Historic Properties Commission - Minutes - 11/15/2022

HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION
Minutes of Annual Meeting
November 15, 2022
The Annual Meeting of the Historic Properties Commission was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by
Chairman, John O’Neill.
Present: Patrick Crotty, Robert Nye (alt.), John O’Neill, Debra Walters
Appointment of Alternates: R. Nye for Eileen Olynciw
Minutes: Motion by R. Nye, seconded by P. Crotty, to accept the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of September 13, 2022. Voting in favor: Unanimous
Election of Officers: R. Nye, proposed the following slate of officers for 2023: Chair - John
O’Neill, Vice Chair - Patrick Crotty, Treasurer - Robert Nye, Secretary - Debra Walters. Motion
by R. Nye, seconded by D. Walters, to accept the slate. Voting in favor: Unanimous
Budget Proposal: R. Nye proposed a $400 budget for the upcoming year. Due to the curbing of
programs and activities because of COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s expenditures were lower
than expected. The commission anticipates expenses to tise to more usual levels next year.
Motion by R. Nye, seconded by J. O’Neill, to submit a budget request of $400 for the next FY.
Voting in favor: Unanimous.
Waterford Historic Properties: R. Nye reported the following letters were sent to First
Selectman, Rob Brule: 1. requesting that $15.000-$20,000 be included in the FY’24 Capital Plan
for repairs/site work to the Jordan Park House and 2. stating that it is this commission’s opinion
that it is time to seek requests for proposals for the adaptive use of the Cohanzie School.
Waterford Historical Society Happenings: D. Walters reported that the WHS is working to
obtain grants for collections assessment and to support repair/restoration of the Beebe Phillips
House and the Jordan Schoolhouse. Also, lightning protection system on the BP House will be
repaired, increasing the protection level from 50% to the maximum available at 94%.
Nevins Cottage: GNCB is still working on their proposal. As time goes by and costs rise, there
is concern that the monies currently available combined with possible grant monies, may not be
enough to cover the cost.
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center: J. O’Neill reported that a study firm has been chosen to do the
condition assessment of the Hammond Mansion.
Cemeteries: There has been no action to determine if the Town will take responsibility for the
Durfey Hill Cemetery.
Oil Mill District: R. Nye had nothing new to report.

Meeting dates for 2023: The following dates were set for next year’s meetings: January 10th,
March 14th, May 9th, July 11th, September 12th, November 14th.
Other: J. O’Neill sent a letter to the Chair of Planning & Zoning Commission, Gregory Massad,
suggesting this to be an opportune time to establish the “Jordan Village District”.
Adjournment: Motion by P. Crotty seconded by R. Nye to adjourn at 8:52 p.m. Voting in favor:
Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Walters, Recording Secretary