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WASHINGTON HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 19, 2015
PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Alternates Present:
Staff Present:
Others:
Tom Hollinger, Jane Boyer, Phyllis Mills, Alison Gilchrist, George
Krimsky
None
Louise Van Tartwijk, Sally Woodroofe, Susan Averill
Janice Roberti
Jeff Blocksidge, Sachs Lindores Architecture, Interiors,
Kristin Frederickson, Reed Hilderbrand LLC
Peter Becker, The Gunnery
Bill Zekas, The Gunnery
Curtiss Smith, Smith & Company Surveyors-Engineers,
Leigh Sherwood, OMR Architects
PUBLIC HEARING
7:00 PM
Mr. Hollinger opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 PM to consider the application for Steve and
Kathy Guttman, 21 Kirby Rd, to construct a 3 car garage with basement storage, regrade garage
site, eliminate part of driveway and construct a new generator enclosure. Mr. Hollinger seated
members and seated Alternate Susan Averill for Ms. Gilchrist. Jeff Blocksidge, Sachs Lindores
Architecture, Interiors and Kristin Frederickson, Reed Hilderbrand LLC represented the owners.
7:05 PM Ms. Gilchrist arrives.
Mr. Blocksidge displayed drawing #’s L-000-1, L-001.0, L-002.0, L-002.1, L-003.0, A-002.3, A204.3, A-405.3 and A-901.3. Mr. Blocksidge started by presenting the plans for the garage. The
placement of the garage was largely guided by Landscape Architecture. Ms. Frederickson
explained the drawings in details. Following that there were questions and answers:
Q. Mr. Hollinger - Was the proposed reinstatement of the historic wall part of the application?
A. Yes.
Q. Mr. Hollinger asked if the darker gray wall shown will be the new wall.
A. Yes and the other two walls are existing walls.
Q. Mr. Hollinger – regarding the historic wall, does it exist?
A. Yes.
Q. Ms. Gilchrist inquired about the origination of the historic photo of the stone wall.
A. Mr. Blocksidge said the photo came from landscape historian Bill Noble but the date is
unknown. Ms. Gilchrist said it looks like a Joseph West photo which would put the date
around 1900 – 1915.
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Q. Ms. Gilchrist - Are you using the photograph as a guide for height and as a guide to the
method in which the wall was laid?
A. Yes.
Q. Ms. Boyer asked if there was pathway from the house to the garage.
A. There is an existing path which will be the main pedestrian pathway (between the two rock
outcrops).
Q. Mr. Hollinger - Will all the driveways be stone?
A. The existing driveway is asphalt and it will probably remain asphalt or a chip and seal
driveway which is the method of putting a thin layer of tar and then roll in crushed stone
The result is that it looks completely like a stone driveway. For the court area, we are
proposing granite cobble.
Mr. Blocksidge then continued the presentation explaining in detail all the aspects of the garage.
construction.
Q. Mr. Hollinger - Will the back of this garage be visible from the Gunnery dean’s
back yard?
A.Yes. It will be visible but only for the first five years.
Q. Mr. Hollinger – Will there be cedar shakes on the entire exterior?
A. Yes, except for the foundation wall which will be stone veneer to match the historic parts.
Q. Ms. Gilchrist - How do Alaskan yellow cedar shingles weather compared to what local
residents currently use.
A. They’re not the robust brown warm shingles. They weather as gray. They will be aging them
prematurely with a mild solution.
Q. Mr. Hollinger – Please explain the doors.
The doors will be panels, not glass. They will match the original doors on the Carriage
House.
Q. An attendee asked about the lighting.
A. All sconces will have hidden bulbs pointing downward as shown in the drawing.
Mr. Hollinger asked the commissioners and public if there were any further questions or
comments. There were none.
MOTION:
To close the Public Hearing to consider the application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness submitted by Steve and Kathy Guttman, 21 Kirby Road, for a 3
car garage with basement storage, regrading of the garage site, elimination of part
of the driveway and a new generator enclosure according to the plans submitted.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Ms. Boyer, passed 5 to 0.
Mr. Hollinger closed the public hearing at 7:25 PM.
This Public Hearing was recorded and is available in the Land Use Office, Bryan Memorial
Town Hall, Washington Depot CT.
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The Gunnery, Inc. /99 Green Hill Road/construct English Tudor style dormitory, 22 student
rooms, and 3 faculty apartments
Mr. George Krimsky recused himself for this hearing.
