HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2017_01_12Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
January 12, 2017 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at
5:30 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Leah Brink, Angie Boersma, Janet Merriman, Dennis Willert,
Greg Heiberger, Janet Gritzner and Jessica Garcia Fritz. Les Rowland and Virginia James were absent.
Chairperson Brink called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. A motion was made by Boersman, seconded
by Merriman, to approve the agenda. All present voted yes, motion carried. A motion was made by
Boersma, seconded by Merriman, to approve the December 8, 2016 minutes. All present voted yes;
motion carried.
DISCUSSION OF MEETING SCHEDULE AND AGENDA DEADLINES
The BHPC will be meeting the second Thursday monthly at 5:00 p.m. Agenda packet deadline will be 10
business days prior. Meeting dates and deadlines will be publicized via website, 11.1 application,
commission agenda, annual historic properties mailer, and facebook. The BHPC approved the following
2017 meeting and agenda deadline schedule for 2017
February 9th (January 27th application deadline)
March 9th (February 24th application deadline)
April 13th (March 31st application deadline)
May 11th (April 28th application deadline) – note 5:30 p.m. start time due to City Council Retreat
June 8th (May 26th application deadline)
July 13th (June 30th application deadline)
August 10th (July 28th application deadline)
Sept. 14th (September 1st application deadline)
October 12th (September 29th application deadline)
Nov. 9th (October 27th application deadline)
Dec. 14th (December 1st application deadline)
INITIAL DISCUSSION ON 2017-18 GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The BHPC had a preliminary discussion of goals and objectives for the 2017/2018 funding cycle (June 17 -
May 18). They reviewed the 2016/2017 goals, goal recommendations from the 2016 CAMP, and a
summary of items discussed at their August 2016 meeting. Thornes will make revisions based on
comments received and present for action at the February meeting.
PROJECT/ISSUE UPDATES & REPORTS
Proposed Committee Structure. The Commission reviewed the proposed committee structure proposed
by the executive committee. All members will be expected to serve on at least one working committee.
A motion was made by Boersma, seconded by Merriman, to adopt the committee structure as presented.
All present voted yes; motion carried.
Executive (Chair, Vice Chair, Staff) (Boersma, Heiberger, Thornes)
Public Education (11.1 materials, information, process) (Merriman, Gritzner, Garcia Fritz)
Public Relations (image, constituency building, marketing, message) (Brink, James)
Event Specific/Special Projects
Advocacy Liaison - Local & State Legislative issues (Chair & Vice Chair) ( Boersma &
Heiberger)
Committees can include people not on the commission. Suggestions for volunteers included Volunteer
Service bank, BHPC alumni, interested citizens, and neighborhood leaders.
11.1 Review Rubric. Boersma is working on a rubric that would illustrate a successful 11.1 application
and case report and streamline the process. The rubric would illustrate if something meets or does not
meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. SHPO said no other CLG has created a
rubric and the State has not because each city handles the 11.1 process differently. Thornes
recommended SHPO staff and the City Attorney review the final draft before its implemented.
March 11.1 Property Owner Mailing. The annual mailing to owners of historic properties, realtors, and
contractors is scheduled for March. Thornes recommended a new look for the brochure. Members were
asked to review and submit revisions to the brochure and draft by the February meeting. The public
education committee will review via dropbox (Boersma assisting) and recommend revisions. The group
recommended providing a copy to the city manager and other city officials for informational purposes.
May Preservation Month Activities. Thornes said the National Trust has not issued this year’s theme for
Preservation Month. They often release very late, sometimes May. Members reviewed “This Place
Matters” website and campaign toolkit.
Last year’s events:
“Historic Sites on Bikes” by Boersma. In addition to being historic preservation month, May is also
biking month. Last year the BHPC provided “Historic Sites on Bikes” tour on May 27th. The BHPC
partnered with Critical Mass, a group of local riders, do a one themed hour ride the last Friday of the
month @ 5:30 p.m. The Brookings Bike Advisory Committee also promoted the event.
“Green Drinks” presentation by Boersma. The Sustainability Council has partnered with Wooden Legs
Brewery to offer a monthly speaking and educational event called “Green Drinks.” Speakers provide
a 10 minute presentation on sustainability issues with questions and answers. The talks are held on
the last Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
Feature column by James. Groups presenting at Green Drinks are also asked to provide a 600 word
corresponding column for the Brookings Register.
The Commission agreed to sponsor Historic Sites on Bikes on Friday, May 26. Thornes will work with
Boersma to finalize the route/narrative for selected stops. They will also participate present at Green
Drinks on May 25th and write a column.
2017 Mayor’s Award Schedule and Process. Thornes said in order to coordinate all the groups and award
winners involved, the earlier deadlines are needed.
She also suggested consideration of new categories and names. The current categories are as follows:
Exterior
1) Skin Restoration (painting, siding)
2) Sympathetic Addition (a new addition that blends with an historic structure)
3) Sympathetic Infill (new construction in an old neighborhood)
4) Overall Restoration
5) Historically appropriate landscape
Interior
1) Adaptive, non-original use of a historic structure
2) Architectural restoration (not decorative)
3) New addition adaptation with existing historic structure (fixtures, woodwork)
Simplifying categories might be something to consider, such as:
Excellence in Rehabilitation – Recognizing projects that make compatible use of a building
through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its
historic value.
Excellence in Restoration – Recognizing exemplary restoration of historic structures. An accurate
restoration project depicts the form, features and character of a historic building as it appeared
at a particular period of time. Restoration requires sensitive upgrading of mechanical systems and
other code-required work to make the site functional.
