Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – September 12, 2013

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC” or the “Committee”) was held on September 12, 2013, at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.  In attendance were Co-Chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann, Pat Rusak, Mike DeWitt, Chris Smith, Ginny Cassidy, and Roberta Matalon.  Absent were Margaret DeWitt, Brigid Walsh, and Borough Liaison Jason Bradlee.

Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

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

Treasurer’s Report

John Grossmann presented the report prepared by Chris Sheasby:

 

Opening Balance as of July 10, 2013: $30.158.91

 

Debits:

 

$   207.00        Refund for plaque not ordered

     273.23        Pat Rusak for Hapgood work papers

     589.60        Erie Landmark for 3 plaques

       13.37        Pat Rusak for scanning of historic photos

       15.00        Chris Sheasby for 2 binders, envelopes and stamps

$1,098.20        Total

 

Credits:

$   221.00        One plaque

       75.00        Centennial Book

       29.00        Historic Photo

$   325.00        Total

 

Closing Balance as of September 10, 2013: $29,385.71

 

Archivist’s Report

Pat Rusak spoke of the upcoming centennial for the Library and said she’ll be making up display material to help commemorate that event. With great progress made on organizing Hapgood’s work orders, she said the next push will be to digitize these records, some of which are nearly crumbling from age.  She said she has a new and improved version of the old address book -- which is helpful in providing Hapgood’s original addresses for homes—many of which differ from the current addresses.  Pat also mentioned providing material to the Mountain Lakes Club in connection with its centennial celebration, and that the Briarcliff Principal is looking for historic photos of the school to include in a display case at the school.  The Committee had approved a $25 gift certificate to thank high school volunteer Haley Scottstein for her excellent and enthusiastic support of Pat’s work in organizing Hapgood’s work papers.

Old Business

Greenwood Cemetery Headstone Inventory Excursion

Pat said she would lead a trip the following Sunday morning to document the headstone location for Belle DeRivera and other Borough notables and pioneers buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Boonton.  Tom Dagger and John Grossmann said they would join her.

Historic Preservation Incentive Ordinance

Tom Dagger brought to the Committee’s attention that the first demolition notice under the Ordinance had been received earlier that day.  The notice was provided by Roy Dignes and related to 17 Condit Road.  The Committee discussed the process generally that would be followed, including having a discussion with the applicant about his/her intentions and making sure the benefits of the Ordinance if the house were preserved were known to the applicant, documentation of the house, and architectural salvage if the applicant were willing to permit it.  Tom agreed to reach out to Roy Dignes and report back to the Committee.  Tom also noted that he is scheduled to meet with the Borough Zoning Officer and Construction Officer at the end of October to obtain their input on possible improvements to be recommended for the Ordinance based on their now 1+ year of experience working with the Ordinance.

Historic Plaques

There was a brief discussion of prices for historic plaques, and it was determined that, in order to be sure our costs are covered, the price going forward would be $198 “plus shipping and handling.”

Midvale Stores Sidewalk Project

John Grossmann reported that he had attended a meeting with Midvale Stores owner Bill Corvelli and Borough Manager Bob Tovo.  No major progress was made on how to best move forward. Talks are continuing.

Summary of Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Meeting

Roberta Matalon shared her experience representing Mountain Lakes and the HPC at the recent multi-town meeting sponsored by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust. She displayed copies of the Centennial history book and an audio walking tour CD. 

HPC Merchandise Webpage Displays

John Grossmann reported that he and Chris Smith had taken the merchandise photos and the next step will be to have Mike DeWitt import them to a Flickr page that the Borough webmaster can link to the HPC home page.

Briarcliff Photo Spread from 1949 Magazine

Mike DeWitt said that the magazine pages are in the hands of the Board of Education. No word yet on when they will be duplicated, framed, and hung, presumably at Briarcliff School.

Remote Monitoring for Archives/ML Library

Mike DeWitt reported he had met with Jonathan Holasek, the Library board member charged with such matters.  Holasek will discuss this matter with his board and the two will continue the discussion.  Roberta Matalon shared that her brother owns a security system firm and offered his name to DeWitt for additional perspective on the matter and possible help with this project.

New Business 

None

Date for Next Meeting

Wednesday, October 9, at 7:30 pm at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by John Grossmann and Tom Dagger.