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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-2004 1"--' HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION July 20, 2004 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm I. QUORUM: Commissioners Present: Warg, Boler, Simacek, Sovik-Siemens, Goderstad, Warg, Martin, Hellie Staff Present: Grossman, Wiekert II. MINUTES OF June 15, 2004 Commissioner Martin asked to make a correction on the comment about the Pilz house being demolished. Goderstad moved and La Beck seconded that the minutes be approved with the correction on the Pilz house being demolished. Motion carried. III. REVIEW OF BUILDING PERMITS OR DESIGN PROPOSALS. ADDlications ,- (1) 602 Vermillion - First Presbyterian Church - Tuckpointing on damaged mortars. Wiekert briefly summarized the repairs the applicant is requesting to perform on the church. She stated that most of the work is done no higher than 10 feet. There is a place below the front window and where the education wing is located. Staff did recommend approval with the conditions for the tuckpointing. Commissioners stated that if the mortar joints match the existing material, they felt that it was acceptable. Commissioner Warg asked if there were any other concerns about the tuckpointing before they made an approval. Motion by Boler and second by Simacek to approve the application for the tuckpointing with the condition that the color and joint match the existing materials and the composition of mortar is adjusted to avoid damage to the existing stones and brick. Motion carried. (2) 216 E. 6th Street - Dawn Walker - Replacing porch, steps and hand railing. ~ Commissioners had concern about the materials used for the porch. They felt treated lumber was not of good quality for a porch floor. They felt fur or cedar lumber was more suitable for front porches. Commissioner Hellie felt the porch needs to have tongue and grove for the floor. ,--- Normally treated lumber for decks do not have the tongue and grove. They are built to have the water run between the lumber. Commissioners inquired about the cost difference between fur and treated lumber. Commissioner Hellie stated that treated is approximately $1.50 a square foot and fur or cedar is approximately $7.00 a square foot. He clarified that it would be about double the cost to have the applicant put in different lumber. He stated that treated lumber is not good quality lumber for porch floors and would not recommend painting this type of lumber. Commissioners stated that the applicant needs to provide better lumber with tongue and grove. The floor to ground needs to have lattice work or trellis. She needs to provide more photos of the porch. They stated that there are reuse centers with salvage lumber that would be at less cost to the applicant. They clarified that she may be able to salvage some of the existing porch and only replace a few boards on the porch floor. She could look in the yellow pages for other places with salvage lumber. Motion by Goderstad and seconded by La Breck to table the repair on the porch floors, stairs and handrailing. Motioned carried. ~ Business (1) 312 2nd Street - Structure located in the front of the House. Staff reported that this is more of an update on the wall structure. Wiekert stated that owner did contact her and they did discuss the owner's next step on the structure. Cost is an issue with the owner and they are trying to put a screening from the porch to the street. The owner had been ill that is why they just made contact with staff. Both applications were sent to the Mrs. Fowlkes and she stated that she will fill it out and send it back. Commissioners asked if there was anything the city could do if the owners do not remove the structure. They inquired if there was a city enforcer who could reduce the size of the structure. Grossman stated that the city does have a code enforcer. He commented the city attorney could also write them a letter if they do not cooperate with approval process. He clarified that the owner is willing to work with city staff on the structure. (2) 401 West Sth Street - Edith Kaiser -- Director Grossman updated the Commissioners that Edith Kaiser has spoken with the staff on the stairs and railing. He stated that the cost for replacing the stairs is too high. She has stated that she will repair or remodel the stairs herself. Also, the handrailing will be posted on the outside of the steps instead of ,- on the steps in order to have a continuous run as required by building code. IV. INFORMATION AND REPORTS (1) 110 East 7th Street - Doris Blumenauer Commissioner Boler corrected the staff report stating the east rear window was a casement window and not a double hung window. She updated the Commissioners stating the windows were approved by the Committee members present. (2) 711 Tyler Street - Bob Pilz Commissioners asked if the owner has submitted an application for the garage door. No one has heard anything about the garage door. Commissioners stated they were able to approve the windows for the applicant when they visited the site. There was concern with the windows if they were to be vinyl clad stated. They didn't feel it would appropriate. The Committee members that were present for the approval stated that this would be appropriate because of the condition of the house. They felt this window was better than all vinyl material. ~ (3) 706 Vermillion