HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHC 02 21 23 Approved Minutes- AMENDED
Approved 3/21/2023
MINUTES
Barnstable Historical Commission
This meeting was held by remote participation via Zoom Meetings
February 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM
Fran Parks, Chair Present
Nancy Shoemaker, Vice Chair Present
Marilyn Fifield, Clerk Present
George Jessop Present; late arrival.
Cheryl Powell Present
Nancy Clark Present
Jack Kay Present
Barbara DeBiase, Alternate Present
Jessica Rapp Grassetti, Town Council
Liaison
Absent
Kate Maldonado, Planning & Development
Staff, Assistant Director
Present
Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant Present
Chair Fran Parks called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm
Acting under the provisions of the Code of the Town of Barnstable, ss 112-1 through 112-7, the
Historical Commission held a Public Hearing on the following applications previously
determined significant and referred to Public Hearing:
CONTINUED APPLICATIONS
None
Applications
Brown, Emily & Winsor, Lisa- 651 Main Street, Cotuit, Map 036, Parcel 017, Built 1860,
Inventoried
Partial Demolition: Construct full dormer on right side of home.
Homeowner Emily Brown explained that they would like to construct a dormer on the right side of the home to
expand closet space and living space, and she said the dormer would not be visible from the corner at all because of
the woods on that side of the home on the corner of Lowell and Main Street.
Discussion: Nancy Clark felt the proposed dormer window looked unbalanced from the exterior , but Ms Brown
replied that that that is where the closet will be going, reminding that the dormer will not be visible from the side,
and only the front will be seen. Nancy Clark suggested a window with heavy curtains to help the unbalanced look.
Public Comment: None
Approved 3/21/2023
Motion 1:
Cheryl moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials,
the Significant Building at 651 Main Street, Cotuit, is a Preferably-preserved Significant Building.
Nancy S. seconded the motion.
So Voted:
Aye-
Nay- Nancy S., Marilyn, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Abstain-
Motion 2:
Cheryl moved that, in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that
the partial demolition of the building located at 651 Main Street, Cotuit, is not detrimental to the historical,
cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town.
Nancy S. seconded the motion.
So Voted:
Aye- Jack, Nancy C., Cheryl, George, Marilyn, Nancy S., Fran
Nay-
Abstain-
Saul, Francis & Patricia – 355 Eel River Road, Osterville, Map 114 Parcel 023. Built c. 1930
Partial Demolition: Construct an exterior elevator shaft on the left elevation of the existing house.
Representing the applicants, Gordon Clark explained that the elevator shaft will be added to the addition to the
house which was built in 2006, adding that the homeowners would like the elevator access for mobility and
accessibility.
Discussion: Gordon clarified that it is electric /hydraulic with a railway on the side and no cables. Nancy Clark asked
if the entrance to the elevator is an existing door, and Gordon replied yes, but it is only accessible from the interior,
also noting that there is no ramp and that the grade of the gro und/house is nearly level. He said there would be no
modifications to the interior of the house because there is no necessity to do that. George asked if ventilation is
required at the top of the shaft, and Gordon answered that no ventilation is necessary, as it is a piston elevator and
doesn’t require it. Gordon reminded that the elevator is in the back of the house and the shingle pattern will match
what exists, with false windows to make it look like part of the house. He added that it is hard to hide an elevator,
but he hoped that the false windows and siding will hide it and tie in with the house. Cheryl complimented him on
doing a very good job with the plans.
Public Comment: None
Motion 1:
Cheryl moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials,
the Significant Building at 355 Eel River Road, Osterville, is a Preferably-preserved Significant Building.
Nancy S. seconded the motion.
So Voted:
Aye-
Nay - Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Approved 3/21/2023
Abstain-
Motion 2:
Cheryl moved that, in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that
the partial demolition of the building located at 355 Eel River Road, Osterville, is not detrimental to the
historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town.
Nancy C. seconded the motion.
So Voted:
Aye- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Nay-
Abstain-
Eagan, Christopher & Mary Ellen - 676 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis, Map 287, Parcel 008, Built
1880, Inventoried
Partial Demolition: Front porch and side porch to be rebuilt, house to be raised for construction of new foundation,
windows to be moved/relocated, larger dormer added to south elevation, and small dormer added to north elevation.
Gordon Clark represented homeowner Mary Ellen Eagan, who was also present.
Gordon said they plan to keep the existing aluminum siding, with everything to be rebuilt the same once the
foundation is done and with windows to be relocated close to where the existing windows are. He said they would
like to keep the existing staircase in the house, adding the ramp as shown on the drawings, with the rest of the house
remaining as it is now.
Discussion: George suggested substituting closed shutters for the staircase window to keep the symmetry, with a
double-hung window over the kitchen to keep the façade intact. Gordon clarified that the porch will be rebuilt but
the proportions will remain the same, and Mary Ellen clarified that she would like the ramp to remain for
accessibility.
Public Comment: None
Motion 1:
Cheryl moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials,
the Significant Building at 676 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis, is a Preferably-preserved Significant Building.
Nancy C. seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Aye-
Nay- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Abstain-
Motion 2:
Cheryl moved that, in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that
the partial demolition of the building located at 676 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis, is not detrimental to the
historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town.
Approved 3/21/2023
George seconded the motion.
Aye- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Nay-
Abstain-
Crory, Robert & Lauren- 117 Lake Elizabeth Drive, Centerville, Map 226, Parcel 053, Built 1890,
Inventoried
Partial Demolition: Enclose 14’ x 6’ covered porch.
Representative Bill O’Brien said the home was built in 1890 and renovated in 2014. He said the applicants would
like to keep the same door and windows, trim and shingles to match the same trim design as the front of the house
with two windows added to the left elevation of the home.
Discussion: George asked about shelter over the front entry door, since it does not have a stoop and does not need a
threshold. He felt the casing should match the line and the width to carry the line down. Bill replied that h e could do
that, but he would prefer to keep the plans as submitted. George said that it was a suggestion to keep the symmetry.
Public Comment: None
Motion 1:
Cheryl moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials,
the Significant Building at 117 Lake Elizabeth Drive, Centerville, is a Preferably-preserved Significant Building.
Nancy C. seconded the motion.
Aye-
Nay- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Abstain-
Motion 2:
Cheryl moved that, in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that
the partial demolition of the building located at 117 Lake Elizabeth Drive, Centerville, is not detrimental to the
historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town.
George seconded the motion.
Aye- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Nay-
Abstain-
Kinder, James & Herlihy, Julie- 85 Wachusett Avenue, Hyannis, Map 287, Parcel 075, Built 1875
Partial Demolition: Remove NE addition roof and rebuild with second -story dormer with gable to match, rebuild
NE gable end chimney, remove SW 1-story shed roof and rebuild with second-story gable and dormer to match, with
windows, doors, trim, siding, decking to be replaced.
Representing the applicants, Craig Ashworth referred to the drawings, noting that they would like to add a new
second-story gable that embraces the chimney.
Approved 3/21/2023
Discussion: George asked if the roof will lap as the existing roof does, and Craig confirmed that it will remain the
same. Commissioners appreciated the presentation.
Public Comment: None
Motion 1:
Cheryl moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials,
the Significant Building at 85 Wachusett Avenue, Hyannis, is a Preferably-preserved Significant Building.
Nancy C. seconded the motion.
Aye-
Nay- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Jack, Nancy C., Fran
Abstain-
Motion 2:
Cheryl moved that, in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that
the partial demolition of the building located at 85 Wachusett Avenue, Hyannis, is not detrimental to the
historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town.
Nancy S. seconded the motion.
Aye- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Jack, Nancy C., Fran
Nay-
Abstain-
Other:
Award Preservation Guidelines: Updated and Revised
Fran asked if everyone had reviewed the items. Nancy C. referred to page 2, suggesting that no self-nominations be
accepted. Cheryl agreed with Nancy C., and Nancy C. then questioned if the Town Council should make the last
decision from Historical Commission recommendations. George and Nancy S. agreed that it is not a Town award
but the Historical Commission’s award. Cheryl pointed out the Town Council does do this for other commissions,
noting that this deliberation has taken a long time before a decision was made.
