Landmark Commission Minutes - 06/23/2009MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
40 June 23, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dianne Thueson, Chairperson
■ Members
Marilyn Carper
■
Cindy Cotton
■
Stacie Flood
■
Christy Graham
■
Jim Newsom
■
Pat Sullivan
■
Steve Wood
■
Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■ Staff
ABSENT:
Ron Fox ■
John Kidwell ■
Councilor Charles Elmore ■ Council Liaison
I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS
Chairperson Thueson called the Commission meeting to order at 3:10 pm after quorum was
obtained.
II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF APRIL & MAY 2009 MEETING MINUTES
Chairperson Thueson called for review of the minutes from both the April 28`h and May 19`h, 2009
meetings. Members reviewed the minutes and Ms. Thueson called for approval. Mr. Newsom
introduced a motion to approve the April and May meeting minutes as presented and Ms. Graham
seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
111. OVERVIEW OF CWF 2010 CLG GRANT APPLICATION — SUBMITTED TO THC
JUNE 5th
Chairperson Thueson introduced this item and referred members to the application materials in the
meeting packets. Ms. Gagne provided an overview of the application process noting the grant was
assembled based on the premise the City would hire a professional consultant that would work in
conjunction with staff and the Landmark Commission to overhaul the current Design Review
Guidelines. Members reviewed copies of the grant application and Mr. Newsom questioned the
grant timing. Chairperson Thueson and staff explained the TX Historical Commission (THC) will
conduct their July meeting to review all applications and make preliminary determinations.
However, we don't anticipate hearing any determination from THC until after October when the new
federal budget begins. Staff explained the 2009 grant funding for the historic sites brochure was
delayed until after the election and the City was notified in January with contracts signed in March
2009.
Ms. Gagne indicated the project was included with the City's Planning Division budget as an above
current item for the necessary grant matching funds. She also highlighted that during budget
review & discussion, depending on priority needs and budget shortfalls above current line items are
often the first items to be removed in order to fund immediate need projects. Staff and Commission
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members discussed this issue and arrived at the same conclusion as discussed previously in May
it was important to proceed with submittal of the 2010 CLG application for THC consideration even
if City match funds may fall through for budget year 2010. Commission members believed in the
need for overhauling the Design Review Guidelines and collectively within the community local
match funds could be obtained to make the project a reality.
IV. WORK SESSION — 2009 CLG GRANT — HISTORIC SITES BROCHURE
Chairperson Thueson requested this agenda item be moved to the end of the meeting as a work
session. Commission members were in agreement.
V. OTHER BUSINESS:
a) West Floral Heights Historic District update
Ms. Carper and Ms. Cotton informed the Commission that Sara Johnson article in the June
215` Times Record News finally covered their 100th anniversary event of their neighborhood.
They also explained the neighborhood newsletter would include ad space to help defray
costs. Businesses in the community may advertise for $25.00 per ad per year with
newsletters being published quarterly to coincide with quarterly Neighborhood Association
meetings. Ms. Cotton highlighted the Association is developing an email listing in order to
send out important information (eg. lost animals, alert about break -ins, etc.) within the
District and increase awareness.
b) Newsletter and Periodical update — Staff provided copies of recent THC monthly
"NewsBriefs" and inquired if anyone was still missing The Medallion publication. Members
noted they were now receiving the publication, however, Mr. Newsom stated he was still not
receiving the publication. Staff said they would go to the THC website and request the free
subscription for Mr. Newsom since he does not have email.
c) Other Items for Discussion:
Members discussed some key renovation /restoration projects (7 Indiana and Wichita
Theatre) occurring downtown just outside the existing Depot Square Historic District
boundaries. The Commission hoped long -term to see these buildings incorporated into an
expanded downtown historic district.
i) Morningside District — Local District Application:
Ms. Gagne noted some property owners from Morningside Nat'l Historic District
contacted their office inquiring about the process to become a local historic district. Mr.
Newsom explained a group of property owners will work together to research and
prepare the application materials for approximately 80 houses in the development. Mr.
Newsom, a resident of the District, requested a copy of the application materials
submitted for the Nat'l Register listing — staff indicated they would provide a copy of the
information at the next Commission meeting.
ii) Depot Square Building Concerns:
Ms. Graham expressed concern with the City tagging 502 Ohio (creamery bldg) in the
downtown Depot Square Historic District. Ms. Sullivan a Backdoor Theatre board
member provided some background information since the non - profit entity owns the
building at 502 Ohio. Members discussed this building along with the Keller building on
7th Street. Ms. Graham commented she is seeing much more interest in downtown
buildings from out -of -town investors. She also noted that any demolition of buildings in
the Depot Square may impact the National Register status. Commission members
requested staff research the status regarding 502 Ohio Street.
Follow -up post meeting: Ms. Gagne contacted Bldg Inspection & Code Enforcement to
discover the Community Dev't Director and Building Official had prepared a field
inspection /memo of potential buildings around the City for demolition. Included on this
Landmark Commission June 23, 2009 page 2
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'white elephant' demolition list were three (3) Depot Square Historic District (502 Ohio,
613/6157 1h St) buildings. Due to the national /city historic designation, Landmarks must
review any proposed demolition request. The TX Preservation Officer will also require
documentation and justification prior to demolition authorization. Planning staff
forwarded this information to Commission members.
iii) Next Meeting:
Members discussed timing for the next meeting and staff requested the option to move
the meeting ahead to July 14th to avoid vacation schedules. Members in attendance
were in agreement for the July 14th @ 3pm meeting work session, depending on room
availability.
Work Session Component:
CLG 2009 PROJECT — REVIEW, DISCUSSION & DETERMINATION HISTORIC SITES LIST
Chairperson Thueson referred members to the worked completed at the May Commission meeting
and work session and thanked everyone who was able to participate and provide feedback. Staff
indicated they updated the potential historic sites listed after the May discussion and provided
copies for the work session. Members continued to discuss various buildings /events and locations
for consideration in the Historic Sites Booklet. Goal for the July meeting is to finalize the listing and
map the locations of each site.
VI. ADJOURN
The regular Commission meeting and work session adjourned at 4:07pm.
ianne Thueson, Chairperson Date
RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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Date on
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