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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2017_03_09Brookings Historic Preservation Commission March 9, 2017 Minutes (amended) A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Leah Brink, Angie Boersma, Virginia James, Janet Merriman, Dennis Willert, Greg Heiberger, and Janet Gritzner. Jessica Garcia Fritz was absent. Chairperson Boersma called the meeting to order at 5:13 p.m. A motion was made by Brink, seconded by Heiberger, to approve the agenda. All present voted yes, motion carried. A motion was made by Heiberger, seconded by Merriman, to approve the February 9, 2017 minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried. Discussion and Possible Action to Recommend Ordinance Revisions Regarding Window Sash Replacement. Replacing just the sashes and leaving the existing frame is often referred to as a “pocket replacement window.” The City of Brookings does not currently require a building permit for sash replacement if the existing frames are not altered. The 11.1 review process is triggered by city action, such as the issuance of a building permit. Without a permit or some other type of city action, the BHPC cannot required a review under the 11.1 state law. Thornes recommended the Commission consider recommending an ordinance revision regarding “pocket” window sash replacement. Last month a Brookings historic commercial structure’s second floor windows were replaced. The window company had advised city building officials that the project was a “pocket replacement” and no frames would be altered. However, it was later learned that frames were altered. Following this action, Thornes conducted a brief survey of other cities in South Dakota to determine if their local ordinances required permits for window sash “pocket” replacement: Sioux Falls yes The City of Sioux Falls does require a permit for window sash replacement. It is a flat fee of $20 for the permit. This is one way that inspectors can check for changes when it should be safety glazing. At the time of the permit review, if the property is identified to be in a historic district or an individually listed property, staff will review the project and determine if it needs to go to the BOHP for review. Huron Yes The City of Huron requires a building permit to replace windows, install window inserts or install new sashes. Since a building permit is required, a review is required. Rapid City Yes The City of Rapid City requires a building permit (and historic review) for window replacements on property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pierre Yes Yes, a building permit is required Watertown Yes* Permits are required for if the value of the work and labor exceed $2000 Spearfish No Spearfish does not require a permit for window replacement unless the rough opening is altered. Deadwood Yes Deadwood requires both building permit and HP review. Thornes is consulting with the City Engineer to determine which section of the City Code would be appropriate to modify and hopes to have additional information at the time of the meeting. Thornes will also confirm proposed language with the City Attorney. Boersma contacted local glass company representatives to discuss the recent project and future replacement projects. She plans to meet with them to review the process and identify window options that would meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Her goal is to help business owners understand the process, which would benefit property owners. Heiberger expressed concern if this amendment would only pertain to historic districts or would be required for any window project. He would prefer a permit process for properties within districts. Thornes contact cities to inquire if permits are for historic properties or all window projects. Heiberger asked if this would be the first time a permit process was specific to just properties in an historic district. Thornes noted that the last revised permit process involved roofing/shingling was for all projects. Boersma questioned if staff should also ask other cities about their permitting and review processes pertaining to safety issues (egress windows, etc.). Willert arrived at 5:20 p.m. Project / Issue Updates & Reports Public Education Committee Input on Educational Rubric - Boersma prepared the draft rubric to illustrate a successful 11.1 application and case report. The standard has been broken down to one idea per line. Members were asked to review and provide content. The rubric can be provided to the public as an example of the evaluation process. The rubric would be available on the BHPC website under supplemental 11.1 review information as well as in the paper packet. Merriman suggested changing the descriptions of the proposed buildings as well as listing the historic event time and features separately. Thornes received comments from SHPO and will provide to Boersma. Plaque Project & 11.1 Review Mailing - Thornes reported the brochure is close to complete, letters have been edited, and the mailing lists have been updated to revised to identify “contributing” and “non- contributing” owners. Willert, Dave Miller, and Thornes will be meeting later that week to work out details. Public Relations Committee. Brink has been sharing posts from other preservation organizations on the BHPC’s FaceBook page. James needs to be added as an administrator on the account. Their goal is to organize content and schedule posts for various dates, starting with May Historic Preservation Month promotions. Heiberger wondered about growing space with sponsors and shared posts. Boersma wants the page to be beneficial to all homeowners, not just those with historic properties. Topics could include how to take care of wood windows or cedar siding, or why materials matter in design and construction. Posts with pictures have a greater appeal. Events / Special Projects Preliminary discussion on 2017 Mayor’s Awards Nominations. The combined award event date has been selected and will be Wednesday, July 19th. The Commission had a preliminary discussion to identify potential nominees. Final action is scheduled for April. District Plaques; property owner contact and contractor/installation process. Thornes, Willert, and Dave Miller will meet Friday, March 10 to discuss the process for installation. They will start with the Central Historic District.  