ENFIELD HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MAY 27, 2009
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in the Council Chambers, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Tatoian called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Richard Tatoian, Chairman
Robert Johnston
Roman Polaski
Nancy Smyth
Marie Troiano
Lillian Troiano, Alternate
Raymond Gwozdz, Alternate
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Chairman Tatoian welcomed Mr. Robert Johnston to the Commission.
OLD BUSINESS
HDC #309 Roger Ingraham, 1443 Enfield Street, Violation of previous approval, work done without Certificate of Approval
Peter Bryanton, Community Development Director, stated he is here tonight representing Mr. Ingraham. He submitted to Mr. Alsbaugh what he hopes is a plan to correct some of the issues that Mr. Ingraham has. Mr. Ingraham was brought to court by the Town for doing work that he didn’t have approval to do. Mr. Ingraham understands that he does have to make a proper proposal to the Commission and he has asked that Mr. Bryanton act as the go between with the Commission and the property owner.
Mr. Bryanton met with the Chairman earlier today and he asked what has been done thus far and what will be done in the future. He stated the chance of getting a proper restoration on this property at any time in the near future is probably not going to happen. The best we can hope for is to maintain the structure to keep it from further deterioration. Also, to try to rebuild it so that it is not such an eyesore in the neighborhood and it is presentable to the community. Hopefully, somewhere down the road the next owner will be able to do something with the home.
Chairman Tatoian added he received a call last week from the Town Manager’s Office asking him to attend a meeting this morning concerning Mr. Ingraham. Present at the meeting were Mr. Tatoian, Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Bryanton, Councilman Red Edgar and Councilman Joe Bosco, Ray Warren and Jose Giner. The essence of what was discussed was that Mr. Ingraham authorized Peter Bryanton to come to the meeting to present a summary of what had been done with the property up to this point and what the proposal was for additional work with a view toward Mr. Bryanton returning with specific proposals and examples of what Mr. Ingraham proposed to install on the property. Chairman Tatoian attended this meeting this morning at 11:30 a.m. and it was discussed that Mr. Bryanton would be coming to the Commission to explain what had occurred.
Mr. Bryanton will give an overview of what can be done with volunteer work and as things progress he will come back and provide examples and get an approval from the Commission to go ahead and do the work.
Mr. Bryanton read through the renovation plan for 1443 Enfield Street entitled work performed so far. During the fall of 2008 the property owner undertook a second story roof replacement project which included the following items: removal of existing roof shingles, installation of plywood sheathing, installation of rolled asphalt roof materials – water and ice shield, removal of existing rotting fascia boards, trim boards, and soffit, installation of new fascia boards, installation of vinyl soffit panels, removal and reinstallation of the original brackets. Mr. Bryanton showed an example of what was there before Mr. Ingraham started the work and what ended up there after the work was done. The extent of the work was just the roof.
Mr. Bryanton stated the property owner proposes to perform the following work with assistance from Americare’s home front. Mr. Bryanton stated Americares is a volunteer group and they are a local chapter that does renovations. He has done a lot of rehab work with them. Quite often, they will go in and do work such as light renovations. Due to Mr. Ingraham’s lack of capital, he has requested to get help from Americares and they have agreed to help him. In order for that to happen, approvals from this Commission are needed.
Mr. Bryanton stated one of the first things that they would look at is the front porch – repair and replace posts, railings, stairs, roof shingles, fascia, soffits and trim as needed. For the posts and trim they would recommend composite materials as opposed to wood because Mr. Ingraham is not capable of maintaining the structure.
Mr. Bryanton discussed windows – install new energy efficient windows to match the existing six over one window style. The windows are to be provided by A. W. Hastings Company of Enfield and they are being donated by that company. They would have to match what is there and be sufficient for the Commission’s approval.
Mr. Bryanton discussed painting – Americares would prepare and paint the entire structure to match the existing color scheme.
Mr. Bryanton discussed health and safety. Because Mr. Ingraham is involved in the Office of Community Development, they will inspect the home to identify serious health and safety problems that can affect the occupant. These include items for proper egress like stairs, safe electrical and smoke detectors which are required by the Housing Code.
Chairman Tatoian stated all those issues with health and safety would be within the house. Mr. Bryanton stated the only exception would be the stairs to the porch.