Street - Mark and Gail Borchardt Wiekert updated the staff with the application on the Borchardt property. She informed the Commissioners the applicant did submit a new plan showing that they did move it further back and will stop at the garage instead of wrapping around to the other side of the house. Commissioners asked if they are using the same material. Wiekert indicated that planning department did place a condition with the structure of the fence. They did include that the structure will need to be secured in order to stay in place while the fence is up. (4) 106/108 E. 2nd Street - RJ's on Main - Joseph Ryan Director Grossman stated this information is an update on RJ's. He stated that Mr. Ryan purchased the building next to them and will convert it into one building. He clarified that the other building has a lighter brick color. He said the owner is going to make the building more traditional and would like to change the door. Commissioners asked if he will change the brick color and they were concerned if he was planning to paint it. Grossman stated that the owner did talk about ..~ painting the brick, but staff had advised him that it would not be appropriate. (5) Hastings Depot - Robert Carr - 2nd Street and Bailey ,--- Director Grossman updated the Commissioners with the work that is to be done on the Depot. He stated that the owner is trying to stay within the original appearance even though they are not considered a historical site. He clarified that the Council did not place them on the list as an historical site and the owner wished that they would not be on the list. (6) Conference and training - Minnesota Historical Society Commissioner Warg stated the registration and mileage would be compensated and asked if any other accommodations are included. Director Grossman stated that they do have a grant to include hotel accommodations. Commissioner Goderstad stated that he would be unable to attend the training this year. Commissioner LaBreck volunteered to go to the training in St. Cloud. Grossman stated that he would work with LaBreck on the application and grants. (7) Web page Commissioner Martin gave an update on the webpage. She stated the webpage maybe up to by the end of July and they would like feedback in case there needs be changes. (8) Downtown Redevelopment - Report on the open house from June 28 Director Grossman stated the Council and Committee had a joint meeting after June 28. He stated the developers have changed the phases and would start with Block 1. He clarified that Block 3 is on hold; however, the developer would have the first opportunity in the future to develop it. He stated that the NSP substation may be purchased by the city and moved in order to build or place parking at that location. He clarified that parking was an issue with the development. Commissioners asked if the developer will bring back more elevation drawings. Grossman stated that maybe in August they will see more drawings. He clarified that the restaurant may not be brought to the Commissioners; however, the condo building will be. Commissioners were concerned with the materials the developers are using and asked if the Commissioners can do anything about it. Grossman stated the Commissioners are only an advisory committee. They are encouraged to make comments on the materials. Other Business r- Director Grossman handed out the budget for 2005. He stated that the HPC will continue to budget for an intern or part-time employee. He stated that they are looking at working with other departments to hire on a full-time employee. He added that they are trying to get more money to take people to conferences and even enough to take more than one person. They are hoping to get a digital ,-. camera and will still offer the cost of half the plaque. He stated the budget is slightly better than last years budget, but still would like to do more. He added that the HPC doesn't have any grant money to hire contracts for more studies in the city. He stated that the commissioners can designate properties. Commissioners were concerned about homes being transformed into twin homes. They were concerned that districts maybe lost if these twin homes replace the existing homes. Commissioners asked for the status of the ordinance changes. Grossman stated that he will look into finishing the ordinance. He clarified that Judy had completed most of the ordinance changes before she left. Commissioner Goderstad stated that he handed the plaque to Edna on her beautiful home and she was very happy and grateful for the nomination. He asked for the status of the Octagon house. Grossman stated that he is not sure if the City Attorney has sent a letter to the owner. He would update with the city attorney on that issue. /"'- Commissioner Goderstad stated that he noticed Hardware Hank put up a new sign. He asked if they submitted a permit. He also inquired about the sign for the "Busted Nut". Grossman stated that they may repaint the sign, but it could not get any bigger. Director Grossman updated on the LeDuc mansion. He stated that progress is slow, but it is continuing. He clarified the landscape is approved and the parking lot is in the process. He stated they will be open next year, but may be a month later. Adiournment With no further business, Goderstad moved and Boler seconded to close the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Wiekert Recording Secretary ,,-..-