Gary Lader and Craig Evans were unanimously reelected president and vice president, respectively, at the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission’s first regular meeting of 2022 on Jan. 24.

Contractor Jose San Miguel was granted a certificate of appropriateness for roof replacement for 508 E. Fourth St. Although encouraged to retain the existing slate on the main front-facing roof, Miguel replied that it was too worn out to save. The rest of the roofing to be replaced is asphalt shingle, including what is on the rear of the main roof and front porch. Voting was unanimous.

The board recommended GAF Slateline shingles in antique gray. Miguel said he had tried to order it and there was none to be had. Seth Cornish confirmed that it possibly wouldn’t be until around April that the product would be available.

Cornish said StormMaster Slate asphalt shingles are equivalent to the Slateline product. This is what he had installed on his own roof recently, as the other was unavailable.

The COA stipulates GAF Slateline shingles or equivalent to allow the contractor some flexibility. Copper flashing and open valleys are to be installed. An aluminum drip edge is permitted if it is painted to match the trim. The applicant is to retain and repair any character-defining features, such as a flared dormer eave and ball finial decoration.

A sample of the new shingles is to be dropped off at the code enforcement office for review.

The decorative circa 1895 Victorian wood frame house is owned by Sue Lee.

Led by Chief Building Inspector Mike Simonson, the commissioners discussed possible revisions to historic district guidelines and the template that the historic officer works with.

Simonson mentioned that along with the city’s legal team, he had been working with former HCC board chair Phil Roeder to “clean up some of the language” in it.

He suggested that the city begin charging COA application fees on a sliding scale, starting with $25 for simple proposals, on up to $500 for complicated projects including large development proposals.

These fees would allow the city to hire a historic district inspector to enforce COAs as projects are completed and pay for administrative services.

There is currently no fee charged for a COA proposal.

It was put forward that simple projects, such as roof replacement and “in kind” work be expedited by a quick review ahead of the monthly meetings.

Simonson reassured fellow members that the historic district borders would remain the same.

All agreed with Vice Chairman Craig Evans that at some point any changes to the process be presented at an open hearing for public input.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, and then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.