Historic Properties Commission - Minutes - 09/08/2020

HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION
Minutes
September 8, 2020
The September 8, 2020, Regular Meeting of the Historic Properties Commission was called to order at
7:03 p.m. by Chairman John O'Neill.
Present: John O'Neill, Vivian Brooks, Patrick Crotty, Robert Nye (Alt.}, and via Zoom, Debra Walters,
Eileen Olynciw, and Mark Olynciw (Alt.).
Minutes: Motion by D. Walters, seconded by V. Brooks, to accept the minutes of the March 10, 2020,
Regular Meeting. (The May and July Regular Meetings were cancelled).
Voting in favor: Unanimous.
Cemeteries: Chairman J. O’Neill will activate the Facebook page in light of public response to E.
Olynciw’s recent cemetery articles in the Waterford Times. The response has also included some
interest in the care and maintenance of the town’s cemeteries. J. O'Neill cited the East Lyme example
whereby each cemetery is overseen by a volunteer who is responsible for organizing a work crew as
needed for only that cemetery. Thus the burden is shared and not shouldered by one person,
Other: Anne Belle Rogers Minor, A Masterpiece in Modesty, by Vivian Ackerman Brooks, has been
published and is available at this time from Vivian. Cost is $20 which will be donated to the DAR. Nick
Bellantoni came back to the Durfey Hill Cemetery on June 16, and flagged sites where the ground
penetrating radar indicated possible burials. Soil from selected sites, with the possible exception of one,
revealed no disturbance. Money will be included in the FY’22 budget for much-needed maintenance of
the Park House according to Director of P&Z, Abby Piersal. The suit against the contractor who
demolished an historic building within the Osweagatchie Colony District before the 30-day delay had
expired is on hold due to the pandemic. The fish ladder the head of Jordan Cove suffered considerable
damage when a pine tree fell during a recent storm. The Secchiaroli Barn, listed in the State Register,
will not be repaired, according to A. Piersal. No date has been established for its demolition. Both the
O'Neill mansion and barn theater are leaking badly, especially the mansion. Plan of action yet to be
revealed. The O’Neill hopes to demolish a small barn on the property, a contributing resource to the
Walnut Grove Farm National Register property. A 30-day delay has yet to be requested.
Adjournment: Motion by P. Crotty, seconded by J. O’Neifl to adjourn at 7:52 p.m.
Voting in favor: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
| oa 1 bora. ee _
Robert Nye, Recording Secretary