09/29/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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a siding as a preference came up and the legal question was asked about the 1986 codes being up to date. He said the review process under 165.08 refers to and incorporates the hearing process under 165.10, which outlines a set of criteria including a reference to the design guidelines in 165.11. He said in 165.11 there is a reference made to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and the standards for rehabilitation. There is a reference to 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 67.7, which has the design standards listed. He thinks this is nothing new to the commission. The board has looked at these issues in the past. He said regarding the contact the commission has had with the applicant since the last meeting, there was a reference to this brief. He said the National Park Service has 50 or so briefs it has written on the subject and although the brief may have first been published in the mid-80's it is still good law. He said the design criterion tends to avoid the replacement of wood when possible but that is not the end of the story. Questions arise as to what is wrong with the wood, how deteriorated is the wood, and why can't the wood be replaced. And, if there is no other way to go other than vinyl, then can't it be done in a way to preserve the integrity. He said the commission is on the right track. He said the board cannot just turn around and say out with the wood and in with the vinyl but when the applicant says there is a hardship here and there is no other way to go about it, then "Plan B" can be vinyl under certain circumstances and with certain limitations. Mrs. Lord mentioned a brief they have and referred to page 5 where it discusses when vinyl is an acceptable alternative. It is only if the existing siding is so deteriorated or damaged that it cannot be repaired. The substitute material can be absolved without irreversibly damaging or obscuring the architectural features and trim of the building and the substitute material can match the historical material in size, profile, and finish, so there is no change in the character of the historic building. She said there is a great deal of information in the brief regarding the situation they have now. Mr. Corell said the debate is whether the wood is so damaged it cannot be restored. Mr. Barker said there are problems here that no one will be able to answer in terms of keeping paint on the house. He said according to Mr. Tobin they have agreed to work with the board to try to resolve the situation. He said they need to discuss what the board would like to see and what would be acceptable to Mr. Pohlid and Mr. Tobin. Mr. Barker mentioned the important duty of the commission and added that they can understand Mr. Pohlid's situation. Mr. Pohlid said he knows the board has a sincere desire to carry out its charge and he respects that. He said another consideration is what he can come up with financially. He is more than willing to negotiate. Mr. Tobin said there are three different types of window trim. He will maintain the windows as they are currently seen. He reviewed his process for working on the windows and insulation. He confirmed he can maintain the windows as they currently exist. He referred to another house he has done in the area. Mrs. Davis said she is familiar with the house and Mr. Lang saw it as well, and he was very impressed. Mr. Barker asked if the applicant, upon approval for siding the house, would replace any damaged wood. Mr. Tobin said the only area he is aware there may be a problem is by the kitchen, next to the doorstep. There is kitchen moisture and the cold from the outside intermixing. That is the only place he knows of where the wood is damaged. Mr. Pohlid said the gutters overflow around the kitchen during severe storms. Mr. Tobin said he wants everything fixed properly. Mrs. Lord asked if he will replace the wood where the gutters are not attaching. Mr. Tobin said he will if it is necessary. There was further discussion about replacing wood and the process involved in the work. Mrs. Lord asked for confirmation that Mr. Tobin would replace any damaged wood and trim prior to the installation of any insulation or vinyl. Mr. Tobin said he would. He then reviewed how that work would be completed. Mrs. Lord said they would like to discuss duplicating the profile of the existing wood siding. She said what the applicant showed at the last meeting was a wood grain. She said in keeping with the preservation brief that they have read, it is very clear that if the board were to go with option two, they have to look at substitute material to match in size, profile, and finish. It is clear that the wood grain they see on vinyl is not the wood grain that shows up on real wood. Mr. Corell commented it is a cheap imitation. Mrs. Lord said the width or depth needs to be uniform with what the house is now. They need to discuss that and finding a finish that is not grainy. Mr. Tobin mentioned a company that manufactures a matte-finish vinyl. He said that the color is a factor as well. He said he has chosen Alcoa because they make a good product that has an 2