The Work Session of the Hartwick Town Board called to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Supervisor David Butler.
Present: Councilman Dave Butler, Councilwoman Anita Briggs Jones, Councilman Delos Field, and Councilman Kenneth Hotaling
Also present: Administrative Assistant, Tavis Austin; Conservation Advisory Committee Chair, Martha Clarvoe, and members of the community.
Absent: Councilwoman Julianne Sharratt
Unfinished Business
- Delta Plan. Mr. Austin reported on the Technical Manual's call for a Program Manager. The Program Manager is responsible for the Road Use Permitting Process. Currently, the Highway Superintendent is responsible for this role; however, Mr. Austin would like to volunteer for the Program Manager position. Mr. Austin would act as the liaison between the developer and Highway Superintendent ensuring all the proper paperwork is handled. Councilwoman Briggs-Jones expressed the desire to obtain Superintendent Streisse's input on this role. Councilman Field expressed the desire to see some form of additional oversight. The Board agreed to defer the appointment of a Program Manager until after discussion with Highway Superintendent Striesse.
- Historical District. Ms. Gloria Waro presented the Board with a summary letter (text below) and handouts pertaining to the forming of a Historic District in the Town of Hartwick.
Summary letter of forming of a Historic District in the Town of Hartwick.
In 1966, the National Registry of Historic Places was formed to recognize buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects of historical significance from across our nation. There are now 2300 Historic districts in the US and Otsego County is home to 13 of them. There are also numerous Otsego County homes and buildings on the registry, but none in the Town of Hartwick. This is a proposal to change that and have Hartwick recognized by the State and National Registries so that her historical character can be honored alongside other communities like Fly Creek, Roseboom, and the rest of the Historic Districts in Otsego County.
A Historic District can be of any size and include any number of structures - that is why there is such a variance between districts. The New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversee the SHPO (State Historical Preservation Office.) This office reviews the application to become a District and then makes recommendations accordingly. The application is made by a local sponsor, often a local Historical Association. Structural surveys and a detailed history that illustrates the historical significance are completed and submitted to the SHPO - this is often done by a consultant paid by the local sponsor. If the SHPO board approves the nomination, the property is listed on the State Register and the application is forwarded on to the National Register. Hartwick has done some of the preliminary work - Jessie Ravage conducted structural surveys on Town properties greater than 50 years old in 2000-2001.
She estimates that her consultant fee to complete the application process and update the survey/inventory will be $6000.00 (six thousand dollars). Grant monies could be explored to pay this fee.
BENEFITS: The most noted benefit to being named a Historic District is pride and honor to bear such status. That being said, there are also economic benefits to having a residence or commercial building within a Historic District. Both the State and National Registry offer tax credits of 10-20% for rehabilitation (up to a limit of fifty thousand dollars) for Districts that fall in economically distressed areas. Hartwick, as well as most of Otsego County Townships fall into this category. Tax credits can apply to work/repair on walls, masonry, heating/cooling systems, chimneys, lighting - things that help preserve the structure. Landscaping, fencing, and additions will not qualify for the credit. The tax credit is determined as a percentage of the expenditures subtracted from state and federal taxes owed - in NYS this can actually end up becoming a tax refund for qualified owners. Further information about the tax credits can be found on the State handouts. New York tax credits for Historical Districts is set to expire on December 31, 2014, but there is strong support of this program and extensions are expected.
A Municipality housing a Historic District is often eligible for grants for improvements, purchase of historic properties/items, restoration, etc... Often Block Grants are made available to a Historic District in an economically distressed census tract.
Many people fear that a Historic District will prevent a homeowner from painting their home the color of choosing or adding an addition or even tearing a building down. This is absolutely untrue. The National and State Registry put no restrictions on what a person can or cannot do to their building. Any restrictions are made at the local level. If Hartwick were to apply for registry, there may be no regulations or an ordinance created. We understand that a neighboring historic district has created much dismay with its highly restrictive ordinance. Local residents also have input at the public hearing held before the SHPO makes its final decision. Participation is voluntary - renovation or demolition is a personal choice.
