The Wethersfield Historic District Commission held a Public Hearing on October 9, 2007 in the Bardini Room at the Keeney Cultural Center, 200 Main Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Commissioner O'Brien, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:00PM, and read the opening comments. Commissioner Maycock, Acting Clerk, read the Legal Notice as it appeared in the Hartford Courant on September 14, 2007.
APPLICATION NO. 3527-07. Paul and Dawn Croce seeking to install fencing at 399 Main Street.
Paul Croce of 399 Main Street appeared before the commission. He explained that he wishes to enclose his yard. A plot plan was noted with the proposed location of the fence.
The proposed fence will be post and rail with black chicken wire. A picture of a similar fence was provided. The fence will separate his property from the neighbor's and will run along the back of the property. The total length of the fence will be 105'.
A picket fence is proposed for the front of the property. It will be 4' high. A gate will be installed across an existing walkway. The picket fence will be a total of 58' long.
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3528-07. Clifton and Gloria Stalph seeking to install a gazebo inside the pool area at 320 Main Street.
Gloria Stalph of 320 Main Street appeared before the commission. She explained that the pool was installed in 1980 and is currently fenced in. She wishes to install a gazebo within the fence.
A plot plan was provided. Ms. Stalph showed the proposed location of the gazebo and stated it will likely not be seen through the trees and hemlocks that currently exist. The gazebo is 10' 3" high to the roof and 12' 4" high to the cupola. It is made of pressure treated wood with wood shingles, and wooden framed windows.
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, and seconded by Commissioner Maycock and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to close the public hearing on the discussed applications and to open the public meeting on those applications.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
APPLICATION NO. 3527-07. Paul and Dawn Croce seeking to install fencing at 399 Main Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Maycock and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application as submitted.
Commissioner Garrey stated the fence was a nice, open fence that was not too high, and would nicely accent the property. Commissioner O'Brien agreed.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
APPLICATION NO. 3528-07. Clifton and Gloria Stalph seeking to install a gazebo inside the pool area at 320 Main Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application as submitted.
Commissioner Garrey noted that the greenery will make the gazebo barely visible, but even without the greenery the gazebo is an appropriate addition to the property. Commissioner O'Brien noted the gazebo will have minimal impact on the property.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
Commissioner Maycock noted an error in the minutes of September 11, 2007. The minutes indicate that Commissioner Garrey seconded the motion to deny Application 3510-07. Instead, the motion was seconded by Commissioner McLeod.
Approval of the minutes of the September 11, 2007 was tabled until the next meeting pending the commissioners' review of the correction.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Maycock and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2007 meeting.
Aye: Garrey, Maycock Abst: Botticello, McLeod, O'Brien
Approval of the minutes of the September 25, 2007 was tabled until the next meeting.
Commissioner O'Brien stated she enjoyed her tenure as the commission's Chair. She nominated Commissioner Garrey as her successor as Chair of the commission.
Commissioner Garrey nominated Commissioner Hart as Vice Chair.
Commissioner O'Brien nominated Commissioner Maycock as Clerk.
Commissioner O'Brien motioned to accept the slate of officers as presented. Commissioner Garrey seconded the motion.
Aye: Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
Commissioner Garrey asked Kristin Stearley whether the procedures that were drafted would become a part of the handbook. Ms. Stearley stated it would.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, seconded by Commissioner Maycock and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to DENY acceptance of the proposed procedures for site visits.
Commissioner Garrey expressed concern about the language in the procedures stating that minutes will be recorded through written record of testimony or communication. He questioned whether the commission has an obligation to post minutes of the result of site visits, or whether there is an obligation beyond advising the public that a site visit has been scheduled. He feels that the information already in the handbook is sufficient, and that a specific procedure for this aspect of the commission's function is unnecessary.
Commissioner McLeod asked what determines the need for a site visit. Commissioner Garrey explained that at times it is difficult to visualize a project, and the commission could benefit from seeing the property and having further discussion with the applicant. However, it does not constitute a meeting, or is a quorum required, or are minutes recorded.
Commissioner O'Brien agreed that a specific procedure for this small aspect of what the commission does is unnecessary, especially since there are no procedures listed for other more important aspects of the commission's work. She felt that a specific procedure for site visits was not in keeping with the tenor of the commission.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
None.
None.
None.
Upon a motion by Commissioner McLeod seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session at 7:26PM to discuss matters of the Commission.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
Upon a motion by Commissioner McLeod seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to leave Executive Session at 8:04PM.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey and seconded by Commissioner Maycock and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to ADJOURN the meeting at 8:04PM.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Maycock, McLeod, O'Brien
Respectfully Submitted
TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
John Maycock
Clerk