Mr. Bryanton stated the purpose of this proposed work is to make key improvements to assist the elderly home owner, to protect the structure from the elements, and to make the property more presentable to the neighborhood. It is unlikely that the proper restoration of this historic home will take place in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the Office recommends that these renovations be done to help maintain the structure until a good restoration can be done in the future.
Mr. Bryanton stated he will provide a more detailed plan and an application as he moves through the process. He contacted someone from Hastings regarding the windows and he is still waiting for a reply from them. He also contacted Americares and they do plan on proceeding. Normally Americares does their work one weekend a year which is the first weekend in May. They indicated they may give a special day to this project. If not, the project will have to wait another year. They may be able to do some things in the interim to improve the situation until the entire structure can be painted.
Chairman Tatoian asked what Americares is planning to do. Mr. Bryanton stated they would do the painting but they also work with Hastings. Hastings provides the windows and Americares actually installs them.
Chairman Tatoian asked if Mr. Bryanton is saying that if the windows were approved, that they might not be installed this year. Mr. Bryanton stated they might not. It might be the first weekend in May of next year. It all depends on what Americares can do and how many people they can get to help with the project. This is a pretty large project and normally they put about forty people on a project. If they are not able to raise that many people, they might have to wait until next May. Mr. Bryanton stated the Americares group is from St. Patrick’s Church. Ralph Cerrato is one of the leaders of the committee. They did five homes in Enfield this year and they did approximately $50,000 worth of work that the town doesn’t have to pay for. It is good for the homeowners and it is all volunteer workers. They do the work the first weekend in May and if they can’t get it all done within that one weekend, they will come back and finish it off.
Chairman Tatoian asked if it would be possible with this project involving putting in the windows and painting the house to do it in a weekend. Mr. Bryanton stated they have done similar projects in that time frame because they have forty to fifty people working at the site.
Chairman Tatoian stated Mr. Bryanton gave a presentation regarding the plan and he would anticipate having an application and coming back for an approval at a future date. Mr. Bryanton stated the plan is to make a formal application of this plan in the next month. After he talks to Americares, he will know what their time frames are.
Chairman Tatoian asked if Americares charges for the paint. Mr. Bryanton stated the national organization supplies whatever supplies are necessary to the local Americares chapter. This includes paints, doors and other products. Chairman Tatoian noted the property owner doesn’t have any cost.
In response to a question from Chairman Tatoian, Mr. Bryanton stated Americares does renovations only. They don’t build homes. Also, people have to be income eligible.
Mr. Polaski asked if Mr. Bryanton has discussed the gutter situation. Mr. Bryanton stated he hasn’t gotten to that specifically but he will make a note of that. Mr. Ingraham is pretty adamant that he doesn’t want the interior gutter system. He feels that it backs up. This may be something they will have to discuss. Mr. Polaski stated with the modern PVC’s there won’t be a problem with that. Mr. Bryanton tried to convey that to Mr. Ingraham. Mr. Johnston asked if the Commission can show Mr. Ingraham some examples of renovated internal gutter systems to show him that they work well. Mr. Bryanton stated he can try that. Mr. Johnston found that technique to be pretty successful to those that are truly resistant. Mr. Bryanton would be happy to try this.
Mr. Gwozdz asked if Mr. Bryanton anticipates this being Phase 1 of an ongoing project in the future. Mr. Bryanton stated no, he anticipates getting this house to a point where it is stable for the next ten years. He will see what happens after that. Mr. Gwozdz stated after Americares leaves, is Mr. Ingraham well aware of the fact that he is in a historic district. Mr. Bryanton stated he is aware of the issues before this Commission and that any work he has to do has to be approved by this Commission. The issue is how to get the work done because if he has to come here, the house will sit the way that it is. This is probably the best that can be done to get the house presentable. Mr. Gwozdz had no problem with Mr. Bryanton acting as a liaison for Mr. Ingraham.
Chairman Tatoian asked about the tarp on the porch that is there to protect the porch. That would come down if this work is done.
Ms. Lillian Troiano asked if the existing windows are wood. Mr. Bryanton stated they are. Ms. Troiano asked if they can be restored. Mr. Bryanton stated they probably could but Mr. Ingraham would like his new windows or some other type of composite. Ms. Troiano asked if the existing windows could be stored somewhere in case someone wants to renovate properly in the future. Mr. Bryanton stated that could be done.
