Minutes: Historic Preservation: February 2006

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, February 15, 2006, 7:00 P.M.
3rd Floor, City Hall

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

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

Minutes: Motion by Dennis Wessels to waive the reading of the January 18, 2006 minutes and approve them as written. Second by Steve Christens. Motion carried.

There were no applications or appearances.

Submission of minutes and annual report: Betsy confirmed that the minutes and annual report have been mailed to Joe DeRose of the Wisconsin State Historical Society.

Status of Survey: Tim Heggland reported to the Commission that he has finished his reconnaissance work and has identified two possible smaller historic districts within the city. He will now do the research on the buildings in those areas. He will also review buildings in the existing district for changes and will photograph those buildings because many of the original index cards do not have photos. He won’t be doing intensive research of the existing district but will at least try to date the buildings. When asked about the cost of preparing the applications to place the proposed new districts on the Historic Register, he estimated about $2,500 - $3,000 each.

Membership renewal: Motion by Dennis Wessels to renew our membership in the Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions. Second by Carol Culbertson. Motion carried.

(At this point Carol Culbertson excused herself from the meeting.)

Grove Society Report: Betsy asked if anyone knew any reasons the gas and electric meters could not be mounted on the historic Baker Building. Sandy said Jim Sewell said that since the building had been moved, it would not be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic places. Betsy also reported the date for the progressive dinner is April 22.

Bricks on Main Street: The transportation enhancement grant is due on April 14. There will be a public hearing on downtown reconstruction on Monday, February 27, 2006.

Redevelopment Authority: The City Council has approved funding for the Ace Hardware Project, Farnsworth Building (across the street from Ace), and Nelson Young Lumber.

Large Scale Commercial Development: Sandy expects the steering committee to hold a public information session on their recommendations this spring. The draft ordinance will then be presented to the Plan Commission and they will in turn hold a public hearing. Union Township is nearing the end of their Smart Growth process and they are showing a preference for commercial development to happen near the city in areas that border present development.

There being no other business, a motion to adjourn was made by Steve Culbertson. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried.