Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – June 13, 2012

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC” or the “Committee”) was held on June 13th, 2012, at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.  In attendance were Co-Chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann, Chris Smith, John Lester and Roberta Matalon. Pat Rusak, Brigid Walsh, Beth Mauro, Jess Mahony and Borough Council Liaison Peter Holmberg could not make the meeting.

Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

The Committee approved the minutes of the May 17 meeting in the form distributed to the Committee in advance of the meeting. 

Treasurer’s Report

On behalf of the Treasurer, Chris Sheasby, John Grossmann reported the following financial information.

Opening Balance as of May 16, 2012:  $26,969.52

No debits or credits.

Closing Balance as of June 11, 2012:   $26,969.52

Archivist’s Report

Although archivist Pat Rusak was not present, Roberta Matalon raised a question prompted by a plaque order from the homeowner at 141 Lookout.  HPC records provide a date of 1919, but the homeowner reports documents that go back to 1917.  It was decided to hold off on the plaque order until this was settled, and it was suggested that Joan Nix be contacted to learn by what means the dates for the contributing homes in the historic district application were determined. 

Public Comments

None.

Old Business

Work Plan for Ordinance Implementation

Tom Dagger provided an update on the progress of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.  The Ordinance was discussed by the Borough Council at its May 29 meeting and unanimously approved on its first reading with certain amendments that, in Tom’s view, were improvements to the Ordinance.  The Ordinance next must be reviewed by the Planning Board at its meeting on June 28 to determine if it is consistent with the Borough’s Master Plan.  It would then go to Borough Council for a public hearing, second reading and final vote at its July 23 meeting.  The Committee discussed preparing materials about the Ordinance that might be useful during the public hearing.

Tom then led a discussion of the activities the Committee would need to undertake following passage of the Ordinance (including responsibilities the Ordinance assigns to the Committee), and the Committee discussed preliminary planning for those activities, including:

· Public education regarding the Ordinance for homeowners, realtors, contractors, architects and others to make sure the incentive benefits of the Ordinance are fully realized.

· Preparation of a comprehensive list of the “contributing dwellings” eligible for the bulk incentives.

· Documenting the existing condition of each of the contributing dwellings as of the effective date of the Ordinance.  This would consist of photographing facades visible from the street and organizing them on a website so they are readily accessible.  The Committee discussed development of a protocol and process for taking and organizing the photos.

· Developing guidelines for “self-documentation” of contributing dwellings before a demolition permit is issued.

· Providing or making available copies of the Restoration and Renovation Handbook.

The Committee agreed that the July 12 meeting would be an important meeting for developing a work plan for these activities.

Oral Histories

John Grossmann reported that Part I of the Doug McWilliams oral history is now posted on the HPC web site.  Discussion ensued about the need for additional volunteers to conduct oral histories.  Grossmann mentioned that one non-committee member who signed up to do so has yet to demonstrate the necessary enthusiasm beyond her initial expression of interest.  It was agreed that this ongoing need should be addressed and that possibly high school students might be trained and used.

Salvage Trailer

No update on the progress of Keara Walsh’s volunteer effort to create pages for the website showcasing the doors and windows in the trailer inventory.  In late May, a Hapgood owner, Roxanne Tavakkol, did request access to the trailer to search for a needed piece of door molding—and left with what she came for, after making a $10 donation for the small piece of painted chestnut.

New Business

Fall HPC Open House at the Library

An HPC Open House (without vendors and architects and such, as in past events at the Community Church) was discussed for September.  Although this would be primarily to sell leftover Centennial merchandise—especially the leftover banners that hung around town—HPC merchandise, including the centennial book, audio walking tour, and tee shirts, would also be for sale. In addition, we’d have materials from the archives on display—and also perhaps, the archives room—so residents would learn more about this important town asset.  The thought would be to schedule the open house for several hours on a Friday and several hours on the next day, Saturday.  Roberta Matalon suggested possibly doing this to coincide with a homecoming weekend. 

Market building auction

Grossmann alerted the Committee that he’d learned that the section of the historic Midvale Stores building that houses the Market and the upstairs apartments above it will be offered for sale by the current owner, TD Bank, at a public auction to be held on July 17 at the Sheraton Edison Hotel in Raritan. Potential buyers can inspect the building on Friday, July 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.  Grossmann spoke with John Dobos, who works for Tranzon, the auction company.  Dobos mentioned that there is an unpublished reserve (a minimum price) and said he thinks it’s likely that the buyer will be someone local.  Of course, that may not necessarily be so.  The Committee decided to alert one or more local newspapers to help generate a timely story that would help spread the word. 

Date for Next Meeting

Thursday, July 12, at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by John Grossmann and Tom Dagger.