Historic Preservation Minutes--12-21-2005

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission

Minutes

Wednesday, December 21, 2005, 7:00 P.M.

3rd Floor, City Hall

Present: Sandy Decker, Betsy Ahner, Carol Culbertson, Dennis Wessels, Rich Modaff, Steve Christens

Absent: Steve Culbertson

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by chair Sandy Decker.

Minutes: It was noted that the November minutes should read that “ motion was made to waive the reading of the minutes” not “approve the minutes as written” Motion by Rich Modaff to correct the November minutes as noted and waive the reading of the minutes. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried.

Applications - City Hall
Douglas Cuthill an architect with Foth and Van Dyke distributed copies of the proposed floor plan for the renovation of the 2nd floor of City Hall. Points he made included:

The project has received approval from the WI Historical Society (WHS)
The original ceiling was over 13 feet high and is metal. It is not known what kind of condition it is in now and an assessment will have to be done.
The renovation will restore a window that has been partially covered because of ductwork.
It appears the mural can be moved because it was painted on panels and not directly on the wall.
The project will have exposed ductwork.
He anticipates it will take 90 days to complete the construction documents and investigate the ceiling. A decision will also have to be made about where staff will work during construction
Motion by Wessels to approve the 2nd floor renovation of City Hall as presented. Second by Modaff. Motion carried.

Subgrant Update: The consultant has submitted an invoice for the public meeting and it has been paid. It was decided to invite him to the February meeting unless he needs to talk with us in January. He has suggested that we ask the WHS to amend the plan to allow the use of the remaining $2,000 to submit an application for a new historic district. Sandy will follow up on this.

Leota Park: the invoice for the second half of the project has been received and paid. In the Spring we will need to follow up on the soft caulk that was used on the table top.

HPC Budget: up to date data is not available but Sandy estimates we have $351.43 left in the HPC budget. Motion by Modaff that in the interest of being fiscally responsible we return the remaining funds to the general fund. Second by Wessels. Motion carried.

Annual Report: Sandy presented a draft annual report. There were no additions or corrections.

Grove Society: Betsy reported that the snow has halted landscaping until spring. They may have three homes for the Progressive Dinner.

Bricks on Main Street: Sandy is talking to ECP about sending out an end of year email asking for contributions. She has delivered our $1,800 check to the project.

Redevelopment Authority: The TIF is now final and the Authority is discussing possible projects that they would like to see happen.

Large Scale Commercial Development: The committee heard a speaker who was the Main Street Manager in Stoughton for 3 years. They have learned it is a highly political process and the public needs to be educated. It is important to do it the ordinance right so that it stands up to the legal challenges that could be made by the large scale developers.

Other: It has been a busy year and in January we need to review our strategic plan and begin work on the easement program.

Motion by Modaff to adjourn. Second by Wessels. Motion carried.

These minutes are not official until reviewed by the Commission at its January 2006 meeting.