Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – April 10, 2014

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC” or the “Committee”) was held on April 10, 2014, at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.  In attendance were Co-Chair John Grossmann, Mike DeWitt, and Chris Smith, constituting less than a quorum, plus Borough Liaison Frank Borin.  Also in attendance was Committee member nominee Lesley Karczewski.  Absent were Co-Chair Tom Dagger, Pat Rusak, Ginny Cassidy, Margaret DeWitt, and Brigid Walsh.

Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

Due to the lack of a quorum, the minutes of the March meeting could not be approved during this meeting, but the necessary approvals for the March minutes, in the form distributed to the Committee in advance of the meeting, were provided subsequently by email. 

Treasurer’s Report

John Grossmann presented the report prepared by Chris Sheasby:

Opening Balance as of 3/11/14: $30,524.33

Debits:

$248.00           Michael DeWitt for monitoring system for Archives

  $68.00           Pat Rusak for historic photos

$316.00           Total Debits

Credits:

$145.00           Historic photos

  $20.00           Centennial poster

$165.00           Total Credits:

Closing Balance as of 4/8/14:  $30,373.33

Archivist’s Report

Pat Rusak provided the following information via email. She is now working on archiving files she has received from the Mountain Lakes Fire Department.  She also mentioned two upcoming events: She will be speaking to the 55+ group on April 25 and has worked with Frank Sanchez to arrange for 3^rd grade visits to the Library downstairs meeting room for explanations of the archives and to view displays of materials. These visits will be on June 9 and 10 and will include visits to the “Luellen House” on Dartmouth Road, thanks to the generous support of the Deyo family.

Borough Liaison Report

Councilman Frank Borin said that at the last Borough Council meeting he had brought up the HPC’s concern that the historic preservation ordinance is still not accessible via the town website.  After learning that remains the case, Frank said he would follow up with Council.  He said the Council is ready to consider the several small changes that the HPC has identified as refinements and improvements to the ordinance.  Frank also said that it is his understanding that there is as yet no change on the dormant Midvale Stores sidewalk renovation; he had heard of no recent meeting between the Borough and building owner Frank Corvelli.  The HPC made the Borough Liaison aware of the landscape architect’s drawings the Committee commissioned and passed on to Borough Manager Bob Tovo. The drawings provide an integrated concept for moving beyond a Phase I design for the Midvale Stores sidewalk that, in later phases, could incorporate the Train Station and the Esplanade.

Old Business

Transition to Borough Administration of HPC Account

Nothing new from the Borough on this front.

Remote Monitoring for Archives/ML Library

Mike DeWitt reported that he installed the monitoring system approved by the Committee for purchase.  He said it seems to be working just fine, and said the final price came in under budget, at $248. He and HPC Archivist Pat Rusak will receive email alerts should there be a temperature concern, water intrusion, or motion detected. 

New Business

HPC Table at Empty Bowls

John Grossmann shared Pat Rusak’s willingness to bring archival materials to the Empty Bowls event at the High School on April 23.  And with Brigid Walsh and Margaret DeWitt lined up to assist and staff a merchandise table, HPC participation at the fundraiser appeared on track. 

15 Cobb-potential buyers “looking for a new house”

John Grossmann said word had reached him that 15 Cobb might be in jeopardy of demolition should a reportedly interested buyer “looking for a new house” in Mountain Lakes purchase the property and decide against renovation. 

Date for Next Meeting

Tuesday May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by John Grossmann.