Minutes; Historic Preservation Commission: November 2007

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 7:00 P.M.
3rd Floor, City Hall

Present: Dennis Wessels, Steve Culbertson, Rich Modaff, John Decker, Steve Christens,
Betsy Ahner
Also Present: Michael Sinshack

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by chair Rich Modaff. Motion by Steve Christians, second by Dennis Wessels to waive the reading of October 17, 2007 minutes and approve them as read. Motion carried.

Applications – Appearances

116 Grove St – Michael Sinshack was present to explain the need for a backyard fence and the materials that he planned on using. The house is a plaqued house and the fence will be made of wood in a style suitable to the Craftsman style home. Motion to accept the application by John Decker, second by Steve Culbertson. Motion carried with 5 yes, 1 no.

Old Business

16 West Main Street – This is the former law office of Richard Eager. John Decker explained that the building has been sold and may be restored. Jim Sewell has looked at the building and said that the Wisconsin Historical Society would consider it permissible to restore the brick to its original look with the larger windows, even though the brick is not original to the building. Because an insurance payment has been made on the building it is not eligible for tax credits. Commission members discussed the project and felt it would be most desirable to see the brick removed and the building restored to its original façade. Ruth Ann Montgomery does have some pictures that show what it looked like.

Administrative

WAHPC Fall Convention – John Decker announced there will be a follow-up program. The director of the Main Street Program in Platteville would like to bring some people over to see the brick and would like to see the power point presentation. Betsy Ahner presented bills of $154.26 for food and supplies for the convention. Motion by John Decker to approve reimbursement to her. Second by Steve Culbertson. Motion carried with Ahner abstaining.

Update on Bricks – the bricks are complete and most people are finding them aesthetically beautiful and they are slowing traffic down.

Grove Society – Betsy and John invited commission members to attend the Old House Group meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month. It will be held in a home that was built by Levi Leonard.

Redevelopment Authority – expect to be meeting with the new owners of 16 East Main Street at their December meeting.

Easement Form – John reported that we have two easements to file.

Plaque program applications – John Decker is currently the contact person for applications. The form can be downloaded from the City’s website.

Management of HPC Documents – we are waiting for the City to develop its program.

Discussion of Second Historic District – it was suggested we use the money we have left in the 2007 budget towards an application for a historic district. We would need an invoice within the next three weeks and a contract drafted for the work to be done.

Discussion of Historic Landmarks – one of the documents still needed on the City website is an application for Local Landmark Status.

There being no other business to discuss, Dennis Wessels moved to adjourn. Second by Steve Christens. Motion carried.



The minutes of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission are not official until approved by the Commission.