Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – November 11, 2010

 

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC”) was held on November 11, 2010 at the Mountain Lakes Library Meeting Room.  In attendance were Co-Chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann.  Also in attendance were Peggy Bulfer, Pat Rusak, Jess Nasta, Roberta Matalon and Borough Council Liaison Doug McWilliams.  Absent:  Beth Mauro.

Opening Items

1. Treasurer's Report

John Grossmann reported on behalf of Treasurer Chris Sheasby the following financial information.  The opening balance was as of 9-9-10.  Expenses since the last meeting included $129.00 for the centennial book ISBN number, $95.10 reimbursement to Pat Rusak for historic photos and $167.23 to Erie Landmark with a grand total of $391.33.  Revenue included $481.00 from Centennial Book sales and $90.00 from notecards and Hapgood plaque sales. 

   Opening balance   

$24,959.05

   Revenue

$571.00

   Expenses

$391.33

   Closing balance   

$25,138.72

 

2. Archivist’s Report

Pat Rusak briefed the committee on her planned historical exhibit displays at Wildwood and Briarcliff for 2011 and the assistance she is providing for a sixth grade water project.

3. Centennial Report

Pat Rusak explained a bit about the kickoff event for the Centennial Celebration on January 9th which is to include a ribbon cutting ceremony at the bridge by the Wildwood Lake park and include horsedrawn hayrides and a fire engine.  She also discussed the meeting for the neighborhood representatives coming up on November 16 and other events planned throughout the year.

4. Public Comments

None.

5.   Old Business

 

                Historic Preservation Ordinance – Tom Dagger briefly discussed the current status of the Historic Preservation Ordinance project.  He noted that the update of the Historic Preservation Element of the Master Plan is complete, and mentioned that the newly elected Borough Council member, Peter Holmberg, was on the committee that drafted the update and voted to approve it as a member of the Planning Board.   The committee discussed the elements that should be included in a proposed ordinance to implement the Master Plan update, and it was determined that a proposed ordinance should include the following elements:

1.      From a zoning perspective, incentives for preservation of historic structures in the form of greater discretion or encouragement for the Zoning Board of Adjustment to grant appropriate zoning variances, and disincentives for demolition or material alteration of historic structures in the form of reduced discretion for the Zoning Board to grant variances from applicable zoning requirements.

2.      Prohibition of demolition or material alteration of Key Landmarks (primarily commercial and institutional).

3.      Waiting period (e.g., 180 days) for demolition of other historic structures (primarily residential).

The committee also discussed the issue of hardship exceptions and the need to ensure hardships were (i) not caused by the owner’s actions or neglect, and (ii) verified by independent expert reports commissioned by the Borough but funded by the applicant.

                Lastly, due to Joan’s Nix departure from the Planning Board, it was suggested that a member of the committee needs be present at future Planning Board meetings. 

                Centennial History Book - The history book will be distributed in December on either the 11th or the 18th.  Information regarding the distribution will be posted on the Borough Bulletin on the Boulevard.  Information will also be provided on the Borough website.  The distribution process will take place at the Mountain Lakes Library meeting room.  Pre-ordered copies will be signed by the author and ready for pick-up.  HPC members will be coordinating to be sure enough help is available prior to and during the day of distribution.

                Historic Walking Tour – John Grossmann reported the two-hour Audio Walking Tour was completed by Mike Gutowitz.  Mr. Grossman shared a sample of the audio, which features the narration of Mountain Lakes resident Mizar Turdiu. 

                Oral Histories – Doug McWilliams has been interviewed with Margarethe Laurenzi.  The status of the two other remaining oral histories, Gordon Tasker and the Morfogens, remains unchanged.  

HPC Open House – Roberta Matalon discussed the planning process for the event to take place at the Community Church the first weekend in April 2011.  Ideas regarding space allocation, vendors, coordinators and hosts/hostesses were also shared.  

New Business

                New Members – New members were discussed and will be solicited before the year end.  A new Borough Council Liaison will be starting when Doug McWilliams’ term ends.  The HPC agreed the replacement is critical to the continued ease of communication and information between organizations and hopes for someone who is as beneficial and supportive of the committee’s objectives as Mr. McWilliams has been. 

Date for Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the meeting room at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by Roberta Matalon and other HPC member contributors.