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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-05 HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting of July 19, 2005 I. Quorum: Goderstad, Simacek, Hellie, Warg, Sovik-Siemens and Martin present; Boler, St. James absent. Staff: Grossman, Schrader. II. Minutes of June 21, 2005. Commissioner Martin asked to strike “new st stairs” from section IVD of the June 21 meeting minutes. She clarified that her concern on this item was related only to the stair railing and not to the new stairs on the property. Motion by Goderstad, second by Simacek to approve the minutes with this correction. Motion passed, 6-0. III. Review of building permits or design proposals A.307 East 6 Street. th (Old Hastings, non-contributing) Cheryl Gilbert provided extensive documentation that the building was constructed in 1891 rather than ca. 1870 as proposed by HPC staff at the June meeting. She asked that the HPC allow some design flexibility on the proposed new front porch on the property due to the later construction date. Ms. Gilbert presented sketches of various elements of the new porch and asked for the Commissioners’ feedback on the porch design. The Commissioners discussed the type of posts that should be used for the front porch. The Commissioners stated that round posts would be the most historically accurate and suggested the homeowners obtain round posts either through a salvage yard or by purchasing injection molded fiberglass posts. These options would be far less expensive than ordering custom-made posts. The Commissioners discussed the general dimensions of the porch and concluded that it would extend along the entire frontage of the house. The Commissioners stated that they were hesitant to move forward and approve the porch design without a sketch of the entire porch. The homeowners provided sketches of certain design elements of the porch but nothing comprehensive. The contractor, Butch Mallette, drew a comprehensive sketch of the proposed porch for the Commissioners and suggested that the HPC approve the basic structure of the porch and table approval of the railings, posts and stairs to the next HPC meeting. Motion by Warg, second by Hellie to approve the basic structure of the porch as proposed by the applicant, including the deck, foundation consistent with building department guidelines, and the roofline. Motion passed, 6-0. The Commissioners discussed the construction of a façade wall on the recessed portion of the front of the house to provide more visual consistency. Motion by Simacek, second by Goderstad to approve construction of a façade wall as proposed by the applicant. Motion passed 4-2, Martin and Hellie dissenting. B. 221 East 2 Street. nd nd(Gardner House, East 2 St. District, Contributing) Chairman Warg presented information about the applicant’s request to replace exterior light fixtures on the property. The Commissioners stated that they would like to see either color pictures of the proposed light fixtures or actual samples of the fixtures before approving the request. The Commissioners directed staff to either have the owner bring his first choice of light fixture to the next HPC meeting if feasible or provide color pictures of the different options. The Commissioners would also like to have a rough estimate of the cost of the proposed light fixtures. The Commissioners agreed that one of the designs proposed by the applicant, the Marquis design, was not acceptable. C. 220 East 7 Street. th(Old Hastings, Contributing) Commissioner Martin presented details about her proposal to remove the window trim on her property. The Commissioners stated that the proposal meets historic guidelines and would restore historic elements of the home. Motion by Goderstad, second by Hellie to approve removal of the window trim pieces as proposed by the applicant. Motion passed, 5-0, Martin abstaining. D. 321 East 5 Street. th(Old Hastings, Contributing) The Commissioners stated that the proposed stoop design is not historically accurate. Staff replied that the proposed design has historic elements even though it may not be entirely appropriate for the Italianate style. The Commissioners stated that the proposed square spindles are inappropriate and that exposed green-treated lumber would not be an acceptable material. The Commissioners also stated that the proposed handrail was not acceptable. The Commissioners directed staff to write a letter to the homeowner asking him to bring in either a section drawing of the proposed spindles or an actual example of the spindles. The Commissioners asked staff to communicate to the homeowner that square spindles and green-treated wood would not be approved by the HPC. The Commissioners suggested that the applicant drive around town and view homes in the Italianate style in order to produce a more historically accurate design. E. 214 East 6 Street. th(Old Hastings, Non-contributing) The Commissioners discussed the elements of the proposed front porch repair at the property. The Commissioners stated that the repair follows historic guidelines, uses the proper materials and will improve the historic appearance of the home. Motion by Martin, second by Sovik-Siemens to approve repairs to the front porch as proposed by the applicant. Motion passed, 6-0. IV. Information & reports th A. 224 W. 7 Street. The Commissioners discussed the brick porch steps that were constructed without HPC approval. The Commissioners stated the homeowner should be made aware that avoiding the HPC approval process is a misdemeanor and will be treated as such in the future. Motion by Warg, second by Hellie to direct staff to send the homeowner a stern letter cautioning him against circumventing the HPC approval process in the future. Motion passed, 6-0. th B. 209 W. 7 Street. The Commissioners discussed the concrete sidewalk in front of the property that was constructed without HPC approval. The City Engineer has sent the homeowners a letter of understanding to make certain that the sidewalk meets code and remains in good condition. th C. 401 W. 5 Street. The Commissioners discussed the railing along the front steps that differs from the design approved by the HPC in June, 2004. The homeowner received approval from the building department to construct a railing that did not match the railing approved by the HPC. The Commissioners discussed the disconnect that seems to exist between the building department and the HPC. The Commissioners directed staff to send a letter to the homeowner stating that the HPC knows that the railing is different than the design that was approved, asking whether the new railing is temporary, and asking for an explanation for the deviation from the approved design. D. The Commissioners discussed what can be done to ensure that owners of historic properties only make alterations that are approved by the HPC. There have been several recent instances in which a homeowner obtained HPC approval for alterations to the property, but the actual work deviated from that approved by the HPC. The Commissioners suggested having all applicants sign a document stating that any deviation from the approved modifications must be approved by the HPC. Staff will look into adding similar language to the Application for Certificate of Approval. E. Commissioner Sovik-Siemen brought up the proposed twin home to be th constructed at 300 West 6 Street and questioned whether it is appropriate for the neighborhood. This is not a historic property but does fall in the proposed Conservation District. The Commissioners agreed that the Conservation District should be officially designated by the City Council so that more stringent design guidelines are established in the area. Motion by Sovik-Siemen, second by Goderstad to urge the Planning Department to ask the City Council to officially establish the Conservation District. Motion passed, 6-0. F. Commissioner Goderstad directed staff to send Jackie Boler a letter thanking her for her dedication, excellent work and leadership during her time as an HPC commissioner and to wish her well in the future. Staff will also send Ms. Boler a plaque to commemorate her work on the Commission. V. Adjournment. Motion by Goderstad, second by Sovik-Siemen to adjourn; motion passed, 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.