www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Minutes: Historic District Commission

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General information about the Historic District Commission

Jump down to: January 9 •

Previous years: 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003 • 2002

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Posted: January 13, 2012

January 9, 2012

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Boyer, Mr. Chute, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Gilchrist
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Mr. Hollinger, Mr. Krimsky
ALTERNATES ABSENT: Mrs. Mills
STAFF PRESENT: Mrs. Shade
OTHERS PRESENT: Mrs. Chapin, Mr. Pleasants, Mr. Wright, Mr. Werkhoven

Mr. Kerr called the meeting to order at 7:35PM. He seated the members and seated Alternate Hollinger for Ms. Gilchrist. Mr. Kerr noted there were a couple of discussions to add to the agenda.

MOTION:
To include for discussion items not posted on the agenda:
a.) Memo from Janet Hill, Land Use Administrator.
b.) Commissioners to attend Board of Selectmen meeting.
By Mr. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Boyer and passed 5-0.

Library Lights.
Mrs. Jean Chapin, Library Director, Mr. Rod Pleasants, Board of Directors and Mr. Darryl Wright of Wright Electric were all present for this discussion. Mrs. Chapin told the members that the light they placed in the tree is temporary and was placed there for safety because people were tripping on the curb. Mrs. Boyer agreed that area is very unsafe, but it is a pity the original lighting was removed before approval was given for new lighting to be installed.

The Commission looked at a site plan showing the location of lights and where additional lighting is needed. Mr. Pleasants said the low pathway lights were donated. Mrs. Chapin said she would prefer taller lights along the path because they would spread more light; besides the small lights get covered by snow. Mrs. Chapin showed the members pictures of different lights and asked which ones might be acceptable to the Commission. She said she wants to follow regulations, but they are vague and she needs suggestions. Mr. Pleasants asked if the members object to the tall pole lamp or just the light fixture. Mrs. Boyer said she would like to see something lower; lower is more attractive. Mr. Smith added, the light should shine downward. Mrs. Chapin suggested something could be put in the light to shield the bulb. Mrs. Boyer said she has a problem with 6, 7 or 9ft high lights. Mr. Wright said a 6ft light would not be good because that is the height of most men and the light would be directly in their eyes. However, a 9ft light would illuminate approximately 50ft. Mrs. Chapin said again, it would be their choice to place taller lights in the area where people walk. Mr. Hollinger asked if the lights are on a timer. Mrs. Chapin replied they are, and the lights go off at 8:30PM at the latest if there is no special program. Mr. Pleasants commented they do not want the area to look like a commercial parking lot.

Mr. Kerr asked if the Library would like to have the Commission validate the six lights that they have installed and in addition approve three taller posts. He added, it is most important for HDC to give guidance, but they need to see more lighting choices and specific proposals along with an application. There will need to be a public hearing. He asked about their time frame for installing new lighting. Mrs. Chapin replied they would like to plan for spring.

Mr. Krimsky said he would be glad to take pictures of different lights in front of libraries & town halls in the area and have them at the next meeting.

Congregational Church Walkway.
Mr. David Werkhoven, Buildings & Grounds Trustee, was present. He was sent a letter from HDC because the walkway they installed was not as approved by the Commission. The approved application shows two steps in the walkway, but was built with no steps. Mr. Smith commented that when a change in a proposal is made, the applicant needs to come back to the Commission. Mr. Werkhoven told the members that the walkway is temporary. It may or may not need steps depending on the final grade. Mrs. Boyer said before any approved plans are changed, the Commission would like to know. Mr. Hollinger stated it is obvious steps are not needed there, but once they decided steps were not necessary, the Commission should have been informed. Mr. Krimsky asked what kind of grade requires steps. Mr. Werkhoven said he could not answer that. Mr. Krimsky noted there are ways of making walks non-slip. Mr. Werkhoven said he will check into that in the spring.

Mr. Werkhoven said the Town would be repairing the catch-basin. Mrs. Boyer asked who owns the land the sidewalk is to be built on. Mr. Kerr said clearly some of the sidewalk will be in the Town right-of-way. Mr. Chute commented that the sidewalk is not going to be just for the Church. It will be for public use. Mr. Smith remarked that the Commission needs to know, 1)details for the sidewalk and 2)who will be in charge, the Town or the Church. He added, if the sidewalk is not on Town property, HDC needs to decide what kind of sidewalk they prefer. Mr. Werkhoven asked if it was the general opinion of the Commission that bluestone would look better for the sidewalk than concrete. All agreed they thought it would. Mr. Werkhoven said he would check on the cost of bluestone.

MOTION:
To defer election of officers until the next regularly scheduled meeting in February.
By Mrs. Boyer, seconded by Mr. Chute and passed 5-0.

Memo from Janet Hill, Land Use Administrator.
The commissioners briefly discussed and were in favor with items in the memo, but deferred additional discussion until the next regularly scheduled meeting in February when Ms. Gilchrist would be present.

Commission Members to attend Board of Selectmen meeting. This discussion will also be discussed in greater detail at the February meeting.

MOTION:
To approve the 12/13/11 minutes as written.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mr. Smith and passed 5-0.

MOTION:
To approve the 12/19/11 minutes as written.
By Mrs. Boyer, seconded by Mr. Smith and passed 5-0.

MOTION:
To adjourn. By Mr. Chute.

Mr. Kerr adjourned the meeting at 9:50PM.

FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

Respectfully Submitted,
Martha T. Shade, Clerk

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Meetings in 2011