Representing The Gunnery were Mr. Curtiss Smith, Smith & Company Surveyors/Engineers,
Leigh Sherwood, principle Architect, OMR Architects, Peter Becker, Gunnery Dean, Bill Zekas,
CFO and Business Manager
The Project Booklets by OMR Architects and a six page Plan Set which included Cover Sheet,
Existing Conditions, Site Development Plan, Site Grading and Utility Plan, Erosion & Sediment
Control Plan, Notes & Details Page were distributed. The representatives displayed and
described in great detail the numerous elevations, photographs and site plans while explaining
what the vision was for the new dormitory.
Members asked questions of the representatives:
Q. Will The Gunnery have to go to ZBA?
A. Yes
Q. Are there any inland-wetland concerns?
A. There are no Inland Wetland concerns.
Q. What type of windows will be installed? Storms and screens?
A. The Gunnery brought the window sample for the commissioners to look at. The
same windows will be installed but the manufacturer will be different. They will be 8 over 8.
Q. What material and color will the roofing be?
A. The Gunnery supplied a color board with roofing samples for this presentation.
Mr. Hollinger asked if there were any other questions or comments. There were none.
Mr. Hollinger closed the Public Hearing at 7:25 PM
This Public Hearing was recorded and is available in the Land Use Office, Bryan Memorial
Town Hall, Washington Depot CT.
Mr. Grimsky returns for the Wheeler hearing.
Brett and Shannon Wheeler/128 Calhoun Street/3 car garage, social gathering area above, mud
room, small kitchenette.
The representative for the Wheelers, Mr. Harold Tittman displayed the plans and elevations and
explained and described the work to be done and materials to be used. He started by saying that
the owners are keeping everything very subtle. The proposed structure is for a three-car garage
and a social gathering area above. There will be a mud room, stairs to the lower level, a small
kitchenette and powder room. The structure is sunk into the grade. The garage bays will form a
“walk out basement” setup. The materials that will be used on the structure will mimic the
existing material used on site. The windows and doors will have a black frame and the gutters
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will be copper. Exterior lighting will be kept at a minimum and conform to the town zoning
requirements with lights shining downward. A commissioner asked if there was going to be an
apartment and Mr. Tittman replied no. Another question asked was whether the story polls had
been put up and Mr. Tittman said yes. They are not visible from the road.
Mr. Hollinger asked if there were any more comments or questions. There were none.
Mr. Hollinger closed the Public Hearing at 8:00 PM.
REGULAR MEETING
Mr. Hollinger called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:03 PM and seated members.
Pending Applications/Pending Business
A. Steve and Kathy Guttman, 21 Kirby Rd, to construct a 3 car garage with basement storage,
regrade garage site, eliminate part of driveway and construct a new generator enclosure
Mr. Hollinger polled the commissioners for their comments on this application. It was noted by
the Commission that the firm of Sachs Lindores always does an outstanding job of presenting all
aspects of the project and all expressed their confidence with the work done by this firm and in
approving the COA.
MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by
Steve and Kathy Guttman, 21 Kirby Road, Washington, for a 3 car garage with
basement storage, regrading of the garage site, elimination of part of the driveway
and a new generator enclosure as per plans submitted. By Mr. Hollinger,
seconded by Ms. Boyer, passed 5 to 0.
B. The Gunnery, Inc. /99 Green Hill Rd. /construct English Tudor style dormitory, 22 student
rooms, and 3 faculty apartments
Mr. Hollinger asked the members if there were any additional comments regarding this
application and there was no further discussion necessary.
MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by The
Gunnery, Inc., 99 Green Hill Road for the construction of an English Tudor style
dormitory with 22 student rooms and 3 faculty apartments according to the plans
submitted by The Gunnery. By Ms. Woodroofe, seconded by Ms. Boyer, passed 5
to 0.
C. Wheeler/128 Calhoun Street/3 car garage, social gathering area above, mud room, small
kitchenette
There was no further discussion regarding this application. Mr. Hollinger asked the Commission
for a vote.
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MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Brett
and Shannon Wheeler, 128 Calhoun Street, for a 3 car garage, social gathering
area above, a mud room and small kitchenette according to the plans submitted.
By Ms. Mills, seconded by Ms. Gilchrist and passed 5 to 0.
