Minutes: Historic Preservation: September 2007

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 7:00 P.M.
3rd Floor, City Hall

Present: Steve Culbertson, Rich Modaff, Dennis Wessels, John Decker, Steve Christens,
Betsy Ahner
Also Present: Mayor Decker, Albert and Jessica Kaether, Andrea Kaser, David Somppi

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by chair Rich Modaff. Motion by Steve Culbertson, second by Steve Christens to waive the reading of the August 15, 2007 minutes and approve them as read. Motion carried.

Applications – Appearances

23 N. First St – Albert and Jessica Kaether (owners) explained the work to be done on the driveway, walkways and patio. They have already checked with the building inspector on the distance they must stay from the lot lines. Motion by Dennis Wessels to approve the application. Second by Steve Christens. Motion carried.

205 W. Church St – Andrea Kaser (owner) and David Somppi of the Rock County Planning Agency were present to explain the work to be done on the home. They will replace 300’ of rotted siding, prime the siding and apply 2 coats of paint to encapsulate the lead paint that is on the home. A basement storm door and all existing windows except the leaded glass will be replaced. An attic vent will be installed and the attic and walls will be insulated. Motion by Steve Culbertson to approve the application. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried. (David has promised to send the commission more information on his program, which is aiding the Kaser’s with this project.)

9 W. Liberty St. – Kufahl, repair deck, porch and exits. Motion by Dennis Wessels to approve the application. Second by John Decker. The owners were not present. Mayor Decker reported that they had been working with the building inspector and he had given them permission to begin the project because the current conditions were dangerous. Motion carried.

Old Business

16 W. Main Street – John Decker reported that he had talked about the TIF to an architect that the owners were considering hiring. We may see someone at the October meeting.

Administrative

WAHPC Fall Convention – the owners of the new Italian restaurant are interested in doing the Friday night hors d’ oeuvres. Jeff Farnsworth will do a program on doing business in a historic building. There will be a house walk on Saturday. John Decker is working to confirm three homes for the Saturday house walk. Kolleen and Cheryl are a yes. We will need docents for the homes.

Betsy will talk to Sue Wilbur at UB&T about the refreshments for Friday. They should plan on 30 – 40 people. John will talk to Jennifer Ehle or Karen Krueger about a local history display.

Betsy volunteered to contact Dave Fellows and Neil Lein to ask if they have copies of their books to sell.

Bricks on Main Street – they are laying 35 feet per day and may be able to pour the sidewalks as early as Thursday of next week. There will be a brick laying ceremony at 10:00 am on Thursday.
Grove Society – The plaster and lathe have been removed and a new door installed. A window has been purchased and is ready to be installed. They hope to begin regular work sessions in October.
Redevelopment Authority – no applications are before the RDA at this time.
Easement Form Update – there are no changes since the last meeting. The easement form is ready for use. There is an addendum for those who wish to use the easement to apply for tax credits. It is apparent that we need someone on the commission who will be in charge of easements to track the homes that already have them and to work with those who wish to apply. Three applications were made and never filed, Beaths, McCartens, and McKittricks. Those need to be finished as two of the homes are now for sale. Motion by Dennis Wessels to approve the Easement Form as written. Second by Steve Christens. Motion carried.
Plaque Program – Two parties are interested in applying and receiving their plaques at the HPC convention. The Grove Society for the Historic Baker Building and the owners of 143 West Main Street. Guidelines – any contributing property in a historic district or a building not in the district but designated as a local landmark is eligible.
2007 Budget Items – Motion for a donation of $250 to the 4th grade History Hunters by Dennis Wessels. Second by Steve Christens. Motion carried. It was decided to wait until a report of the remaining funds in the budget could be obtained before continuing the discussion on support for the creek wall restoration project. Another possible project is to reprint a coloring book that was produced at one time with drawings of local historic homes and landmarks.

There were no comments or correspondence.

Motion by Steve Christens to adjourn the meeting. Second by Steve Culbertson. Motion carried.



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