Minutes; Historic Preservation: Wed. July 16, 2008

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:00 P.M.
3rd Floor, City Hall

Minutes

Present: Dennis Wessels, Steve Christens, Steve Culbertson, Rick Schuch, Betsy Ahner, John Decker Absent: Rich Modaff
Also Present: Dan White, Sue Reese, Kathi Kemp, Mayor Decker

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by vice-chair Steve Christens. Motion by John Decker, second by Dennis Wessels to waive the reading of the June 18, 2008 minutes and approve them as read. Motion carried.

Applications – Appearances

32 W. Main Street - Sue Reese was present to explain that she would like to remove a shed and put up a two-car garage. The garage will be designed to match the house. John Decker encouraged her to consider using cement board rather than vinyl siding and to use a smooth finish rather than a wood grained one. It was also noted that architectural shingles tend to hold up better than standard shingles. Motion to approve the application by Decker, second by Wessels. Motion carried.

39 W. Main Street – Kathi Kemp, director of the Eager Free Public Library explained that a concrete step on the west side of the building and a planter at the front were deteriorating and needed to be replaced. The urns at each end of the planter are original to the building but the brickwork was done in the 1950’s, so is not original. The mason that she has contacted has found bricks that are a close match to the building and she would like to have the planter rebuilt. Commission members asked if she had consulted the Wisconsin State Historical Society, in case their permission is also required. She will contact Jim Sewell, a preservation architect there. Motion by Wessels to approve the application, contingent on approval by the WI Historical Society. Second by Steve Culbertson. Motion carried.

9 W. Main Street – Sign application by Helms. Rose was not present, but had been at the June meeting to explain the work. A vote could not be taken at that time because it wasn’t on the agenda. Motion by Steve Culbertson, second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried.

Allen Creek Bridge – The State will replace this bridge in 2010 and are proposing a concrete railing for the length of the bridge. The plan also includes benches and street lights and the walls of the bridge will have stone facing like the current one. Commission members viewed four designs for the concrete railing and chose design A to recommend for use. Motion by Dennis Wessels, second by John Decker that we approve the application with the use of design A. Motion carried.



Old Business

1 E. Main Street - no news on if this project is going forward

33 S. Fourth Street- Motion by Decker to remove this from the table, second by Wessels. Motion carried. Motion by Rick Schuch to approve the application at 33 South 4th Street, second by Steve Culbertson. Vote split 3 –3. Application was not approved.

Adminstrative

Grove Society – John Decker reported that the open house on July 6 was successful. All of the stud walls are up except for the south wall and they are waiting for a bid on the cost of the ceiling joists. It is hoped the building will be ready by the end of September for ECP to move in. The museum committee has been working and has several display boards up in the Eager Building. They may need better lighting on the boards as it is rather shadowy in that area.

Redevelopment Authority – There are no new applications for the program. Plans are moving forward to hold a luncheon for property owners in the district to inform them of what the RDA can do to help with their expansion or building plans.

Plaque Program Applications – no new applications to consider. A plaque is now on the Historic Baker Office Building. There is a link on the HPC webpage to the application. Dan is working on getting the walking tour guide on the website and he has co-op students working on it.

Management of HPC Documents – nothing new to report

Additional Historic Districts – nothing new to report

Discussion of Historic Landmarks – nothing new to report

Other Business

Work is being done on the lights on East Main and the banners should be here next week. .

Motion to adjourn by Steve Culbertson, second by Dennis Wessels. Meeting adjourned.



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