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 May Preservation Month Activities The BHPC has agreed to do the following activities for Preservation Month:  Brookings Register Column - Groups presenting at Green Drinks are also asked to provide a 600 word corresponding column for the Brookings Register. James has volunteered to write this year’s article. It will also be posted on the BHPC facebook page. The article deadline is May 1st.  Green Drinks - The BHPC has also agreed to participate in the Sustainability Council’s monthly speaking and educational event called “Green Drinks.” Speakers provide a 10-minute presentation on sustainability issues with questions and answers. The BHPC is scheduled for Thursday, May 25 @ 6 p.m. Garcia Fritz has agreed to be this year’s speaker.  Historic Sites on Bikes; route and promotion – In addition to being historic preservation month, May is also biking month. The BHPC will collaborate again with the Brookings Bicycle Advisory Committee and Critical Mass, a group of local riders, do a one themed hour ride on Friday, May 26 @ 5:30 p.m. Boersma will edit 2016 route to insert some new stops. She asked for assistance from other committee members to help with the Tour Central Trolley Tour. 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. Boersma suggested Al & Barb Gilmore from Pipestone, MN. Consensus was to inquire if there is a possibility of having more than one team and wagon to accommodate more rides for the public. Staging in front of the Children’s Museum worked very well. Volunteers are needed to ride the trolleys as narrators and as greeters. Strategic Planning Retreat. Thornes contacted two potential facilitators for the BHPC strategic planning retreat: Monica Callahan, NAPC CAMP Trainer, and Betty Anne Beierle, former BHPC consultant and author of the Brookings Preservation Plan. Unfortunately, Beierle is unable to travel this year. Callahan does provide facilitated goal setting training and is very interested in coming to Brookings. Thornes will send out a Doodle poll to members to identify a date. Recommended Fine Ordinance Amendment. At the February meeting, the BHPC took action to recommend a Resolution Setting Forth a Schedule of Proposed Fines for Violations of Historic Preservation Ordinances of the City Of Brookings, South Dakota. Pursuant to that discussion, the City Attorney modified the resolution to increase the maximum fine to $500 for demolition of historic structures without a permit. Thornes met with the City Attorney on March 7 to review the proposed changes. In a closer review, Thornes and the City Attorney agreed that most of the recommended sections of the fine resolution pertained to local districts and could not be referenced for work done on National Register district projects. The City Attorney suggested modifications to the historic preservation ordinance. Thornes The City Attorney is currently re-reading the Ordinance for additional changes. Thornes does not want to conduct a complete re-write of the Ordinance. Thornes will review what other cities are currently doing for fines or citations. Merriman noted the Brookings Register published an article on the proposed fine resolution. Statewide CLG meeting attendance. The statewide Certified Local Government (Historic Preservation Commission) meeting will be held June 7-9 in Pierre, SD. The conference will be of similar format to last year with an evening social event on June 7th, all day session on the 8th, and a morning session ending at noon on the 9th. Grant funds are available to reimbursement for registration and travel expenses. Members were asked to provide tentative commitments to the conference for budgeting and scheduling purposes. Brink, Gritzner, Merriman, Boersma, and Garcia Fritz are interested in attending. Final commitment is required by April 13. SD Annual History Conference attendance The South Dakota Annual History Conference will be April 28th – 29th in Sioux Falls. It is hosted by SDSHS Press and the topic is “Laura Ingalls Wilder: A 150-Year Legacy” http://history.sd.gov/aboutus/HistoryConference/default.aspx. Those attending can participate in Friday only, Saturday only, or the entire conference. Grant funds are available to reimbursement for registration and travel expenses. Members were asked to provide tentative commitments to the conference for budgeting and scheduling purposes. Brink is interested in attending. Deadline to commit to conference is March 20th. Liaisons: Comprehensive Master Plan Advisory Committee. Boersma said the group will meet on March 13th. Agenda topics include public engagement strategies and stakeholders. The BHPC needs to remain involved throughout the master plan process. Downtown Brookings Inc. (DBI) – No report. Public Arts Commission. Brink suggested adding a liaison report from the Public Arts Commission. Brink reported on the upcoming project at the Children’s Museum with Patrick Dougherty’s temporary stick work/sculpture installation. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Jess Burke is looking for judges and volunteers to help with SD National History Day (2017 State Competition) at the SDSU Student Union on April 5. Staff Report Carnegie Renovations. Issues addressed during demolition phase:  Uncovered two sets of windows, first floor gallery, west façade. Windows will be restored. Found missing sills stored in attic. *  Uncovered window, basement, southeast corner. Window will be restored and the kitchen design has been modified to incorporate window. *  Found what was originally thought to be hardwood flooring under two layers of vinyl; however, was determined to be unfinished pine subfloor. Had it been original hardwood floor, the project would have been modified to investigate the floor’s condition and restore if possible. Boersma conducted a site visit to verify.*  Plaster in both first floor galleries was damaged when the carpet was removed from the walls. Staff provided a contact information for a local plaster repair expert.*  The Brookings Arts Council director asked if the contractor could leave exposed brick on a section of the gallery wall. Thornes advised no, because those walls were always finished with plaster, so exposed brick wouldn’t meet the Standards. *Site visits conducted Final flooring selection: The architect will provide flooring samples to the BHPC and staff to select wood tone that is complimentary to the existing wood and would be historically appropriate. Visions out of Tea, SD, have been great to work with. They are very sensitive to the project and historic aesthetics. She has contacted the State Preservation Office and recommended they be added to the state contractor list. Pending/Completed 11.1 Reviews 1) Brookings County Jail expansion – No materials have been submitted to date. Thornes said legal clarification is needed to determine if Brookings County is required to comply with city zoning requirements. The current proposal does not comply with building set-back requirements for that zone. The City Attorney is currently reviewing the matter and will consult with the Brookings County State’s Attorney. 2) Armory – Received case report after meeting agenda deadline on 3/2/17. This item will be scheduled for the April meeting. 3) Small cell towers in historic districts; Commercial & University Districts. Thornes reported the City has to modify their Ordinance to accommodate these smaller cell towers. City Administration has requested a dual approval process: Planning Commission and City Council approval of the modified Ordinance allowing for the towers, with the historic review being done at the same time. Thornes spoke with SDN representatives and has determined this project falls under Federal 106, which supersedes an 11.1 review. The BHPC will still be included in a public hearing process. The proposed project includes three towers downtown; two in the alley between Main Ave. & 3rd Ave. (50 foot towers), and one in the Swiftel Communications lot (32 foot tower). Towers are also proposed on 8th Street and Medary Avenue in the University Residential Historic District. Thornes asked they consider installation in the alleys to minimize visual impact on primary streets in the district. 4) 8th Street bungalows owned by the SDSU Foundation – University District Thornes has been communicating with SDSU Foundation Attorney on the review process. Their application packet will include responses to parking needs, buffering between the lot and the residential properties, and lighting. The proposed relocation site is the corner of 11th Avenue and 7th Street, where a fraternity burned down. Thornes asked the SDSU Foundation Attorney about the bungalows on Faculty Drive, behind married student housing, and was told they were not being moved. However, the SD Legislature approved a bill allowing the removal of 10 homes in that direct area. Thornes will inquire for more details on the bungalows on Faculty Drive. 5) 311 Third Street, exterior modifications – Completed, no adverse effect 6) 306 Main Avenue, rear addition – Completed, no adverse effect Announcements / Correspondence / Communication / Calendar  Rammed Earth Building Grant: https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2016/12/south-dakota- agricultural-heritage-museum-receives-grant-national-trust-historic  March 2 County Jail Expansion Open House  March 14 Joint City Council & Planning Commission meeting on Comprehensive Master Plan  March 31 National Park Service Funding Application Deadline  Apr 27 State Historical Society Board of Trustees Meeting, Sioux Falls  Apr 28-29 SD Annual History Conference, Sioux Falls  May 1-30 Preservation Month  May 1 Article/Brookings Register  May 4 City Volunteer Appreciation Reception  May 25 Green Drinks Presentation  May 26 “Historic Sites on Bikes” Guided Tour  May 31 National Park Service Grant Deadline  June 7-9 Statewide CLG Meeting  June 16 St. Paul’s Episcopal 100th Anniversary Event  June 17 St. Paul’s 100 Year Anniversary Event  Nov 14-17 National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference, Chicago  Nov 30 Trolley Tours – Festival of Lights 2017 Meeting Schedule Meeting Date Submission Deadline April 13 March 23 May 11 April 20 June 1 May 11 July 13 June 22 August 10 July 20 September 14 August 24 October 12 September 21 November 9 October 19 December 14 November 23 Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Submitted by Shari Thornes