The Commission is also asked to consider additional award categories:
o Stewardship Award – An award recognizing those who have ensured the preservation of historic
properties through long-term care and maintenance, stabilization, protection or continuous
family ownership. Awards in this category are presented to stewards of historic resources who,
through long-term care and maintenance, stabilization and protection, or through granting of an
easement, are ensuring the preservation of the historic resource.
o Preservation Achievement (or Service) Award- Recognizing persons, groups, businesses and/or
government entities that demonstrate exemplary activities and promotion of awareness in the
field of historic preservation.
o Sustainability Award - For the continual use and sustainable rehabilitation of an existing building;
one that has conserved materials and energy; prevented environmental, social and economic
impacts of demolition; and taken into consideration embodied energy.
o Preservationist OR Lifetime Achievement Award. Suggest naming it the “Mary McClure Bibby
Lifetime Achievement Award.” Bibby restructured the awards program into what it is today.
Members liked the categories because the language was consistent with the Standards. Another
category is needed to address new infill in historic districts. Thornes will revise and submit for final
action at the February meeting.
Central and District Plaques; property owner contact and contractor/installation process. The Central and
University house plaques have been purchased and must be installed by July 2017. Central installation
was scheduled for May 2016, but we decided to wait and install both districts at same time. Process to
include:
February - Secure contractor
March – Property owner mailing
April – FB & PSA announcements
April – Willert/Subcommittee contacting property owners to obtain permission and determine
location
May – Willert/Subcommittee contacting property owners to obtain permission and determine
location
May – Installations
June – Installation
July – close out grant
This will be a huge undertaking to get both done by July. Further discussion is needed regarding property
owner notification and permission process. Thornes said the Public Education committee may want to
consider other promotional activities, such as a press release, ground breaking event at a willing
participant’s house. A picture of the plaque in this year’s mailing was suggested. Installing the Central
District first was also suggested. Asking a willing property owner to have their plaque installed and be
featured in the paper was also recommended.
Commission training and constituency building workshop. Monica Callahan, NAPC CAMP Trainer, has
been asked to provide a day-long commission member training and constituency building workshop.
She has not confirmed availability yet, but staff will provide an update at the meeting. It would be a
16/17 grant project, so the training would have to occur not later than June 2017. This would be for the
Brookings Commission only and a date would be selected that works for all members.
The BHPC received NPS/CLG funding to provide a Passive Floor Restoration Workshop by Bob Yapp. An
amendment to the 2016/2017 Park Service Grant would be required to reallocate funds to the
commission training. Thornes noted that the Yapp workshop fulfilled the BHPC’s grant requirement to
provide a public workshop and a public workshop will still be required.
The Commission agreed that training, strategic planning, and constituency building were the top
priorities. They asked if Callahan also provides strategic planning. Thornes also recommended Betty
Anne Beierle, who has done strategic planning for the BHPC and conducted the two public visioning
sessions and wrote the City of Brookings Preservation Plan.
Liaison Reports:
Comprehensive Master Plan Advisory Committee. Garcia Fritz and Boersma reported the City had
entered into a contract with RDG Consulting from Omaha, NE. They will forward the public engagement
schedule once it is finalized.
Downtown Brookings Inc. (DBI). Garcia Fritz said the Board met on January 9th. _________ from Hitch is
assisting with organizational needs in the interim. The Board is assessing needs and will be looking at
hiring a replacement soon.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
South Dakota State Historical Society’s next Deadwood Fund Grant applications are due February 1st.
CLG grant applications for the 2017-2018 funding cycle are due March 31st.
The South Dakota Annual History Conference will be April 28– 29 in Sioux Falls.
http://history.sd.gov/aboutus/HistoryConference/default.aspx
April 27th (preceding the conference) the State Historical Society Board of Trustees will hold their
meeting in Sioux Falls.
The Statewide CLG Conference will be June 7, 8 and 9, 2017 in Pierre. The conference is half day
Wednesday with registration and evening event, full day Thursday and half day Friday.
Staff
Membership Number – The BHPC membership consists of 7-10 members and the Commission is
currently at 9. Commission is asked to consider increasing the membership to the full capacity.
Advantages would include more members for projects, activities and issues. Disadvantage would be
six, rather than five, are required for quorum.
Sioux Falls Court Case - Here is the link to the Argus Leader story and judge’s memorandum decision.
http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/city/2016/12/28/judge-rules-favor-neighbors-mckennan-
park-house-dispute/95909442/
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/3247940/Pekas-McKennan-Ruling.pdf
Commission Resources - Thornes is preparing the Commission Member paper and digital meeting
binders with 11.1 reference materials to include meeting order, draft rules of conduct, NPS
Standards, State Administrative Rules, and standardized motions.
Legislative Updates - This will be a standing agenda item for local and state legislative issues.
Trolley Rides/Tours – The 2017 Festival of Lights will be held on Thursday, November 30th. A new
trolley provider will need to be obtained for this year’s event. The route and docent will need to be
finalized by this summer.
New Jail – Presentation by architects on February 7th. Recommend attending.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS/CALENDAR
February 1 – Deadwood Grant Fund deadline
February 16 – City Annual Report Deadline
March 31st – National Park Service Funding Application Deadline
May – National Historic Preservation Month
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The nominating committee of Willert and Gritzner
recommended the following slate of officers for 2017: Boersma for Chair and Heiberger for Vice Chair.
A motion was made by Merriman, seconded by Garcia Fritz, to accept the nominations as presented. All
present voted yes; motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes