logan mentioned that the window had to be tempered due to its location to the street. Mr. DiMattia brought a sample of a proposed window; one Andersen vinyl clad and a Pella aluminum clad. Commissioner Hart asked if both manufacturers offered the same style. Mr. DiMattia wished to have white windows and would look into Eagle windows as suggested by Chairperson Logan. Mr. DiMattia would prefer a casement window as opposed to a double hung. Commissioner Garrey asked if he wanted a 2 over 1. Mr. DiMattia indicated he wanted a 2 over 1 on three windows for aesthetic purposes. He mentioned that the windows had to be a specific size because they would be egress windows. Commissioner Garrey confirmed all the windows were double hung except the casements in the dormer in the front. Acting Clerk Ovian asked Mr. DiMattia if the Anderson product allowed for the halfway division. Mr. DiMattia confirmed it did. Acting Clerk Ovian indicated the Commission could approve the application as submitted and leave him the choice to between the two products. He further indicated that the sketches presented tonight reflected a halfway window and he needed to comply with the sketch or come back before the Commission if he decided to alter any of the plans prior to beginning the work. He also requested permission to add tapered classic wound smooth columns. Commissioner Garrey confirmed the columns would be rotor cast fiberglass reinforced polyclassic. Commissioner McDougall mentioned that the application was complete and thorough and the commission appreciated this fact. Chairperson Logan asked Mr. DiMattia if he needed to tell the Commission anything else. He indicated no exterior door with full view storm door. He confirmed the door he wished to have installed on the house as indicated on the proposed sketch presented tonight.
There being no one else who wished to speak in favor or against this application, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
Commissioner Garrey moved to close the public hearing portion of the meeting and open the public meeting, seconded by Commissioner Hart .
APPLICATION NO. 3232-04. Mark & Lisa DiMattia seeking to add a second level to existing ranch house at 456 Hartford Avenue.
Acting Clerk Ovian felt the Commission had to rely upon the drawings presented. The application included new vinyl clad wood casement windows. He was pleased with the design. Chairperson Logan was also pleased with the thorough detail given to this application. Commission McDougall cautioned that any changes made contrary to what was presented tonight should be discussed with Mr. Cook prior to doing it. Mr. Cook explained the procedures needed in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. Commissioner Garrey mentioned that the designs were consistent with houses in the neighborhood. Commissioner Hart wished to confirm the windows would be simulated divided light with muttons on the outside as indicated on the drawing. Chairperson Logan pointed out the drawing had specified new fascia board soffit. Chairperson Logan was pleased with the application and stated that the changes outlined would upgrade the neighborhood. Commissioner McDougall suggested the applicants review the comments made tonight and that any changes that need to be made should be reviewed with Mr. Cook prior to making any. Mr. Cook mentioned the magnitude of this type of project and reviewed the procedures for receiving a Certificate of Appropriateness. Chairperson Logan asked if a Certificate of Occupancy was required since the family would be occupying the house during the construction.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Upon motion by Vice Chairperson Ovian, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application with the following stipulations:
Ayes: Garrey, Hart, Logan, McDougall, Ovian
APPLICATION NO. 3226-04. James Horvat seeking to install replacement windows at 232 Middletown Avenue.
Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned the contractor continued to do the job after being told to stop the work and that the homeowner knew that the Building Inspector had told the contractor to stop working on the project. Commissioner Garrey mentioned the windows were already in and the contractor was doing the trim. Mr. Cook was unsure of the relationship between the homeowner and the contractor and pointed out that the Building Inspector told the contractor to stop working. Chairperson Logan pointed out that the contractor was out of Newington and not New Haven where the homeowner lives. Acting Clerk Ovian recalled the homeowner mentioned that the contractor told him he never pulled a permit for work he had done. He mentioned the house at the corner of Mill Street near the railroad track has the same type of windows. He did not wish to reward the wrongdoer but felt the Commissioner had to make a decision that it could accept these windows. Commissioner Garrey felt the town had the obligation to inform new homeowners that they live in the historic district. Commissioner McDougall mentioned a brochure was mailed to the homeowners a year and half ago in the historic district and a notice is mailed to all abutting homeowners concerning work being done in the area. Commissioner Garrey supported a letter being mailed to each homeowner identifying the boundaries of the Historic District when a house closes. Chairperson Logan asked the Commission, if the windows were not already installed, would this commission support it. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned the house was sided and he would support this window. Mr. Cook mentioned that he was under the impression that this Commission did not approve vinyl windows. Chairperson Logan stated that this current Commission has not approved vinyl windows except for one house on Middletown Avenue. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned he would approve this application. Commissioner Garrey did not wish to justify the actions of the contractor, but mentioned these windows had a nicer profile and the glass loss was not significant. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned the option of notifying the Department of Consumer Protection concerning this contractor. Commissioner McDougall felt the vinyl windows did not distract from this house. Commissioner Hart felt the change did not have much of an impact on the house. Acting Clerk Ovian did not wish to reward the wrongdoer. Chairperson Logan suggested discussing this issue later in the meeting.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Upon motion by Vice Chairperson Ovian, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application as submitted.