The process for registration is involved, time consuming and expensive, but the reward is great. Recognition, pride, tax credits, grant opportunities and protection surround the Historic District. The State and National Registries are there to assist the local municipality should larger roadways, infrastructure needs or other potential intrusions threaten a Historic District. Time and again the creation of a historic district has been a catalyst for revitalization through job creation, encouraging investment in the community, and keeping buildings on the tax rolls.
Hartwick has a rich history and there are several areas that warrant becoming a Historic District. Perhaps now is the time to consider it.
Handouts:
•1. Frequently Asked Questions about the State and National Registers of Historic Places in New York - distributed by Field Services Bureau Division for Historic Preservation State and National Registers of Historic Places Program
•2. New York State Historic Properties Tax Credits Commercial and Homeowner Programs - distributed by Division for Historic Preservation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Ms. Waro asked the Board to please consider the proposal. The Board agreed to read over the materials and respond at a later date.
Ms. Waro asked the Board for permission to use the Town's EIN number for a grant application which will allow for $3,000-$10,000 (in kind matching funds) to be used towards the cost of completing the process should the Town Board decide to apply for Historic District Status.
The Board discussed the grant application. Councilman Hotaling expressed the necessity to seek public opinion and suggested speaking with homeowners, house to house, in the Hamlet. The Board agreed it would be beneficial to apply for the funding.
MOTION: Councilman Hotaling moved to allow Ms. Waro to use the Town's EIN number for the application of grant funding to be used for funding should the Board agree to pursue designation of a Historic District. Ms. Waro and the Historical Group will write the grant; Mr. Austin will offer "in kind" assistance. Councilman Field seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs-Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilman Hotaling "aye".
- Zoning Commission. Response to the second request for letters of interest was poor. The Board agreed on a 7-9 body Commission. The Board reviewed the existing list of interested parties.
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to appoint Glenn Schilling, Mike Quinn, Chris Briggs, Amy Parr, Meg Kennedy, William Green as Chair, Tom Ives, Jackson Schultz, and Robert Hickey to the Town of Hartwick Zoning Commission. Councilman Hotaling seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs-Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilman Hotlaing "aye".
New Business:
- Topographical Survey for Kallan Field. The Board discussed the necessity to have a topo survey done on Kallan Field. Question was raised as to whether or not a survey has already been done. Jon McManus will check with the County files.
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to allow for the topographical survey of Kallan Field after research is complete to make sure it has not been done already. Councilwoman Briggs-Jones seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs-Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilman Hotaling "aye".
Mr. Austin discussed Jon McManus' recommendations on Mirabito's proposal of a propane furnace in attic of the Community Center. Mr. McManus does not recommend placing the unit in the attic area. Suspending the unit is also not an option. Permitting would be problematic as well.
Supervisor Butler and the Board agreed upgrading the heating system would add value to the Community Center. The possibility of selling the building was discussed.
Public Comment:
- A resident spoke to the Board about the Water District letter written in response to a recent Water District Audit by the NYSOSC, which property owners, within the Water District, not paying debt service, received. Problems with the short notice to comply, inability to combine properties located in separate districts, empty parcels, and no water hooked up to property were addressed. It was noted that in this resident's case, the payment on debt service would be greater than the annual property tax. It was further noted the OSC is not an authority to make rules. The Town Board is the legislative body. Understanding that traditionally vacant parcels were not charged was also discussed.
The Town Board agreed to defer Water District changes in charges until the June billing. Further discussion on the issues of debt service will be addressed at the next scheduled Water Commissioner's Meeting on March 26, 2012.
- A resident asked of the status on the Coldwell property septic system. The Board will hold a Board of Health Meeting on March 12, 2012 to discuss the issue and its resolution.
MOTION: Councilman Field moved to adjourn the Town Board Work Session at 9:30 p.m. Councilman Hotaling seconded, and the motion passed with the following votes: Supervisor Butler "aye", Councilwoman Briggs-Jones "aye", Councilman Field "aye", and Councilman Hotaling "aye".
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah McGuire, Town Clerk
