Village directs OHPC to review personnel

On Nov. 6, Owego Village officials once again had Local Law No. 3 of 2017 on the agenda, as talks continued surrounding the issues that have been presented to the village board regarding the Owego Historic Preservation Commission (OHPC). 

Because of numerous complaints surrounding fair and equal treatment of property owners, the Village Board, along with its OHPC Commissioner, Earl Hartman, sought to make revisions to Local Law No. 3 that would enable the board to have more authority over it.

But with the current projects shaping up in Owego that were the result of qualifying grants that enable historic preservation, in part, the board had a difficult task at hand as the benefits of the commission began to outweigh things.

Last month, a public hearing on the issue had residents divided as they searched for a solution to some of the problems that the commission is facing. The main complaint, according to village board members and relative to some of the comments rendered during the public hearing, is fairness among homeowners in the district.

Many residents felt, and expressed during and after the public hearing, that some homeowners were able to do what they wanted to do to their historic homes, while others were being what they felt was “aggressively targeted” over compliance issues – in one case, over windows.

The consensus, however, from the meetings was that a commission is needed, and is valuable in its relation to tax credits and the ability to get grants for historic upgrades, etc. 

Having a CLG status, or Certified Local Government, was the designation that was in question if the OHPC were to be dissolved through the local law, and then reestablished as a committee through the Village of Owego.

Although ultimately, the problem seemed to stem from the enforcement of rules by the commission, however, versus a helping hand, which is what some residents would have preferred. Those in favor of the commission described them as helpful, while others saw them as what they described as “mean”.

In the end, the village board targeted the problem to possibly one or two individuals within the commission, and ultimately decided that it would be best left to the commission itself to correct things.

During Monday’s meeting, Hartman stated that the problem seems to be “couched” in the personnel on the commission.

Hartman discussed the problems at hand, stating, “Here’s a lady paying $12,000 in taxes on a home that needs plumbing, etc., and we’re arguing with them about windows.”

Hartman continued, “I’m looking for a way to speak for the minority,” adding, “I feel like we hit a brick wall.”

Trustee Ed Morton weighed in, stating that the current OHPC is resistant to suggestions by the OHPC Commissioner, and that the goal of the hearing and meetings was to bring the committee back under the board and re-staff it. 

Kim Trahan, OHPC member, defended the commission, stating that it has a 94 percent approval rating of applications. 

“Why throw away a group that has 94 percent approval,” said Trahan during Monday’s meeting. The chair of the commission, Mark Trabucco, was not in attendance on Monday.

Trustee Nick Ruiz offered comments as well, stating that the emotions seemed to go from a hate of OHPC to loving it. But for Ruiz, the personnel on the commission are an issue for him, although he did not name them, specifically.

The board broke out for an executive session, and when they returned they came up with what they hoped would be a solution.

The board stated that the vote would be delayed until Nov. 20, stating, “Local Law No. 3 is not off the table.”

Prior to Nov. 20, Hartman requested that OHPC look at personnel issues, and see how they can solve them. He ordered members to come back prior to Nov. 20 with personnel recommendations, and tell them who will be serving on the commission.

The next meeting will take place on Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Hubbard Auditorium in Owego.