Town of Berlin

Historic District Commission

A regular meeting of the Berlin Historic District Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2007 in room 8, Berlin Town Hall, Berlin, CT.

PRESENT:

Chairman Karoll Wiater, Commissioners Julie Collazo, Pam Pethigal, Bruce Dalstrom, Alternate Commissioner Susan Skene and Lorraine Stub.

ABSENT:

Commissioner Eric Stevens

Public Hearing:

Michael Mathews, 858 Worthington Ridge would like to replace windows with vinyl windows.

REPRESENTING THE APPLICATION:

Michael Mathews

Mr. Mathews stated that he has aluminum siding on the house with aluminum storm windows. The windows will be replaced from the inside. Mr. Mathews stated that the outside would look the same. The new windows will be more energy efficient. Mr. Mathews would like to replace all of the front windows. The rear windows are vinyl.

Commissioner Dalstrom stated that Mr. Mathews has a very historic house built in the 1790s. The Historic District is trying to preserve the character of the house and the District.

Commissioner Stub stated that the District is trying to maintain the integrity of Worthington Ridge. She stated that she attended seminars and has been to many home shows. Ms. Stub stated that there are other alternatives. Commissioner Stub asked Mr. Mathews to investigate other options.

Mr. Mathews felt that other options would be too costly. Mr. Mathews asked about tax credits from the Commission.

Commissioner Pethigal stated that would only be possible if the house was in the National Registry.

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Mr. Mathews stated that he would look at other alternatives and report back to the Commission in February.

ACTION ON COA:

Commissioner Skene moved to table this application, seconded by Commissioner Dalstrom. The motion carried unanimously.

AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS:

None

A. Discussion & Acceptance of Minutes

Commissioner Pethigal moved to approve the minutes with one amendment, seconded by Commissioner Skene. The motion carried unanimously.

B. Report of Chairman-Committee Reports

Chairman Wiater stated that she had nothing to report. She stated that the Town Planner has not gotten back to her on any follow up issues. Chairman Wiater announced her resignation from the Commission due to her work schedule.

Commissioner Dalstrom stated that he would be willing to take over the Chair with Commissioner Stub assisting him.

C. Report of Clerk

Commissioner Stub stated that not much money has been spent.

Chairman Wiater stated that for next year’s budget, she added more money so that 3 or 4 people could attend professional development functions.

Commissioner Stub stated that she and 3 other members attended a seminar given by the Preservation Trust. The members learned a lot from the seminar.

Commissioner Stub stated that she sent letters to new members that bought houses in the District.

Commissioner Stub stated that the Commission meeting should involve a Town official for support. Commissioner Stub will contact the Town Manager to obtain a liaison between the Commission and the Town.

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Chairman Wiater stated that Ed Egazarian from the Town Council suggested that the Commission hold an open forum with residents. Commissioner Pethigal suggested a social event with a speaker from the Preservation Trust.

Commissioner Stub is putting together packets for the different realtors in Town for better communication.

Chairman Wiater suggested that the Commission look into beautifying the Ridge with new trees. She suggested that the Commission get in touch with the State Forester.

Commissioner Stub will contact him.

D. Old Business

None

E. New Business

None

F. Adjournment:

Commissioner Skene moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Dalstrom. The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Marie Ralph, Recording Secretary