Aye: Garrey, Hart, McDougall, Ovian Nay: Logan
APPLICATION NO. 3227-04. Edward Pytel and Stanislaus Dziedzik seeking to modify entrance overhang, install shutters, construct a rail on the front steps and build a shed at 363-365 Middletown Avenue.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Acting Clerk Ovian was concerned with using vinyl shutters and mentioned the house had vinyl shutters on it. The house was from a period that used artificial materials that this was not an inappropriate application. The change in the roof's pitch was okay. He mentioned having some concerns with this particular slope because it was too high, but after seeing the final product it looked fined. He did not support railings because of the style and felt it would look to straight. He liked the look now without the railings, but because of the steps it required railings in order to comply with building codes. Chairperson Logan mentioned that she was not sure if the house had vinyl shutters on it before it was vinyl sided. Acting Clerk Ovian asked if square balusters would be a nice offset to round columns. He asked if the new post should be round as opposed to being square. Commissioner Garrey mentioned a lot of detail in the railing would be too much. He had never seen it done before. Acting Clerk Ovian felt since the applicant's brought in a picture their intent was to match the house. Chairperson Logan felt the shed would not be seen from the street. Acting Clerk Ovian asked what should be used on the shed's exterior - vertical T111 or vinyl clapboard. Chairperson Logan supported using T111 and has it painted. Commissioner Hart mentioned having this type of shed and it did not standout.
Upon motion by Commissioner Hart, seconded by Vice Chairperson Ovian and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application with the following stipulations
APPLICATION NO. 3228-04. Leigh and Betty Standish seeking to install an in-ground pool and fence at 278 Hartford Avenue.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Commissioner Garrey mentioned that the fence was appropriate and the pool would not have a slide. Chairperson Logan stated that this Commission had never approved an in-ground pool.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Hart and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application as submitted.
Aye: Garrey, Hart, Logan, McDougall, Ovian
APPLICATION NO. 3229-04. Town of Wethersfield seeking to remove double door and replace with double windows to match existing windows on the 1st floor at 100 Marsh Street.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Upon motion by Commissioner McDougall, seconded by Vice Chairperson Ovian and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application as submitted.
Aye: Garrey, Hart, Logan, McDougall, Ovian
APPLICATION NO. 3230-04. Joanne Mueller-London seeking to erect an addition to the family room and connect to existing deck at 27 Kenwood Road.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Commissioner Garrey mentioned very little impact with the fact that the applicant was reusing the window.
Upon motion by Vice Chairperson Ovian, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application as submitted.
Aye: Garrey, Hart, Logan, McDougall, Ovian
APPLICATION NO. 3231-04. Lynn & Glenn Pilczak seeking to install a new roof at 33 Hart Street.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Commissioner Garrey suggested looking at the samples at the next meeting and felt the colors were very earthy. Mr. Cook mentioned obtaining new samples from their vendors. Commissioner Garrey suggested identifying the colors as Elk Sandalwood until they can determine the correct name for this color. Chairperson Logan identified the sample as chocolate brown, tan with a blue fleck. Acting Clerk Ovian mentioned the applicant would be calling Mr. Cook tomorrow with the name of the color.
Upon motion by Commissioner McDougall, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE the subject application as submitted from sample submitted.
Aye: Garrey, Hart, Logan, McDougall, Ovian
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2004
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Acting Clerk Ovian and a poll of the Commission it was voted to APPROVE with amended.
Vote on page 4 Application No. 3225-05 Attorney Noreen A. Dillman, LLC seeking to install a free standing sign at 251 Main Street to reflect that Commissioner Hart voted in place of Commissioner Miglus who had left the meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Report of the Historic District Coordinator - Mr. Cook asked for a consensus from the Commission concerning a fence around the baseball field at the Stillman building. Chairperson Logan mentioned that Recreation & Parks Director Kathy Bagley said the children could not use the field unless a field is erected because it was a hazard with the Stillman parking lot there. Mr. Cook mentioned the fence would be able 4' from the left field foul line. Commissioner Hart asked where the trap rock would be located. Chairperson Logan mentioned it would be on the other side of the fence. Commissioner McDougall asked what the fence would look like. Mr. Cook said it would be a black coated chain link fence. Commissioner Garrey mentioned that: (1) the Commission did not wish to see a fence when it was breaking up the green space; (2) that it would not approve a chain link fence; and (3) there have been cars parking in the lot during the entire time. Chairperson Logan mentioned the insurance company would not insure this field unless a fence is erected. The application will be heard at the next meeting. Mr. Cook asked if Recreation & Parks Director Bagley needed to be present at the next meeting in order to explain the application. Commissioner Garrey asked for a copy of the letter from the insurance company indicating that it would not insure the field without a fence. Chairperson Logan did not support a fence on the Stillman property along the back. Acting Clerk Ovian asked if the landscape would be less encumbered by a fence similar to the one used at Mikey's Place. He felt it would be less encumbered by having a fence around the parking lot.