Mr. Polaski asked if it would be possible for Hastings to replace them with the proper sash. He is not familiar with Hastings line of windows. Mr. Bryanton stated they are a Marvin distributor and the line they are considering is integrity windows. Mr. Polaski asked if they make a size that corresponds with the size found in this house. Mr. Bryanton knows from the discussions that they had planned on doing windows at this home four or five years ago so he assumes that they do. Mr. Polaski stated they may be coming up with an alternative that is close. Before they go forward with the windows, Mr. Polaski asked if the Commission will be provided with the data on them. Mr. Bryanton stated they will. Mr. Polaski stated they have to be a one for one retro. Mr. Johnston has found that Marvin is quite capable of producing windows that fit the current frame. The concern is whether or not someone in the process will take a short cut and take a standard size and then adjust the frame which is not something this Commission is willing to approve. Mr. Polaski stated they can leave the original frames and just replace the sash and the balances and they can get away with the cost being less expensive. The windows shown are all new construction windows and that would not be appropriate for this house. They would have to tear off all the old siding to get them in. There has to be an alternative. If they need some help, Mr. Polaski offered his services and stated they can call him and he would be very happy to walk through it with them.
Mr. Bryanton stated Hastings has done other renovations. It was explained to him that they saw this property as a showcase and would like to do a good job. Mr. Polaski would like to see how they are going to approach the windows.
Mr. Bryanton stated hopefully within the next month he will have something for the Commission.
Mr. Gwozdz asked when Americares would become involved. Mr. Bryanton has had discussions with one of their members. He had said at that time that they would be willing to do something over the summer. It depends on whether they can get enough people together. Mr. Gwozdz stated if a special meeting is required, he would be in favor of such a meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
HDC #342 Initiative of the Enfield Historic District Commission to adopt Guidelines for the Enfield Local Historic District. EHDO Section 3
This hearing was continued to the next meeting.
Mr. Gwozdz made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smyth, to change the order of the agenda for this evening. The motion was approved by a 5 – 0 – 0 vote.
MINUTES
Mr. Gwozdz made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lillian Troiano, to approve the Minutes of October 22, 2008. The Minutes were approved by a unanimous vote.
STAFF REPORT
Mr. Alsbaugh reported Mr. Gwozdz was reappointed to this Commission. He also passed out Mr. Johnston’s appointment to the Commission as a regular member.
Mr. Alsbaugh distributed a memo he sent to the Town Manager about the grange hall. The grange hall for the last four months has been intended to be put on the Town Council agenda. It still has not occurred because of the budget process that is ongoing. The Mayor is well aware of this agenda item and it is a matter of finding the proper agenda for consideration.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he was not aware of the meeting this morning regarding Mr. Ingraham.
Mr. Alsbaugh reported the Chairman of the Conservation Commission did approve an expenditure from some of the surplus to finance the Arbor Day project. A tree was planted in that triangle at South Road in front of the bank.
Mr. Alsbaugh reported the Scantic River Watershed Association has gotten their greenway expansion initiative with input from the Historic Commission.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Hazardville Institute received their grant which the Commission commented on and helped them prepare. They are getting some help to put together a professional business plan. The Hazardville Institute is progressing well. They had new doors made and they are waiting for the hardware on the rear doors. They are putting on a temporary rear platform for access. They received approval for variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the future permanent access ways.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Nomination and election of Vice Chairman to fill remainder of term through September, 2009 due to resignation of F. Russell Meyer
Mr. Gwozdz nominated Roman Polaski for Vice Chairman. Ms. Lillian Troiano seconded the nomination. Chairman Tatoian closed the nominations. Mr. Polaski was elected Vice Chairman of the Enfield Historic District Commission by a unanimous vote.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Polaski made a motion, seconded by Mr. Johnston, to go into Executive Session to discuss legal matters. The motion was approved unanimously and the Commission went into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. Executive Session ended at 8:40 p.m. No votes were taken or decisions made during this Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gwozdz made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lillian Troiano, to adjourn. Following a unanimous vote, the Commission adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
Nancy Smyth, Clerk
Enfield Historic District Commission
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