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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-16-06 HPC minutes HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting, May 16, 2006, 7:00p.m., City Hall I. Quorum: Commissioners Warg, St. James, Simacek, Behnke, Martin, Siemens and Goderstad were present. Staff: Grossman and Phillips. Chairperson Goderstad called the meeting to order. II. Minutes of April 18, 2006. Warg moved and St. James seconded approval of the minutes; motion carried, 7-0. III. Review of building permits or design proposals. A. 215 West 7th Street. Greg and Lesley Lesch. Phillips presented information regarding the proposal of a 48 foot fence on the Lesley property. Greg Lesch clarified the fence plans and details. Grossman added that the fence does not extend to the front of the property, but if it did the guidelines would be much more constrictive. Martin moved and Simacek seconded to approve base on the findings: Using residential guideline #11, the fence is compatible with the design of the house and the neighboring house, in that it is plain, rectangular and has simple details. The fence will not impact the streetscape in the Old Hastings Historic District as it is in the side yard, halfway to the rear ofthe property. B. 602 Vermillion Street. First Presbyterian is the owner of this property. Tuck point vertical joints in cap stone over the pastor's office and classroom. Grossman clarified these plans. This was approved by staff on 5/3/2006. C. 100 Sibley. B&S Properties owns this property. The deteriorative brick on the west side of the building was replaced and painted. Low pressure washing and repainting was done on the north and west sides. Grossman made sure that the washing was done at a low pressure. Pictures were passed around so the commissioners could see what was done. This was approved by staff on 5/2/2006. D. 309 East 5th Street. William and Diane McGrath. Existing roofing is to be replaced with Timberline brand shingles. This was approved by staff on 3/9/2006. IV. Business. A. Driveways and sidewalks. Siemens informed the commission that the Storeholmes, 400 W. ih Street, driveway, sidewalk, a tree have been removed and pavers and gravel are stockpiled for a new driveway and sidewalk. Behnke suggested the gravel was put in place for a base for a concrete or paver sidewalk. Siemens asked if the commission should be reviewing this type of work. Grossman noted that the guidelines and standard do not address the design or materials of driveways and sidewalks which suggests they do not need to be reviewed by HPC in order to be added, improved, or removed. Goderstad felt this would improve the appearance ofthe house. No action was taken. B. Increase in sign allowance. Warg brought up the issue of sign age at the LeDuc house. Chad Roberts of Dakota County Historical Society wanted a second sign facing 1 ih Street. City Council amended the sign ordinance to permit a second sign on public use properties that face two streets. The commission felt that more large signs take away from the visual aesthetics ofthe house itself. Warg asked whether the county historical society or the city has power over the signage at LeDuc. Grossman noted that the society can propose signs, but the number and size must be within the City sign code and the appearance must be approved by the commission. c. Temporary signs at LeDuc. The number and frequency of temporary signs and banners are another issue. There have been times when special event banners, sandwich board signs, parking lot signs, were all in use at the same time. Goderstad felt the LeDuc is the premiere historic house in Hastings and it should not look too commercial. Goderstad suggested someone to join the Dakota County Historical Board in order to monitor issues such as this. St. James suggested putting up a LeDuc sign across High Way 61. Behnke suggested a sign on the lawn perpendicular to the road, resembling the period of the LeDuc house. A sign with changeable letters for events was also an option. Grossman will discuss these issues with the City Administrator, and the Planner and will remind the society to submit the new sign design to the commission. V. Information and Reports A. Phillips presented a list and a map of houses that are considered for being designated as historic. The list was divided up among commissioners; each commissioner will pick the best few houses in their part of the list. Grossman clarified how to pick the best houses by using the criteria of significance and integrity. Integrity is the quality of original design. The unique visual character must remain intact. Commissioners will review their findings at the June 20th meeting and the top few choices will be considered for a possible designation project using a Preservation Grant. B. Recent communications: The conference committee cut out the preservation restriction out of the eminent domain Bill. C. Siemens inquired if the topography, such as cutting down trees, can be changed in a historic district or site. Grossman will ask the city forester to look at the trees on the 3rd Street hill. IV. Adjournment: Warg moved and Martin seconded adjournment; motion carried.