The Commission supported someone who was knowledgeable about the situation along with a plot plan at the next meeting. Acting Clerk Ovian did not wish to see a town employee explain this unless a letter and drawing can be provided. Chairperson Logan mentioned one letter was from the architect and one was from Recreation and Parks. Mr. Cook said he could provide the information unless more was needed. Chairperson Logan wanted to know why it was going there and does this commission have the option to put up an architectural fence vs. the ball field fence and where it will be placed. Commissioner McDougall asked if another type of material was suggested when the application was presented. Chairperson Logan mentioned plantings and a gravel line was proposed. Commissioner McDougall asked how high the proposed chain link fence around the parking lot would be. Chairperson Logan mentioned it would be 4'. She also was informed by Recreation & Parks Director Bagley that there was a chain link fence around every ball field in town except for Stillman and Stillman was used more than any other ball field. Commissioner Garrey mentioned no fence around the Broad Street Green or any ball field in this town. He mentioned the field on Highland and the one on Willow and Wells did not have a fence. Acting Clerk Ovian would like to look at both plans. Commissioner McDougall needed to have someone present their proposal. Chairperson Logan asked if Chairperson of Park & Recreation Advisory Board could present the information. Acting Clerk Ovian wanted to see the Board of Education or School Projects Building Committee. Chairperson Logan did not feel the other option was open. The fence was for safety. Commissioner Garrey mentioned that the application for the Stillman Building included a fence around the perimeter of the parking lot. He said an application for a fence around the third baseline could be presented which would be a different application. Acting Clerk Ovian wanted to look at the original proposal. Chairperson Logan wanted this information prior to the next meeting.
Other Business
Chairperson Logan asked what the Building Department would do if a contractor does not stop working on a project after being told to stop. Mr. Cook said the Certificate of Appropriateness would be issued and a building permit would be issued. Mr. Cook said either the contractor or the homeowner was responsible for getting a permit. Acting Clerk Ovian said it was not the first time this has happened. He felt by approving that application made it difficult to proceed with actions. Chairperson Logan mentioned that she voted Nay because of the aesthetics. Mr. Cook understood that vinyl windows were not approved when replacing windows. Mr. Cook wanted a rule when addressing this issue. The Commission agreed the age of the house and location determine the type of materials that can be used. Commissioner Garrey supported telling individuals they can apply for them but generally, the Commission does not support vinyl windows and suggest other options. A discussion ensued. Mr. Cook was concerned with approving an application after the work was done. Commissioner McDougall indicated that the town did not have a legal option when enforcing its regulations.
Commissioner Hart suggested signage identifying the Historic District so that individuals know they live in the district. Commissioner Garrey mentioned adding the town seal to the street signs. Acting Clerk Ovian suggested having some type of identification on street signs in that area of town. He mentioned a conflict between the role of the town and the Village Improvement Committee. Commissioner Garrey mentioned signs entering the district. Acting Clerk Ovian indicated he would look into getting signs identifying the historic district. Chairperson Logan asked about having the district being assessed as a village district. Mr. Cook felt it would be a cost savings to the Town if a sign placed at the property announcing that a Certificate of Appropriateness was applied for and one for Certificate of Appropriateness given. This would eliminate sending out letters and advertising in the newspaper. Acting Clerk Ovian stated that Commissioner Miglus did not support signs for upcoming applications. Chairperson Logan supported this so that other neighbors would be aware of the actions by the Historic District. Commissioner Garrey suggested having the Town Clerk's office send a letter to every new resident in the Historic District. Commissioner McDougall asked the secretary if this could happen. Sandi Wieleba indicated that not all deeds are returned to the homeowner but sometimes to the attorney handling the closing. Acting Clerk Ovian hoped the attorney would inform their clients that they just purchased a home in the Historic District. Chairperson Logan confirmed a list of the streets in the Historic District would be helpful to the Town clerk's Office if they wished to proceed with this suggestion. She further stated a simply letter identifying their home was in the Historic District. Commissioner Garrey suggested the letter be from Mr. Cook. Mr. Cook suggested having new homeowners review the guidelines on the town's web site or contact his office concerning regulations governing this area. Chairperson Logan mentioned a positive simple letter. Commissioner Garrey mentioned each member hand them out if money was short. Sandi Wieleba suggested using Wethersfield Life or the Library as a location to distribute material. Commissioner McDougall mentioned the cost of having an insert was $800 which did not include the cost of the production of the document. Commissioner Garrey mentioned an article written by Wethersfield Life.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 10:48 p.m. and upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Hart and a poll of the Commission it was voted to ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PENDING LITIGATION.
At 11:01 p.m. and upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Hart and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to MOVE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Aye: Garrey, Hart, Logan, Ovian, McDougall
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 11:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Douglas Ovian
Acting Clerk