Other Business
A. Peter Klemm, 11 Ives Road. Discussion regarding HDC placing a notice of violation on property
records regarding silo - Robert L. Fisher, Jr., Cramer & Anderson, LLP
Mr. Hollinger reminded the audience the meeting was not it is not a public hearing so the HDC
will not be soliciting comments from the public. Mr. Hollinger went through minutes and notes
from the HDC 2008 through 2012. The first time Peter and Christina Klemm discussed the silo
was during the time of the application for an addition to their house. At the same time, 10/19/09
Peter Talbot emphasized his concern and the importance of documentation on the barn and silo
and what was discussed at that meeting. Attorney had authority from the Klemms for that
documentation to take place. In October 2010 Peter Klemm asked Brian Neff to evaluate the
condition of the silo. Mr. Neff said the silo was severely deteriorated. Mr. Neff recommended
removal. Mr. Klemm told Attorney Fisher that he wanted to do the right thing and rebuild the
silo but at the time he didn’t realize the cost involved and what he was getting himself into. To
remove the silo would cost approximately $18,000. To rebuild the silo, the cost would be
approximately $100,000. Due to financial constraints, the Klemms did not even exercise their
right under the COA to go forward with the addition. In Mr. Klemm’s mind, the project
languished and they did not pursue reconstructing the huge expense. Attorney Fisher concluded
saying that he has given the HDC the background and explanation they asked for.
Mr. Hollinger said that its conclusion from researching the minutes from February 15, 2008
through May 21, 2012 is that it was the HDC’s understanding that the silo would be rebuilt
according to the Barn/Silo Drawing #`1 by Tittman Design & Consulting and the
Silo Reconstruction Drawing #2 by Godwin Inc. both dated December 2, 2009. The only change
was the acceptance of a metal roof instead of a wood roof. This whole matter has been
continuously brought to the Historic Commission asking when the silo will be rebuilt in the form
of numerous letters and requests for a positive conclusion of the rebuilding the silo.
Mr. Hollinger said that why should the HDC not place a notice of violation on the property
because as far as the HDC is concerned, the Klemms have not kept their commitment. There was
then discussion back and forth between Mr. Hollinger and Attorney Fisher regarding the HDC’s
authority. Attorney Fisher said that the Commission has the right to go to court to enforce its
orders and regulations but he doesn’t believe that there is any authority in the statues or
regulations themselves that state that the HDC can put a notice of violation on a property.
Mr. Hollinger disagreed stating that he researched this.
Mr. Krimsky added that there could also be monetary penalties that would go along with the
notice of violation. Mr. Hollinger said the HDC was trying to figure out where the Klemms stand
and the Commission’s position is that it will be forced to put a notice of violation on the property
records. Attorney Fisher said that at some point this could result in an escalation because the
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notice stays on the property like a mortgage and this would prevent the Klemms from selling the
house or getting a home equity loan. Attorney Fisher stated that this could result in going to court
with the stance the HDC is taking requiring the landowners to spend six figure to rebuild the silo.
After Attorney Fisher concluded Mr. Hollinger went around to each commissioner to ask for
their opinions. All commissioners present stated their position that the Klemms committed to
rebuild the silo and they have broken that commitment to the Commission and the town. All
present stated that they were in support of having the silo rebuilt.
MOTION:
To table the Washington Historic District Commission taking definitive action on
placing a notice of violation on the Klemm property located at 11 Ives Road
pending additional conversation with Mr. Gregory Farmer, Circuit Rider at the
Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. By Ms. Boyer, seconded by
Mr. Krimsky, passed 5 to 0.
B. Report on Krimsky/Hollinger meeting with the Washington Zoning Enforcement officer
– Tom Hollinger
Mr. Hollinger and Mr. Krimsky met with Mike Ajello, Town of Washington Zoning
Enforcement on September 24, 2015 to discuss enforcement issues and other matters regarding
the Historic District Commission responsibilities and activities. Mr. Hollinger created a memo
describing this meeting which is an Addendum to these minutes.
Consideration of the Minutes
September 21, 2015
Members reviewed the minutes and determined there were no revisions or corrections.
MOTION:
To approve the September 21, 2015 minutes as written. By Ms. Mills, seconded
by Ms. Boyer passed 5 to 0.
MOTION:
To adjourn. By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Ms. Boyer and passed 5 to 0.
Mr. Hollinger adjourned the meeting at 9:15 PM.
FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Roberti
Janice Roberti, Historic District Clerk
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ADDENDEUM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 10-19-15