Historic District Commission
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Rex Baker, Noel Greiner, Andrew Maneval, Nick Colony. Absent: Michael Price and Kully Mindemann
Attendees: Jeff Cady, Jack Calhoun, Erin Hammerstedt
Agenda, Minutes of previous meeting – Members voted in favor to approve the agenda and the minutes of October 22.
Town of Harrisville, 7 Canal Street (Map 32 – Lot 23-1) – continued application to install a mini-split with exterior compressor at the Town Library.
Mr. Cady shared an update that the abutters had offered space on a corner of their property for location of the exterior compressor. The new location, behind an existing white fence and exhibited in photos shared by Mr. Cady, offered a solution to visual impact in the historic district. The new location also offered a solution to installation and maintenance challenges and costs, as installing the unit in the cupola was not feasible without interior building remodeling and incurring greater vendor costs. Mr. Cady explained how the existing white fence will be extended in one section to accommodate the unit.
Mr. Cady further noted, in response to board questions, that the associated electrical connections will be housed along the north-facing side of the building, in a duct that will be painted to match the brick structure as closely as possible. Mr. Maneval stated that the Select Board has expressed its approval of the proposal, based on this new plan. The building inspector has also indicated he has no concerns.
The Chair asked what, if any, agreement or letter should be drafted to document the agreement, and any associated terms, with the abutting property owners. Mr. Maneval offered to draft a consent letter for the owner’s signature.
Rex Baker then moved that the HDC take advantage of the offer from Akhil and Lee Garland to place the mini-split compressor outside of public view, on a 2×6 pressure treated lumber pad. Andrew Maneval seconded. Members voted 4-0 in favor.
Erin Hammerstedt, 15 Main Street (Map 61 – Lot 3) – applying to install gutters and to undertake site work for drainage improvements and stormwater management.
The property owner explained current problems and efforts to dry out the basement of the historic home. While her application proposes to install gutters on eave sides and slope/grade the property to move water away from the house, contractors have already undertaken the work. K-style gutters were chosen for a more discreet fit and HDC members noted the installations were difficult to detect when driving by. An abutter in attendance agreed he does not observe anything from his vantage point. He supports the project.
With no objections from the HDC to the substance of the proposal, Noel Greiner moved to approve the application. Member Nick Colony spoke to the usefulness of gutters and to the importance of keeping old house basements dry.
During discussion, Select Board Representative Andrew Maneval and HDC Chair Rex Baker expressed frustration with the “after the fact” request for approval, as such actions undermine officials’ efforts to treat property owners equally when it comes to the code enforcement process. The HDC Chair noted he would abstain from voting on the motion as this was the third instance in which the property owner came before the board after work had been undertaken, though he agreed the proposal now before the board was an appropriate solution to drainage and moisture problems.
In a vote on the motion, HDC members voted 3-0 in favor with Mr. Baker abstaining due to the reasons stated above.
Budget for 2025 – Members reviewed 2024 expenditures to date and discussed cutting the professional services budget line in half for 2025. All agreed and voted unanimously in favor of modifying the 2025 budget line for professional services to $500 and keeping the other lines flat.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30