Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – July 14, 2011

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC”) was held on July 14, 2011 in the meeting room at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.  In attendance were Co-Chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann.  Also in attendance were Pat Rusak, Roberta Matalon, Jess Mahony, Peggy Bulfer and Beth Mauro.  Beth Suereth, Bridgid Walsh and Borough Council Liaison, Blair Bravo, were absent.  New member, John Lester, was welcomed to the committee.

Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

The Committee approved the minutes of the May 11, 2011 meeting in the form distributed to the Committee in advance of the meeting.  

Treasurer’s Report

John Grossmann read the Treasurer’s report prepared by Chris Sheasby.

Opening Balance as of May 11, 2011:  $16,525.02

Debits:

$368.55        John Grossman for Walking Tour supplies

  770.00        Erie Landmark for 5 Hapgood Plaques

    25.00        HPC booth at Mtn. Lakes Day

  168.00        Erie Landmark for 1 Hapgood Plaque

    14.85        Peggy Bulfer for postage

Total Debits:     $1,346.40

Credits:

$2,440.00        Centennial Books

       15.00        Notecards

     200.00        1 plaque

Total Credits:    $2,655.00

Closing Balance:  $17,833.62

John Grossmann noted the value of comparing the percentage of Hapgood plaques being sold today as compared to ten or fifteen years ago.

Archivist’s Report

Pat Rusak reported that the Town Club records were submitted to her but she is not sure yet if some historical information such as letters from the 1930s and 40s are missing.  Efforts will be made to find out who might have lost them. 

There was a slight water problem in the Library upstairs that leaked down to the archival room, but all is fine.  The water leakage pertains to a heat problem that occurs when the cooling system fails. Pat reported that she expects the problem to be corrected in a few weeks.

Nonetheless, continued water issues could lead to electrical problems, thus threatening the safety of the archives. Pat recommended the HPC consider digitizing all of the archives in the event the original records are destroyed due to water damage or fire.  There are approximately 40 boxes/2500 pictures plus more to secure.  John Grossmann noted the high school has nine scanners that could potentially be used--potentially some by students aiding the HPC.  It was also noted that Frank Sanchez, Director of the History Department, might be a good resource for coordinating volunteers to help scan for a day at the high school.

John Lester agreed with the need for scanning.  He mentioned that mold and mites were usually the primary concern and fire and flood would be considered relatively infrequent.  He also mentioned that some towns are required to scan their historic archives.  John Grossmann suggested that the historical material to be scanned should be prioritized.  John Lester thought a quote for the entire collection might be beneficial in the event an application for a grant is used to cover the expense.

Pat reported that the Morris County Heritage Commission visited the historic archives and were thrilled with the current conditions.  Pat described the Hapgood work papers that were submitted to her from the year 1911 through 1913.

Centennial Report

Pat Rusak reported that the “Taste of Mountain Lakes” Event is scheduled for September 9th at the Esplanade if the weather permits.  In the event of rain, it will be held at St. Catherine’s Church.  Pat was asked about the work being done at the Cove and she confirmed the project did not pertain to the Centennial Committee.  She explained that the work being done at the Cove was strictly a Borough Council project.

Public Comments

None.

Old Business

Mountain Lakes Day – John Grossmann managed the booth at the event and reported the traffic was light.  The booth was partially blocked by rides and a fire truck.  Two books, note cards, two walking tour CDs were sold and a couple of residents expressed preliminary interest in Hapgood plaques.  Pat Rusak, who was assisted by Roberta Matalon and Jess Mahony, managed the HPC display of maps and photos in the Library Meeting Room downstairs where many visited and cooled off.

Centennial Book Sales – The last of the pre-ordered books were picked up.  Most of the remaining books to be sold have slight imperfections such as ripples on a few pages.  The ripples may disappear over time due to compression on the shelves.  They may be sold at a discount.  Craftsman Farms still has eight copies and walking tour CDs need to be taken there for sale.

Historic Preservation Ordinance – Tom Dagger reported that, on the suggestion of Blair Bravo, in May the HPC formed an Ad Hoc Committee to incorporate input on a possible historic preservation ordinance from people in town with expertise in various aspects of land use, including architects, building contractors, a real estate agent, and Planning Board and Zoning Board members, as well as Tom and Jess Mahony from HPC.  Tom reported that the Ad Hoc Committee was working very well together and providing excellent insights on how to implement the recommendations from the 2010 Master Plan Historic Preservation Element Update.

There were two Ad Hoc Committee meetings in June and there will be another one on July 20.  They are focusing on bonuses for bulk requirements under the zoning ordinances that would enable home owners to build larger homes without a variance if they preserve their historic Hapgood or Belhall home, but which the home owners would lose if their historic Hapgood or Belhall home were to be torn down.  The Committee is also considering what eligibility criteria should apply to the zoning incentives, and the mechanism for confirming that eligibility criteria are satisfied.

Although unanswered, the question was asked by a committee member, “At what point are Hapgoods no longer Hapgoods?”  John Lester mentioned that the Committee needs a constant effort to draw attention to the values and missions of the town.  He suggested that the realtors would be one way to do that.

Tom stated a comprehensive proposal will be created and brought back to the Borough Council with the intent to approach the public in the Fall.  One or more public meetings to obtain input from the public on any proposed ordinance would be held, and a moderator would be used.

Tom noted that it would be helpful to gather additional facts showing the rate of demolitions of historic homes in the past 15 years.  Pat Rusak and Roberta Matalon have been gathering factual data of homes demolished either due to new construction or fires.  They also hope to obtain historical fire statistics from Officer Mullaney. 

Pat noted that 523 plaques have been sold thus far.  Pat also mentioned that the deeds to the homes are located in Morristown.  Tom suggests the Committee focus on the past 20 years in regard to the number of demolitions in town.

Oral Histories – John Grossmann reported briefly on the oral history of Mr. Frank Wiswall who lived in town at the end of Melrose Street near Fanny Road until the early years of the depression.  Mr. Wiswall was around the age of 11 or 12 when he witnessed the major fire at the Mountain Lakes Club. 

Historic Walking Tour – Nothing specific was reported but the tour is available and worth taking.

Salvage Trailer – John Grossmann reported that two doors were used by a couple in town.  Progress was reported on a possible plan to clean out, make an inventory of items worth saving, and repair the trailer, which currently leaks. If a willing Eagle Scout candidate is found, the project could begin this fall.  Local builder Gary Goldsmith has said he’d send a worker or two to help with repairs. 

Dinner for the Mtn. Lakes Library Employees – Peggy Bulfer reported that all but two employees were able to attend the event held at the Mtn. Lakes Market.  Peggy commented that the food was delicious.  The owner promised a 20% discount and gratuity was given to his employees.  As of the June meeting, the bill for the meal had not been received.

New Business

Photo pirates – No change in status from last month.

The Little Theater House – John Grossmann reported that he had learned that the house may be the last in town with an unmodernized kitchen and perhaps other rooms still looking as they did when Hapgood’s workers finished.  He suggested inquiring if it would be possible to take photos and perhaps even make a video tour of the rooms. 

Spirit 5K Race and HPC participation (10-23-11/UN Weekend) – John Grossmann reported that the race will trace (although in reverse) the route of the audio walking tour.  The HPC will post signs announcing each stop.  Pat Rusak volunteered to get them made.  The HPC will also have a table at the beginning of the race selling audio walking tours.

Date for Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 7:30 PM downstairs at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by Roberta Matalon and other HPC member contributors.