HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2024_11_14Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
November 14, 2024 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, November 14, 2024
in the Brookings City & County Government Center. Members present: Janet Gritzner, Janet Merriman,
Matthew Weiss, Tom Thaden, Sandra Callies and Samual Krueger via phone. Also present was Mike
Struck, Community Development Director. Billie Jo Hinrichs, Diane Kosbau, and Calla Hogue
Call to Order
Weiss called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
A motion was made by Merriman and seconded by Gritzner to approve the agenda. All present voted aye.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Thaden and seconded by Merriman to approve the October 10, 2024 minutes. All
present voted aye.
Brookings Downtown Master Plan
Samantha Beckman, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a brief overview of the Downtown Master
Plan and incentive programs. The incentive programs are:
Downtown Brookings Façade Grant – grant program requiring 50% match with a maximum grant
of $25K. Minimum project cost is $35K. Eligible improvements include exterior renovations
(windows, doors, awnings, tuck-pointing, etc.), historic preservation compliance, and accessibility
improvements.
Downtown Revitalization Incentive Program – financing structure with 1/3 grant up to $25K, 1/3
loan, and 1/3 owner equity. Minimum project cost is $75K. Eligible improvements include
interior renovations, upgrades enhancing functionality, safety, and aesthetics.
Lights, Camera, Action Grant – grant program offering 50% match up to $2K. Eligible
improvements include lights, cameras, placemaking items such as outdoor landscaping, dining,
etc.
The incentive programs will open up the applications in January 2025 with an anticipated closing date of
March 1st. A committee will review the applications and make an award announcement in March.
Merriman had a question on the wording of the Façade Grant and Lights, Camera, Action Grant. Concern
revolved around ensuring eligibility as BHPC is supportive of projects improving and enhancing
downtown.
11.1 Review Updates – Struck provided an update on the following 11.1 Reviews for informational
purposes only. It is important for the Commission to not comment on open 11.1 Reviews until an
application or case report is forwarded to the Commission for review and comment as it is important to
ensure parties are provided a fair hearing.
Billie Jo Hinrichs asked about the process for submitting questions on a particular project. Struck
responded the appropriate time would be when the BHPC has an action item on the agenda. Until such
time as a formal application comes before the BHPC, it would be inappropriate for the BHPC to comment
on a project as it would jeopardize the applicant’s due process of a fair hearing. At this point, the 11.1
Review Updates are 11.1 applications that have been submitted to SHPO and received approval, which do
not come before BHPC, or applications that SHPO determine need a case report and the case report has
not been submitted.
Calla Hogue reminded the BHPC she and many others were part of the establishment of the University
Residential Historic District 25 years ago and wants people to understand and respect the efforts by those
who committed the time and effort to preserve and protect historic properties.
625 5th Street: roof replacement – submitted to SHPO, awaiting SHPO comments.
919 4th Street: demolition – case report requested by SHPO, awaiting applicant’s response.
629 9th Avenue: church expansion – case report requested by SHPO, awaiting applicant’s response.
912 6th Street: window replacements, approved by SHPO.
501 8th Street: foundation replacement, approved by SHPO.
Other Items & Reports.
a. Subcommittee Updates:
i. Survey
Gritzner – the survey is for the area east of Medary Avenue – the slides have been
received and planning to add dates to the resources.
ii. Public Education
Merriman stated that the Regional Home Builders Association show is February 7th
and 8th. Inquired about BHPC lining up a speaker(s) for the home show to generate
interest. Callies inquired about the use of yard signs to help promote and encourage
historic preservation. Merriman update the commission on grant eligibility and yard
signs and plaques no longer qualify.
Diane Kosbau inquired about plaques for the Central Residential District. Could
individual property owners purchase plaques to display on their own?
iii. Codes & Design
No update.
iv. Incentives & Partnerships
No Update.
b. Brochures Distribution Updates – Thaden distributed SDSU brochures throughout the City.
c. Mayor’s Awards Planning - Mayor’s Awards is Wednesday, December 4, 2024
d. Walking Tour Recap – Callies reported a group of students walked the University, Central, and
Downtown districts utilizing brochures as discussion and answers. There was a broad cross-
section of ages represented.
Weiss received a request from SDSU interior design student for an interior tour of a couple of
historic homes. Possibility of Spring 2025 tour. Callies and Gritzner would be interested in
working with homeowners on potential tours. Discussion to restrict to design students to
keep the numbers manageable (15 students).
e. 2025 BRBA Home Show Planning – Merriman looked into becoming a BRBA member. Cost is
$395 annually and includes an invite to the annual Home Show. Members receive a $50
discount on Home Show booth. Could be an opportunity to create a connection with
contractors.
f. Website and Social Media – Struck provide a summary of the City’s social media policy.
Thaden requested a link be added to the City’s website for the South Dakota digital archives.
g. CLG Progress Report – Struck provided a summary of the CLG progress report with
expenditures to date and remaining grant funds. The BHPC will be utilizing majority of the
funds for the BRBA Home Show for a booth as well as any paid speakers at the event.
h. Nominating Committee – Merriman and Carson were nominated to be on the nominating
committee and bring forward a slate of officers for 2025 at the next meeting.
Upcoming Events
a. Mayor’s Awards – December 4th
Next Scheduled Meeting
The next meeting will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
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Matt Weiss, Chair Mike Struck, Community Development Director