Minutes; Historic Preservation: September 2008

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 7:00 P.M.
3rd Floor, City Hall

Present: Rich Modaff, Dennis Wessels, Betsy Ahner, John Decker, Steve Christens, Steve Culbertson Absent: Rick Schuch
Also Present: Chris Stephenson

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by chair Rich Modaff, he noted there was an error in the agenda. It stated the date of the last meeting was July 16 and it should have read, August 21. Motion by Dennis Wessels, second by Steve Culbertson to waive the reading of the Aug 21, 2008 minutes and approve them as read. Motion carried.

Applications – Appearances:

8 W. Main - Evansville Chamber of Commerce, the chamber would like to put its name on the awing. The sign ordinance says it needs to be on the vertical flap. Motion by John Decker to approve the application provided it meets our adopted design review standards and is limited to print on the vertical flap. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried.

Old Business:

There is no old business.

Administrative:

a. Budget – firm figures on money that has been committed were not available but include, 3 dvds of the Bob Yapp video on fixing windows in historic buildings, $600 for the Arrowhead Library System to digitize records in the History Room, banners for downtown, membership in the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Commission, and the History Hunters. The City will not cut checks for these amounts unless Rich specifically directs them to, so he will make sure it has all been done. John pointed out that if our application for funding to make an application for the new Historic Districts is successful, the City would have to pay the bills and submit an invoice for reimbursement. It may take up to 30 days for them to be paid. Motion by John Decker to request funding for the Historic Preservation Commission for 2009 at the same level as 2008 with the understanding that we will apply for up to $18,000 for the National Register Application. Should we get this grant the City will have to front the money and if we don’t get the grant we will not ask for any money for the Historic Register. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried.
b. Grove Society – the Primetimers Woodchuck group is forming with 11 – 12 retired members who are interested in starting a woodworking shop as part of the Senior Center. The school district has offered space and they have received a donation of tools. They are interested in helping with the Baker Building project. Petterson Plumbing is donating the plumbing and Kaehler Electric is doing the electrical for a very good price. Paul Davis Restoration is donating the drywall work through the primer paint. Upcoming expenses include insulation, more lumber, electrical, carpeting for the ECP side, flooring for the museum half and the construction of the handicap ramp. One more interior door is needed and it looks like the school has one that is a match that we can have. There are also a roof repair, landscaping and storm windows to be done. The finish carpentry is being donated by Rick Schuch and the Woodchucks. We are currently negotiating a lease with ECP. We will not charge them rent in exchange for their staffing of the museum and payment of utilities. John would like to request fund from HPC for the project. Economic Development has voted to give $500. Also, a Grove Society member has announced a challenge grant and will match dollar for dollar up to $5,000. The Grove Society Annual meeting is October 30 in the Eager Building, lower level. We invite you to attend and see the museum display boards that have been built and mounted.
c. Redevelopment Authority – the luncheon for business owners is on hold. Conversations may be help with individual property owners in the district.
d. Plaque Program Applications – none
e. Management of HPC Documents & Records – nothing new to report
f. Additional Historic Districts – there will be an open house on Saturday at 10:00 am in the library. Joe DeRose and Tim Heggland will present information on the benefits of being in a historic district. John has written to everyone in the district and asks that HPC members make phone calls. He will send out an email with names and phone numbers.
g. Discussion of Historic Landmarks – nothing new to report

Other Business:

a. Correspondence- none
b. Comments and concerns – none

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