TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY BOARD (DAB) MINUTES
Committee Attendees: Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd.
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).
Public Attendees: Ron & Bonnie Bruce, Nicole Ihasz, Marjorie Daitch, Lillian Short, Sharry Rutkin.
Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. with committee members Greenland, Gourd, and Watanabe present via Zoom. She stated that the committee was authorized to meet electronically by addendum 6 of executive order 01-20 and Act 92 of the Vermont legislature in response to the COVID-19 threat. She indicated that the meeting was being recorded. Hurley asked that all participants mute themselves unless speaking.
1. The Artisan’s Key, 4716 Main Street, New signage, Application 2020-10-088.
Hurley displayed the proposed signs on screen. Ihasz described her new business and proposed signage. The signs are not wooden nor hand carved. They will be flat painted. There will be vinyl lettered signs on the entry door and front window. The committee discussed window signage and welcomed the new business owner to town. Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0. Hurley indicated to Ihasz that she would issue and send a permit soon.
2. Trust Company of Vermont, 5245 Main Street, New roof on barn, replacement of false windows, reconstruction of deck and porch, Application 2018-10-091.1.
Hurley displayed aspects of the existing and proposed conditions on screen. Rutkin described the false windows and proposal to replace them with vinyl clad windows that match the existing windows on the building. Gourd noted that because the existing windows do not have exterior divided lights, it would be appropriate to allow lights between the panes in this case to match existing. He said the damage is done, and it is important that the building elements show consistency.
Rutkin described the existing porch and deck. She said she is unsure as to how to address the deck. It needs replacement and helps cover an ugly concrete foundation. Foundation plantings have proved problematic and she removed some under earlier permit approval. There was discussion regarding the existing septic system and the option of connecting to the municipal system in the future. Gourd suggested eliminating the deck altogether and bringing the grade up around the building. Rutkin expressed approval of that idea and said it may help deflect stormwater runoff away from the building in general, solving multiple problems at once. Gourd suggested stone steps for each entryway as offering easy maintenance.
Rutkin explained that the barn roof shingles are flying off during wind events and they need replacement. She is proposing a dark grey corrugated metal roof. Gourd noted that corrugated metal is appropriate for agricultural buildings. Rutkin said snow guards on the side closest to the neighbor may not be necessary. Gourd said that snow guards are not well suited for corrugated metal. If snow guards are necessary, he suggested Rutkin replace with asphalt instead, and if asphalt a slate look like IKO Harvard Slate would be appropriate. Rutkin explained that what remains of the cupola would be removed. Gourd noted that it is too small for the barn anyway.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval of the proposed design changes with the following caveats: (1) replacement windows shall match the existing windows, (2) deck will be removed and grade will be brought up to stone steps at each egress point, and (3) if asphalt is used on the barn roof to avoid any need for snow guards, a slate look like IKO Harvard Slate shall be employed. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
3. Downtown Window & Design, LLC 4955 Main Street, After-the-fact Signage Application 2020-10-090.
Hurley displayed the new signage and explained that the ordinance requires permits for all permanent signs. Short and Daitch apologized for not securing a permit for the window signage. Hurley told the applicants not to worry about not securing a permit first, as sign artisans are not necessarily keeping up with ordinance changes. The committee discussed the signage and welcomed the new business owners to town. Short and Daitch expressed excitement for opening up shop in the downtown. Gourd motioned to recommend approval as installed. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
4. Up For Breakfast, 4955 Main Street, Rear storage area modifications with relocation of walk-in cooler to second floor deck, Application 2020-10-091.
Hurley displayed application submittals on screen. Ron and Bonnie Bruce described the changes involved with relocating the cooler to the second floor level. They indicated that the existing cover would be replaced and that they are planning to use T-111 siding. Committee members asked if clapboard was possible. The Bruces explained they are trying to save money. Gourd noted that the deck and storage enclosures will not be visible from anywhere except the immediate rear of the building. R. Bruce explained that the new door for the first level storage room will be metal and painted to match the rest of the doors. Siding will be painted to match existing clapboards. Gourd motioned to recommend approval as presented. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
5. Minutes of the October 7, 2020, Meeting.
Gourd motioned to approve the minutes of October 7, 2020. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., rather than Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date