HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes 2023_11_09
Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
November 9, 2023 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in
the Brookings City & County Government Center. Members present: Matt Weiss, Janet Gritzner, Janet
Merriman, Jon Stauff, Tom Thaden, and Paula Carson. Also present were Billie Jo Hinrichs (617 8th
Avenue), Deb Dominiack (627 8th Avenue) and Ryan Miller, City Planner.
Call to Order
Weiss called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Weiss added item 6a.8. to discuss public art on historic structures. Merriman added item 6b. 2. to discuss
website updates. A motion was made by Stauff and seconded by Thaden to approve the agenda as
amended. All present voted aye.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Merriman and seconded by Gritzner to approve the October 12, 2023 minutes. All
present voted aye.
11.1 Review Updates
616 5th Avenue – SHPO has requested a case report for the window replacement project.
723 Harvey Dunn St – SHPO has requested a case report for the proposed project which will replace and
update a porch located above the garage.
819 Harvey Dunn St – SHPO has requested a case report for the siding replacement project.
Pioneer Park Bandshell – A request has been submitted for the proposed Pioneer Park Bandshell
restoration and rehabilitation project. Weiss mentioned that there has been no change to the scope of
the project since presented in October. Thaden research what the original color was. The earliest color
phot Thaden was able to find was 1967 which matched the current color. Stauff wondered if a forensic
painting analysis could be used help determine the color.
809 9th Street – SHPO submitted their final determination letter indicating that the new construction
project will not cause harm to the surrounding historic district.
708 8th Street – SHPO submitted their final determination letter indicating that the stucco and window
project will not cause harm to the surrounding historic district.
315 Main Avenue – SHPO submitted their final determination letter stating that the window replacement
project will not cause harm to the surrounding historic district.
719 6th Avenue – SHPO submitted their final determination letter indicating that the window replacement
project will not cause harm to the surrounding historic district.
Merriman suggested supplying applicants with helpful materials and guides such as preservation briefs
when they inquire about the historic review application. Merriman will send Miller examples of materials
that could be offered to applicants.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F1C0F425-A940-4EEF-9A41-499753B5E7C9
Other Items & Reports.
a. Special Projects Updates:
i. University Residential Historic District Plaques
Gritzner has printed letters for owner occupied contributing properties and will stuff the
letters into addressed envelopes. The letter will instruct the applicant to pick up a plaque
at City Hall and follow instructions for installation. Gritzner stated that there are 172
plaques remaining.
ii. SDSU Tour Guide Brochures
Thaden stated that an additional 500 copies have been printed and paid for by South
Dakota State University. About 180 additional brochures have been distributed. Thaden
and Carson will distribute more.
iii. Work Plan Review for 2023/2024 Education Events
Merriman stated that the Home Show will be held Friday, February 16 and Saturday,
February 17. The booth is $400. A contractor has been identified as a potential workshop
host but has not yet responded. Merriman suggests that other costs need to be
considered such as table runners and stands, etc.
Merriman stated that the Home Show requires insurance for all vendors. Miller will look
into the City’s insurance to see if it covers volunteer boards at events like this.
Thaden suggested having copies of preservation briefs at the table.
Merriman suggested having flash drives to hand out with all of the briefs downloaded on
the drive. Miller will look into flash drive options.
Merriman looked into welcome packets but has not yet finished. Gritzner stated that she
stumbled upon welcome packets for new property owners in the City Hall basement
storage. Miller will provide a copy for Merriman and Stauff.
iv. Website Updates
Commission members discussed preferences for updates and content reorganization for
the BHPC website. Commissioners asked who has the authority to make changes. Miller
will look into the website management/maintenance process.
v. Mayors Awards
Miller stated that the nominations have all been accepted. Weiss asked if anyone would
like to help present. Weiss, Stauff, Merriman, Gritzner and Carson were all interested in
helping. Weiss stated the Mayors Awards are December 6.
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vi. Flyers Distribution
No update.
vii. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
Letters from Billi Jo Hinrichs (617 8th Avenue) and Deb Dominiack (627 8th Avenue) have
been submitted in recent months inquiring about a potential project at the Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church that would impact the historic district.
Weiss stated that if anything, the church may be in the very early stages of a speculative
project. City Staff has been consulted regarding basic zoning, parking and setback
regulations for the zoning district in which the church is located.
Hinrichs and Dominiack are concerned about the church potentially purchasing
properties along 8th Avenue. One property owner has reportedly signed over a first right
of refusal to the church. Dominiack stated that she has discussed this with Miller but
would like to know what else they should do.
Merriman stated that, unfortunately, nothing can be done about change of ownership
and that if the church were to acquire properties and then proposed a project that the
project would likely require a historic review.
Hinrichs asked how the community is informed about the historic review process.
Merriman stated that public comment is can be taken at meetings of the Historic
Preservation Commission of which the agendas are published in advance of every
meeting.
Dominiack asked if they should start talking to the state. Merriman advised that the state
is in the same place as the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission at this point due
to the early nature of any potential project. The BHPC and state would need a specific
plan to review and take action on.
Miller stated that he has reached out to Pastor Wurm about the historic review process
as well as concerns that have been submitted by Dominiack and Hinrichs.
b. Public Education Subcommittee Updates:
i. Public Art on Historic Buildings
Weiss stated that he received a request from Downtown Brookings to provide guidance
on public art and how it fits within the historic 11.1 review process. Merriman stated that
no permit is required for painting so it is difficult to require a historic review. Thaden
discussed examples in Huron where historic paintings have been added to historic
buildings. Gritzner stated that Huron has brochure guides for the paintings.
Merriman is concerned that painting does have the potential to harm historic materials
such as brick exteriors.
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Weiss asked about public art that is not attached to buildings, such as statues.
Merriman does not think that a review would be required if they are removable noting
that the Rotary clock did not require a review.
Merriman asked what requirements the city would have. Miller suggested that a permit
to construct within the right-of-way would likely be needed. Weiss will reach out to SHPO
for further guidance.
ii. Facebook Efforts
Merriman stated that five posts were made with a reach of 941 and 592 followers. Stauff
asked if there would be a post about the Mayors Awards winners that could be shared.
c. City Connections Subcommittee Updates:
i. Survey of Potential Resources
Miller stated that as the effort into potentially expanding a district or adding a district
progresses, there will need to be communication with the City Council.
d. Nominating Committee
Stauff and Merriman agreed to serve on the nominating committee and will report in
December with nominations for Chair and Vice Chair.
e. Commission Expansion
Weiss asked about the ability to expand the commission membership. Miller will look into
all statutes, ordinances and bylaws regarding membership limits.
Next Scheduled Meeting
The next meeting will be December 14, 2023.
Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
________________________________ _______________________________________
Matt Weiss, Chair Ryan Miller, City Planner
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