City of Gardiner
Historic Preservation Commission
6 Church St. Telephone 207-582-6892
Gardiner, Me. 04345 Fax 207-582-6895
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
December 20, 2005
Gardiner City Hall, Council Chambers
Present: Clarence McKay, Chair Geri Robbins-Doyle Gail Ham Victor Tessari, Alternate Mike Giberson
Absent: Norma McDonough Derrick Grant, Alternate
Also Present: Antje Kablitz, Planner, Staff to Historic Preservation Commission
Francis Grey – Recording Secretary
Brian Curry, PDT Architects Anita Nored, GSI Richard Bachelder, GSI
1.) Call Meeting to Order
Clarence McKay called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM
2.) Roll Call
Roll call was taken.
Consideration of November 15, 2005 Minutes
Gail Ham said that on page 5 of the minutes under “Other Business,” it reads “Gail noticed an externally lit sign at Bank of America.” She said the minutes should be amended to read, “Gail noticed an internally lit sign on the building exterior at Bank of America.”
Geri Robbins-Doyle made a motion to accept the minutes with that proposed amendment. Gail Ham seconded the motion.
Vote: 4 in favor. 0 opposed. Motion passed.
Mike Giberson arrived.
NEW BUSINESS
4.) Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness from Gardiner Savings Institution FSB, Applicant; Anita Nored & Richard Bachelder, Agents
Proposal: To replace windows with Marvin Aluminum clad wood units or equal – 8x8 double hung replacement on all 3 buildings (front & back); 1st floor units on all 3 buildings; 4 floor dormer units and doors as per drawing.
Location: 149 - 157 Water Street, City Tax Map 34, Lot 138 & 139 and Map 37, Lot 167
Land Use Ordinance Reference: Section 9, Article F.
Clarence McKay said he had attended a workshop at the building site that not all the members were able to attend because of their schedules, though everyone was invited. Clarence said that a change in the project is going to require an amendment to the Certificate of Appropriateness that was previously approved. Specifically, Gardiner Savings Institution is proposing that the material sheathing the party wall parapets will be changed from lead-coated copper to 20 gauge aluminum.
Clarence asked how the metal would be attached to the plywood? Brian Curley said no cementing would be used, only concealed fasteners. This would allow movement, or give, during periods of freezing and thawing.
Geri Robbins-Doyle said that the copper flashing was to be changed from going up the entire side. Brian Curley said that the exposed portion of the wall will be 2 feet tall. Brian said that the leakage of water into the party walls is what has created so much damage. The brick is very porous. Lead-coated copper is expensive, from $6,000 to $8,000, and requires a specialized contractor to install. Aluminum is much cheaper, around $800.
Geri Robbins-Doyle made a motion to amend the Certificate of Appropriateness granted to Gardiner Savings Institution November 15 and signed December 12, 2005 to read: The lead coated copper covering the party wall parapets shall be replaced by 20 gauge aluminum painted to match the lead-coated copper in color. The drip edge on the dormer shall be aluminum which will also match the lead-coated copper in color. The dormer on the Kennebec river side will be clad in hardiplank and that will also be painted light gray. To allow for the parapet wall to be plumb, ½ inch pressure treated plywood will be installed and covered with a black membrane allowing more solid installation.
Victor Tessari seconded the motion.
Vote: 5 in favor. 0 opposed. Motion passed.
Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness from Gardiner Savings Institution FSB, Applicant; Brian Curley, PDT Architects, Agent
Proposal: To widen existing door, add sidelight and transom, install new wood pilasters, casings and wooden canopy with pin mounted letters lit from can wall washers in canopy hood.
Location: 252-266 Water Street, City Tax Map 34, Lot 108.
Land Use Ordinance Reference: Section 9, Article F.
Brian Curley presented a photograph that shows what the project will look like. Anita Nored said that this project is part of Gardiner Savings Institution’s charitable project to refurbish the mini-park.
Gail Ham asked, is the door not standard width, is that why it is being widened? Brian Curley said yes. Brian Curley said that this side entrance is used as the main entrance for the Yankee Title business. The other entrances facing the street can be used for emergency fire exits but are not used as entrances by the business. Brian Curley said Gardiner Savings is trying to draw more visual attention from the mini-park to the “main use” entrance. The parking for the business is located on the Mechanic Street side, so people access the business from the mini-park stairs. Brian Curley said this reinforces use of the park.
Clarence McKay asked, will the lighting above the entrance be concealed so it is not highly visible? Brian Curley said yes.
Gail Ham said she is concerned that they are increasing the side of the opening. Brian Curley said this will address the ADA. Widening the entrance will make it more accessible for wheelchairs.
Gail Ham asked, will the sidelights and transom be clear glass? Brian Curley said yes.
Geri Robbins-Doyle asked how much existing brick will be taken down? Brian Curley said about 3 feet. The door is where a window used to be and the brick was cut for the door.
Gail Ham made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness to Gardiner Savings Institution to widen the existing door, add clear sidelights and a clear transom, install new wood pilasters, casings & wooden canopy with pin mounted letters designating the business name "Yankee Title,” with the letters to be lit from can wall washers in the canopy hood, to reflect the photograph provided.
Geri Robbins-Doyle seconded the motion.
Vote: 5 in favor, 0 opposed. Motion passed.
It was noted that a separate sign permit will also be required from the Code Enforcement Office.
OTHER BUSINESS
Gail Ham said she had received some e-mails about the internally lit signs issue. Gail said that Bank of America has internally lit signs, even though Mitchell Rasor, the City’s Planner, did not observe them as internally lit after 9:00 p.m. on a particular night. Antje Kablitz said she will refer this back to the Code Enforcement Officer.
It was noted that Mystic Maine Quilts also has several signs, some of which may be illuminated.
Mike Giberson asked if the siding on Black Diamond Consultants building was ever addressed. Mike said Kirk Mohney was going to write a letter to Black Diamond about that.
Clarence McKay said that he provided a letter of support as Chairperson on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission for a grant application for $150,000 for Johnson Hall.
5.) Adjourn
Geri Robbins-Doyle made a motion to adjourn. Mike Giberson seconded the motion.
Vote: 5 in favor. 0 opposed. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned.
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