Nancy C. moved to change the next-to-last paragraph to state that there is no limit on the awards and anyone
may apply, with any number of nominations - or none - to be considered annually, with presentation to be made
by the Town Council. Nancy S. seconded the motion.
Aye: Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Nancy S. moved to amend the last bullet to read that the names of the individuals and organizations that the BHC
accepts as nominees for Preservation Awards would be sent to the Town Council with the request to announce
and present the awards at a Town Council Meeting.
Nancy Clark seconded the motion.
Aye: Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran,
Nancy C. moved to remove the phrase “as was the original intention at the inception of these rewards” and
replace the sentence with “Anyone may apply with the exclusion of self-nominations.”
George seconded the motion.
Aye: Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Cheryl, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Fran moved to include where to find the resource of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, also deleting from
the name “for the Rehabilitation of.”
Approved 3/21/2023
Nancy C. seconded the motion.
Aye: Jack, Nancy C., Cheryl, George, Nancy S., Fran
Abstain: Marilyn
Barbara suggested that the whole document be editorially cleaned up.
A discussion ensued about the last paragraph referring to recusals. Fran felt that the entire paragraph should be
removed. George stated that it had already been covered under standards of procedure. Cheryl referred to the State
Ethics Commission determination that no one can be told to recuse, saying that she preferred this to be stated.
Cheryl explained that there has been discussions about this and how people have to recuse and in the proposed
guidelines submitted roughly 6 minutes in the meeting back in the summer of 2022, it pointed that anyone would
have to recuse, and it was indicated that they could have to be told to recuse, and that’s why that’s in there to point
that out. Cheryl went to the State Ethics Commission to veri fy: We cannot tell anyone that they must recuse.”
Nancy C. stated that that pertains to regular meetings and that this has to do with the awards.
George pointed out that that this is the standard.
Cheryl agreed and pointed out that, “In the awards that were trying to be pushed through it stated that, “The
applications will be reviewed by the Barnstable Historical Commissions BHC subcommittee for nominations. BHC
members who have nominated an individual or structural landscape should recuse themselves from the committee
and from BHC voting, and since that was argued several times, I felt that we should clarify that we are all aware that
you cannot insist that somebody recuse themselves. That is up to each individual and that is verified by the State
Ethics Commission.”
George wanted a shorter version, that recusals will be according to BHC guidelines.
Cheryl stated that she is fine that this entire paragraph be removed, provided that it is listed verbatim in the minutes.
Nancy C. seconded this.
CherylFran moved to remove the last paragraph referring to recusals provided that it is listed verbatim in the
minutes.
Nancy C. seconded the motion.
Aye: Jack, Nancy C., Cheryl, George, Marilyn, Nancy S., Fran
Commissioners agreed that the document should come back for approval after these revisions.
Cheryl Powell excused herself from the meeting as she had another obligation.
Community Preservation Committee Update: Marilyn Fifield reported that the Committee approved the Unitari-
an Church restoration application.
Discussion of upcoming historical events open to the public: Nancy S. noted the loss of two very important peo-
ple in the community who have had a significant historical impact: John Reed and James Otis Ellis.
Approval of Minutes:
Nancy C. moved to approve the Minutes from December 20, 2022, and January 17, 2023.
Marilyn seconded the motion.
Aye- Nancy S., Marilyn, George, Nancy C., Jack, Fran
Next meeting will be March 21st, 2023
With no further business before this Commission, a motion was duly made by Commissioner Nancy S. and
seconded by Commissioner Clark to adjourn the meeting.
Aye: Nancy S., Nancy C., George, Jack, Marilyn, Fran
Meeting adjourned at 4:47 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Approved 3/21/2023
Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant
and edited by Commission Clerk Marilyn Fifield