HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-1996ttASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1VIINUTES OF 1VIEETING, FEBRUARY 12, 1996
1. Roll: Commissioners Coutu, SchninSng, Thorsen, Smith and Simacek present; Anderson,
We'mberg absent.
2. Minutes of January 8, 1996: Mr. Schnlrring moved, Mr. Thorsen seconded approval as printed;
motion carried.
3. Bills: Mr. Smith moved, Mr. Thorsen seconded approval as printed; motion carried.
a. Old House Journal and Directory - $39.95, subscription
b. Copier service - $79.87 - Pioneer room.
4. Staff & Committee Reports.
a. City Attorney. Mr. Moynihan gave the commission a talk on their legal responsibilities,
authority and procedures.
(1) The Commissions' responsibilities: survey and recommeM sites for registration, protect
registered sites, enhance public appreciation for local history.
(2) The Commission acts by making recommendations to City Council and by
approving/disapproving building permits for protected sites.
(3) The Commission must document its recommendations and permit decisions in writing,
with reasons relating to the ordinance criteria.
(4) The ordinance requires a hearing for permit review, unless a certificate of no change is
issued.
(5) Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and/or
$700 fine. The City's philosophy is to get compliance with the ordinance, not to punish. Ifa case
goes to W~I the city has to prove there is a violation, hence the importance of documentation.
b. Barker House. Mr. Osberg, the City Administrator, asked the HPC what conditions
would be included in a City request for proposals for the Barker house and property. Mr. Schnirring
moved and Mr. Smith seconded the following conditions: proposer to agree to deed restrictions to
not demolish and to stabilize the house so there is no further deterioration; removal (relocation) is
not considered preservation, and would not be an acceptable proposal; motion carded.
c. Preservation Alliance. Marvel Anderson of the Alliance staff introduced herself and gave
the HPC a brief summary of their activities and plans.
d. St. Boniface. Seven Friends of St. Boniface were present and made the following remarks.
Mr. Bauer removed the steeple and bell on Sunday, February 1 lth. The state supreme court has the
appeal of the bond amount, but did not continue the stay, thereby leaving St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
flee to commence the demolition. The case may still be appealed if the bond is reduced. The amount
of this bond, ifa trend, could inhibit the continued use oflVIERA by citizens to bring preservation
actions. The Judge emphasized two factors in his decision. One, his request for a reuse proposal at
the time of the trial was not responded to by the Friends (on the advice of their attorney). Two, the
City's resolution that it would not provide land for relocation, accept the church as a gift, or initiate
a taking of the church was taken as a lack of interest by the community.
e. LeDuc House. Council approved a resolution, provided by the HPC, asking that
conduct a reuse study of the LeDuc House. tan~vxv~ ~
5. Review of building permits or design proposals.
No applications for this meeting.
6. Unfinished business.
a. Officers for 1996. Mr. Smith nominated and Mr. Thorsen seconded Ms. Coutu for Chair.
Mr. Smith moved and Mr. Simacek seconded white ballot; motion carried. Mr. Thorsen nominated
and Mr. Simacek seconded nomination of Mr. Smith for Vice Chair. Mr. Schnirdng moved and Mr.
Thorsen seconded white ballot; motion carded.
b. Illustrated sites guide. Quote for 2,000: $513, for 6,000, $977, for 10,000, $1421. Mrs.
Thorsen suggested that the Visitors Bureau be asked if they wanted to have the guide as well, in
order to raise the number printed and reduced the piece cost.
7. New business.
Mrs. Stoffel suggested that the City consider naming a street after Hazel Jacobsen-Theel. Mr.
Smith moved and Ms. Coutu seconded a request to the City to consider the suggestion; motion
carried.
8. Adjournment. Mr. Sirnacek moved and Mr Schnirring seconded; motion carded.