Minutes: Historic Preservation: Feb. 21, 2007

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 7:00 P.M.
2nd Floor, City Hall
Present: Steve Culbertson, Rich Modaff, Betsy Ahner, Dennis Wessels, Susan Finque,
John Decker
Absent: Steve Christens
Others present: Mayor Decker
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by chair Rich Modaff. Motion by Steve Culbertson, second by Dennis Wessels to waive the reading of the January 24, 2007 minutes and approve them as read. Motion carried.
Appearances:
18 E. Main Street – Susan Finque stepped down from the table to present plans for a small deck with a roof to protect musicians from the sun and rain. She showed samples of the materials that will be used and answered questions from the Commission about the roof. Motion to approve the plans for 18 East Main Street by Betsy Ahner, second by John Decker. Motion carried with Susan Finque abstaining.
Administrative:
WAHPC annual dues – motion to approve the payment of dues ($40) for the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Commission by Susan Finque, second by Steve Culbertson. Motion carried.
WAHPC Fall Convention in Evansville, October 19 & 20 (this is the same weekend as the Soybean Festival and on Friday night the FFA Alumni are doing an event) - Mayor Decker spoke about the upcoming convention and what might be expected. Friday night is traditionally award night for the WI Trust for Historic Preservation awards. It is cocktail party style with wine, fruit, cheese etc. On Saturday morning there will be speakers and in the afternoon tours of local historic buildings/homes. Attendance should be between 60-100 although it has been as low as 40. We should have people attend the spring meeting in Lake Geneva, April 20-21. Suggestions for activities include 1) a bus tour with Ruth Ann, 2) Friday night reception in Eager Building, 3) Susan’s play, 4) house walk, 4) Baker Building open, 5) announce Standpipe grant. 6) Dry Stack Conservancy. In addition we will need to book a motel in Janesville and it was suggested that we use the middle school on First Street for the meeting. It is historic and well located. The Grove Society will also help with planning. Sandy will try to learn more about who arranges for speakers.
It was suggested a committee be put together including representatives from the following groups: 1) Soybean Festival, 2) Chamber of Commerce, 3) Friends of the Library, 4) Evansville Community Partnership, 5) Economic Development Committee, 6) Middle School, 7) Old House Group.
Update Bricks on Main Street – the city engineer has decided to break the project down into segments: 1) underground utilities, 2) street, sidewalk, curb, gutter 3) brick, the funding is not available until July 1.
Betsy reported the Old House Group is hosting a program by John Gishnock on gardening with native plants. It is open to the public and will be held in the Community Room on Fair Street.
Redevelopment – The Night Owl project cost estimate has come in much higher than the budget that was set and Greg is looking for some assistance.
Easement Draft – we are still waiting to hear from the city attorney. Dennis is working on getting the plaques numbered drilled (holes for mounting on home) and painted.
There being no further business a motion was made by Susan Finque to adjourn. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried.
Next meeting – March 21.
The minutes of meetings of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission are not official until approved by the Commission.