HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2014_09_24Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
September 24, 2014 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Wednesday, September 24,
2014 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Leah Brink, Mary Bibby, Dennis Willert, Les Rowland,
Janet Merriman and Janet Gritzner. Tom Agostini was absent. Shari Thornes, City Clerk, was also
present.
Chairperson Rowland called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A motion was made by Bibby, seconded
by Merriman, to approve the agenda. All present voted yes, motion carried. A motion was made by
Bibby, seconded by Brink, to approve the minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried. The next
meeting was tentatively scheduled for Friday, October 31st at 8:30 a.m.
HISTORIC PROPERTIES REPORTS:
6th Street Widening. The State Department of Transportation is proposing to widen 6th Street from
Main to Medary, which would eliminate the trees and boulevards. The north side abuts the University
Residential Historic District and the south side abuts the Central Residential Historic District. The BHPC
has gone on record opposing the project.
In response to this project and other transportation issues, the City Council created the ad hoc
Transportation Steering Committee to investigate and propose strategies. Rowland is serving on the
Committee. The group has met for several weeks and on September 15th discussed the 6th Street Main
to Medary project. At that meeting, Rowland was asked if the BHPC had recommendations or a
proposed solution.
The Commission discussed submitting formal comments to the Transportation Steering Committee
regarding the proposed project.
CENTRAL RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT - Historic Trolley in Central District. Horse-drawn trolley rides in
the Central Residential Historic District were planned last year in conjunction with the Parade of Lights
and several other events; however, were canceled due to extreme cold. This year’s event will be held
prior to the Festival of Lights Parade on Thursday, December 4th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thornes is working
with the Chamber on the promotion campaign. Letters will be sent to property owners encouraging
them to decorate. Commission members will be needed to volunteer during the event. A step-on
guide is needed.
UNIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT - Street Vacation. SDSU has submitted a petition to vacate a
portion of Harvey Dunn Street between 9th Avenue and Medary Avenue. The Planning Commission has
already reviewed and approved this request. City Council action is pending. SDSU further plans to
vacate a half block of 9th Street between Medary and 9th Avenue.
This action is subject to 11.1 review. Staff will prepare the City’s letter of notification to the State to
include the BHPC’s initial comments regarding the proposal.
A motion was made by Brink, seconded by Willert, stating the Brookings Historic Preservation
Commission is concerned that the 9th Street vacation could negatively impact two historic structures,
902 and 912 9th Street. The elimination of a through street could potentially reduce the future usability
of both structures for residential, commercial or public uses. All present voted yes; motion carried.
COMMERCIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT - 307 3rd Street. The property owner requested informal guidance on
their proposed conceptual plans before the formal 11.1 review process is conducted.
The Commission had the following suggestions for revisions to the general overall look on the exterior of
the building:
1. The proposed composition of the exterior building materials could be different. The building
material suggested on the west side does not provide a balance to the front façade. Assuming this
suggested material is a durable product, possibly this material could be used for the full first story and
then brick above. This material appears to represent stone or precast which in more traditional
buildings was commonly used as a “base” to provide a visual sense of stability.
2. The arches on the ground level could be removed and a flat lintel provided in its place over the
openings. It was thought that the arches in traditional building were more commonly seen on the
second or third floors. The arches also were often more in the form of a gradual arc and provided with a
keystone (similar to what is shown in the flat lintels).
3. The recessed façade at the east and west storefronts was also a concern. Though there was not
any historical reference, there was concern that this recess could provide an opportunity for vandalism
or other concerns. Extending the façade out to the street would also provide more leasable square foot
area on the ground floor which could help with the economic feasibility of the project.
BROOKINGS COUNTY - Hartinger Barn. Restoration has begun on the barn. SHPO is working with the
property owner on a State Register nomination. The property owner plans to apply for the state
property tax moratorium program and the Deadwood Grant.
