HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-10 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2022, 7:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OR VIA ZOOM
MEETING MINUTES
Commission Members Present: Liam Riordan, Chair
Rebecca Krupke, Vice Chair
Edmond Chernesky
Nathaniel King
Anne Marie Quin
Karen Rand, Associate Member
Matthew Weitkamp, Associate Member
Mike Pullen, Consultant
City Staff Present: Jeff LaBree, Housing Rehab. Coordinator
Anne Krieg, Planning Officer
Planning Officer Krieg called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
__________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA
Election of 2022 Officers
Vice Chair Krupke requested nominations for Chair. Commissioner Chernesky nominated
Liam Riordan, seconded by Commissioner Quin. All members in favor, motion carries.
Vice Chair Krupke to remain.
New Business:
1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 41 Thomas Hill Road – Thomas Hill Standpipe –
Map-Lot 021-084 – Thomas Hill Historical District – Applicant: Smart Link Group
o/b/o T-Mobile LLC; Owner: Bangor Water District - Approval for installation of a
25KW standby generator to support wireless equipment. This will allow wireless facility
to continue to operate in event of power-loss. Installation includes a 4x10 cement pad
upon which generator to be placed at property located at 41 Thomas Hill Road, Map-Lot
021-084, in the Thomas Hill Historical District.
Joseph Rollins, representing Smart Link Group o/b/o T-Mobile, LLC, returning item from
January 2022 meeting provided the following in part and in substance:
T-Mobile to install standby generator on 4x10 concrete pad (40 sq. Ft.)
o Cell site there since 2001
o Generator is part of nationwide “hardening project”
Trying to get plans updated, they’re in process – should be available for March 2022
meeting – showing equipment in place, and current conditions
Two locations for consideration tonight, been working with Jeff LaBree, scenarios that
will work
o Original location proposed, behind the standpipe, which wasn’t liked
Suggested to locate generator to the left of the shed, and put in straight
line so you’d see the plantings from the roadway
o Another suggestion, one they like – straight line back from shed to the tree line
– as you’re standing in the street, generator furthest away from view of street –
obscure with rhododendron, fending
Teeline creates natural foliage to obscure the genitor
No way to hide equipment completely, this makes it so it’s not the first
thing you see
Commission reviewed the drawings proposed by Mr. Rollins, showing original proposed
location, as well as the new proposed location – suggested putting in a straight line along the
tree line, with fencing and shrubbery. Mr. Rollins showed the new proposed location, and
discussed options with trenching. “Top-Down”view showed to the Commission as how it
would be viewed aerially. Space in question is approximately 40 sq. ft. which covers the
footprint of the pad that the generator is on, as well as the fencing and shrubbery around.
Mr. Rollins will have updated materials at the next meeting, wishing to have this item carried
over to March 2022 meeting, and wanted to keep the conversation going and show the
Commission the updated proposal.
Chair Riordan thanked applicant for returning, providing the update and being flexible with the
project, and asked about the need for a propane tank for the generator, as well as the conduit.
Diesel usually used, won’t be using diesel. Propane requires separate tank. Discussion of
the underground conduit that runs from the shed.
Commissioner Quin thanked Mr. Rollins for producing the documents and giving so much
information, very responsive to the concerns that we presented to him, fantastic to see this –
and the spirit in which is was completed with cooperation.
Commissioner Rand also thanked Mr. Rollins, thoughtful that this was presented again with
an update for solution. Mr. Rollins indicated that they like the tree-line location and it won’t
be noticed, it won’t take anything away visually from Thomas Hill Standpipe. Rollins indicated
they’re not married with rhododendrons, and willing to do whatever is suggested.
