Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – September 12, 2012

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC” or the “Committee”) was held on September 12, 2012, in the meeting room at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.  In attendance were Co-Chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann, Pat Rusak, Chris Smith, Roberta Matalon, Brigid Walsh, and John Lester.  Borough Council Liaison Peter Holmberg and HPC member Beth Mauro were absent.

Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

The Committee approved the minutes of the August 16 meeting in the form distributed to the Committee in advance of the meeting, with an addition suggested by Pat Rusak. 

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Chris Sheasby provided the following financial information:

Opening Balance as of August 9, 2012: $27,846.62

 

Debits:

  $72.75           Pat Rusak for historic photos

 

Credits:

$145.00           Historic photos

    10.00           ML booklet

$155.00

 

Closing Balance as of September 10, 2012: $27,928.87

 

Archivist’s Report

Archivist Pat Rusak reported that she has continued going through house deeds at the Morris County Courthouse, double-checking the information attributed to the Hapgood and Belhall houses cited in the Historic District application paperwork.  She also mentioned that realtor Ginny Cassidy has been asking for the history of houses she’s listing as a sales tool. 

Public Comments

None.

Old Business

Work Plan for Historic Preservation Incentive Ordinance

Website.  Tom Dagger discussed the status of the work-in-progress website that have been implemented by Andy Bulfer.

Photographs.  The Committee discussed the status of the photographs being taken by volunteers.  Work is ongoing.

List of Contributing Dwellings.  The Committee discussed the proposed list of “Contributing Dwellings” under the Ordinance.  Concerns were raised about certain homes that do not appear to resemble homes from the period covered by the ordinance.  The Committee made a preliminary decision to identify problematic homes for further investigation before they are formally added to the list. 

Documentation Guidelines.  The Committee discussed the draft documentation guidelines homeowner seeking a demolition permit for a Contributing Dwelling. The Committee voted on certain minor revisions to be included.

Fall Open House at Library & Centennial Merchandise Sale

Pat Rusak reiterated that she’ll be present both days (Oct 19 and 20) from start to finish to showcase the archives and help residents with house research. Roberta Matalon again volunteered to be on hand Saturday morning.  Chris Smith confirmed that he’d be present on Saturday afternoon.  John Grossmann said he’d be there the whole time on Friday and Brigid Walsh volunteered to come on Friday as well.  Grossmann delegated Chris Smith to handle the distribution of Centennial Banners at 2 p.m. on Saturday.  This will involve drawing names out of a hat, if those on the interested buyers’ list exceed the 15 available banners (and drawing any additional names and noting the order…16th, 17th, 18th, etc…in the event that one or more of the chosen 15 elects not to follow through with the purchase).

Midvale Stores Sidewalk Project

John Grossmann reported that he had visited the site with landscape architect Bruce Davies, recommended by Joan Nix.  The current asphalt sidewalk is badly cracked and unbecoming to the architectural and functional heart of the Borough and the time seems opportune—with next year being the centennial of the Midvale Stores—to beautify the area with a new sidewalk that might include planters and streetlights.  Pat Rusak mentioned that she believed the town has two old fashioned streetlights that went unused in the Esplanade renovation that might be employed in front of the Midvale Shops. 

No one knew who owns the sidewalk—the Borough or the storeowners themselves—and all agreed that this was important to learn before proceeding.  Grossmann said he would contact Borough liaison Peter Holmberg to learn ownership and also brief him on the Committee’s thoughts to date so that Holmberg might begin to bring this idea to the attention of the Council and Borough Manager. 

Salvage Trailer

John Grossmann reported that no date had been set yet to move the salvaged materials offered by Jonathan Holasek.  He and Holasek are to try to arrange for this in the next few weeks. 

Oral Histories

An essay from Ronald Neil Campbell, author of a previous essay on the lakes, was received by John Grossmann.  After some minor edits, the essay was passed on to Borough webmaster Andy Bulfer for posting. 

New Members

John Grossmann contacted one potential candidate but discovered that at this time she doesn’t feel she has the necessary time to devote to the Committee. She may be interested in the future and should be recontacted in a year or two.  Meantime, the Committee needs to rustle up at least one and possibly two new member candidates. 

New Business

None.

Date for Next Meeting

Thursday, October 11, at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by John Grossmann and Tom Dagger.