The Town of Berlin

Historic District Commission

Town Hall · Berlin, CT 06037

A regular meeting of the Berlin Historical District Commission was called to order at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 5, 2007 in Room 8 of the Berlin Town Hall, Berlin, CT.

PRESENT:

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

PUBLIC HEARING (continued):

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

Representing the Application:

Mr. Mathews did more research and pricing since the last month and had illustrations of some windows he would like to use for energy efficiency. After discussion and questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Mathews encouraged a quick decision so that he can get his windows replaced.

Mario Colino, 690 Worthington Ridge, would like to add an addition at the rear of the house.

Representing the Application:

Mr. Colino presented a print of his existing home and what the possible addition would look like. The Commissioners expressed their concerns, and he was open to all suggestions. He will do what is necessary to maintain the integrity of the home.

Action on Certificates of Appropriateness:

Since Mr. Mathews left after his presentation, Mr. Colino stayed to hear the recommendations of the Commissioners.

The motion was made by B. Dalstrom, seconded by S. Skene, to grant the COA with the following conditions: The exterior materials must be matched like for like (shakes, and windows), and he must work with the COA committee to insure the landscaping materials, porch, and rails are appropriate for the home. The project must be complete within a year (2/5/08). The motion was unanimously accepted.

The motion was made by B. Dalstrom, seconded by S. Skene, to only allow wooden replacement windows on the front of the house, consistent with the illustrations brought in by the applicant and the project must be complete within a year (2/5/08). The motion passed unanimously.

A. Audience of Citizens: NONE

B. Discussion and Acceptance of Minutes:

A motion was made by B. Dalstrom, seconded by L. Stub, to accept the January minutes (with a few minor corrections). The motion was passed unanimously.

C. Report of Chairman and Committee Reports:

Chairman Wiater stated that there have been some inquiries into a few properties on the Ridge. She continues to refer them to the Wethersfield regulations for standard questions until the Berlin regulations are completed.

D. Report of Clerk:

No money was spent during the month. The Annual Report is being prepared to present to the Preservation Trustees. L. Stub is compiling the list of COA’s for the year from Marie Ralph’s records.

E. Old Business:

F. New Business:

Mayor Adam Salina, Council members Ed Egesarian and Linda Cimadon all came before the Commissioners to officially present a letter of petition (see attached) from Mr. William Traverse’s attorney to request the repeal of the Berlin Historic District Ordinance/Commission. After lengthy discussion, B. Dalstrom made a motion, seconded by S. Skene, to accept the letter into the record, and act on the matter in an appropriate time frame. A meeting will be set with the Town Legal Counsel, Kate Wall, Town Clerk, and Hellyn Riggins, Town Planner, to discuss the proper procedure for acting on this petition. The motion was passed unanimously.

Mayor Salina also notified the Commissioners of a Public Hearing at the Legislative Office Building to be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 06, 2007 regarding the award of a grant for the Meeting House in Berlin. It is advised that someone from the Committee be there to speak.

G. Election of Officers:

A recommendation was made to elect Bruce Dalstrom as the new Chairman of the Committee. There was a unanimous vote to accept the recommendation.

A recommendation was made to elect Lorraine Stub as the new Vice-Chairperson of the Committee. There was a unanimous vote to accept the recommendation.

A recommendation was made to elect Julie Collazo as the new Clerk of the Committee.

There was a unanimous vote to accept the recommendation.

Other Committees include:

COA Application Committee:

Pam Pethigal

Karoll Wiater

Preservation Guidelines Committee:

Susan Skene

Karoll Wiater

Pam Pethigal

District Enhancement Committee:

Julie Collazo

Lorraine Stub

Bruce Dalstrom

Chairman B. Dalstrom was requested to write a letter to the Town Manger requesting to remove inactive members and filling the positions with new volunteers. Also request that Lorraine Stub be moved up from alternate to fill a regular position.

H. Adjournment:

A motion was made by L. Stub, seconded by P. Pethigal, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 PM. The motion was passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lecia J. Paonessa

Lecia J. Paonessa

Recording Secretary