Commissioner Weitcamp thanked MR. Rollins for returning, asked about size of generator,
Rollins indicated 25 is listed, but supply chain issues with generator vendors. T-Mobile
working with suppliers, using GenRex. Unsure if it will be 25kw or 48kw, will be one of them,
preferred to do 25kw, but they’re just not available. If the sizing is changed, they will notify the
Commission. Commissioner Weitcamp asked about any difference in footprints, which is no
difference, just the power usage, and inquired about noise from the generator, as the project
abuts another historic property. 99.9% of the time, generator is not in use – only in use if
there is a power outage, other time is during maintenance testing for about 15 minutes during
normal business hours, which happens maybe once a month. Commissioner Weitcamp
asking for noise data to be passed on.
Vice Chair Krupke thanked Mr. Rollins, aswell as thanking him for moving further away from
the stone work, likes it on the tree line, away from the actual structure, and knows that
whatever is planted won’t be invasive.
Commissioner Quin asked how noisy the generator is when it is on – Mr. Rollins indicated
that it believes is it 50db, lower than a property function car engine for the duration of 10-15
minutes. The only time you’d hear this would be a massive power failure, other than when it’s
being tested during business hours. Noise impact should be minimal, per Mr. Rollins.
Commissioner Quin advised that the living quarters of the house next door are not that far
from the tree line in question, and wanted to be sure they weren’t making thehomeowners
have difficulty. Mr. Rollins advised that they’ll do whatever necessary to make
accommodations.
Consultant Pullen provided his report; believed it was a diesel fired generator as that’s what
was shown on drawings; LP tank and sizing on the original application. Commission needs
to know that there was no mention of the tank in this application, but will still be a very visual
thing that should be considered with its impact on the Standpipe, and inquired about an
inground LP tank. Mr. Rollins indicated that’s a possibility – potentially further issues with
burying the tank with leaks and soil disturbance – tend not to bury equipment if at all possible.
Mr. Rollins apologized, indicated that they are not doing propane at this location – and that it
will be diesel powered. This will run on diesel; generator will sit on top of the fuel tank, so
they’ll be together. Believes that it comes in tan, or grey color – can order with non-reflective
material. Mr. Rollins stated that they will be using interlocking mesh fencing, dark green/deep
green in color, as well as shrubbery tucked into the tree line to minimize visual impact.
Consultant Pullen stated that the drawings indicate that generator roughly 8’, so fencing needs
to show relative height and landscaping. Mr. Rollins indicated that this would go to the top of
the generator. Portion of concrete pad would be underground, top of fuel tank to top of
generator is 91.7”, so they would fence and shrub accordingly.
Chair Riordan inquired about the types of plantings with Consultant Pullen. Consultant Pullen
indicated that some cedar is available as hedge, rhododendron is beautiful, but leaves roll up
in winter and you can see through. Yews and cedars are good choices, grows dense. Screen
to run all sides of installation, make a box out of the fencing, with a small entrance gate with
lock.
Vice Chair Krupke reminded Mr. Rollins that when he coms back in March, to provide the
Commission enough to make their ruling, provide fencing materials, plantings, provide as
much information as they possibly can – more information they have, the better decisions can
be made.
Chair Riordan summarized the sentiment of the discussion provided by the Commission and
applicant; option number 2, back toward tree line was strong preference, also happy that it
seems to be diesel powered generator, as opposed to LP (less bulky), appreciate boxed in
fencing in a height to fully mask generator on the pad, and suggestion of yews or cedars, as
well as all weather screening.
Public Member, Steve Brough, presented public comment about noise concerns with
generator. Believes if the power is out in the neighborhood, many will be utilizing generators,
and most likely won’t be an issue.
Mr. Rollins not requesting a vote at this time, will be returning to the Commission in March
2022.
2. Annual Training -Provided by Planning Officer Krieg
3.January 13, 2022Meeting Minutes–CommissionerChernesky moved approval of
January 13, 2022 meeting minutes with no changes/revisions, seconded by Vice Chair
Krupke. All members in agreement, roll call vote not taken. Motion carries.
4. Historic Preservation Commission 2021 Report - Commissioner Quin moved
approval, seconded my Commissioner Chernesky. All members in agreement, roll call
vote not taken. Motion carries.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa L. Bickford
Development Assistant
Planning Division