PROJECT/ ISSUE UPDATES & FINAL REPORTS:
2014 Mayor’s Awards for Historic Preservation. The annual combined award program is scheduled for
Thursday, September 25th, 5-7 p.m., at the Dakota Nature Center. The Mayor will present the annual
Human Rights Committee’s “Butler Award,” the Disability Committee’s “ABLE Award,” and the BHPC’s
Mayor’s Award for Historic Preservation.
Proposed Legislation. Proposed legislation to change historic commission membership requirements
was presented at the statewide CLG meeting in Pierre on May 29th and received strong support. Some
CLG staff and commission members offered to lend their support by testifying in Pierre. Thornes had
forwarded the draft legislation to SHPO for submittal as a bill; however, the Office is not willing to
forward the legislation. A subcommittee of Thornes, Bibby and Rowland met on 9/23 to discuss a new
strategy. The group will contact local legislators as potential sponsors of the bill.
South Dakota MainStreet Summit, Rapid City, October 30-31. The BHPC received an invitation to
attend a Main Street Summit in Rapid City. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the benefits of, and
process to form, a statewide Main Street Coordinating program. Rowland is attending the summit and
will report at the next meeting.
Memorandum of Understanding for the 11.1 Review Process. The BHPC had drafted a Memorandum
of Understanding between the City of Brookings and SHPO pertaining to the historic preservation 11.1
review process. However, the following remaining issues must be addressed before the MOU can be
presented to the City Council for formal adoption: Review and application process, staff approval of
routine projects, process for when staff is gone, and frequency and time for Commission meetings.
CLG Annual Evaluation. The BHPC received its annual evaluation from the State, dated 9/2/14.
Public Education Subcommittee: The Commission has identified a number of public education activities
to pursue in the coming year. Staff has recommended the creation of a Public Education Committee
that will assist and coordinate BHPC public education efforts. Several other city boards have similar
committees that meet independently from the regular meeting in order to facilitate and streamline the
process. Brink, Gritzner and Merriman volunteered to serve on the committee.
REVIEW OF CURRENT & PROPOSED PROJECTS:
Sustainability Poster Campaign. The BHPC partnered with the City’s Sustainability Council on a poster
campaign to promote sustainable efforts in the community. The Sustainability Council has allocated
$7,500 to promote release of the 10 posters via means of utility bill stuffers, monthly print ads in the
paper, tab inserts in specialty issues, and an online campaign. The two historic posters are scheduled
for release in February with the home show promotion and April in the home lawn, garden promotion.
The Commission requested that one of the posters be rescheduled to release during the month of May,
which is Historic Preservation Month.
Engage Brookings Questions. Engage Brookings is the City’s comprehensive community engagement
website where citizens can engage, communicate and collaborate with community decision makers and
other residents on the future of our community. The goal is to get younger residents involved in the
planning process. Engage Brookings gives contributors a chance to share new ideas, second others’
ideas, expand upon existing ideas and give feedback on initiatives.
Staff requested the Commission consider possible question submittals for the Engage Brookings site.
This item was referred to the public education committee.
Local awareness campaign of state and federal preservation incentives. The Commission expressed
interest in conducting a local awareness campaign regarding tools and incentives (Deadwood Grant,
State Property Tax Moratorium, and Federal Tax Incentives) available to historic property owners.
This item was referred to the public education committee.
2015 Public Education Workshop. The BHPC has received $1000 to host a series of workshops on the
Federal Income Tax Credit, State Property Tax Moratorium and Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation
during spring and early summer 2015.
Announcements/Correspondence/Communications/Calendar.
Sept 25 Mayor’s Award Event, Dakota Nature Center, 5-7 pm
Oct 2 City Volunteer Reception, Dakota Nature Center, 5-7 pm
You and a guest are invited to attend the Mayor’s annual volunteer reception the Dakota
Nature Center. It’s an informal event with music, food and beverages. Please come!
Oct 30-31 MainStreet Summit, Rapid City
Reminder to let Thornes know ASAP if wanting to attend.
Nov 10-14 National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference, Savannah
Dec 18 Mayor’s Holiday Party, Swiftel Center, 5-7 pm
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes