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• the use of such arguments by acting pro -actively to assure better <br />notification. She also noted that there have been insufficient funding in past <br />years to enable direct contact to all property owners. She noted that the <br />commission could contact new owners after purchase if there was some way of <br />becoming aware of such transfers. <br />Mrs. Petrass recalled that Liaison committee members had been directed to <br />track changes in occupancy but that these committees have generally become <br />inactive. Mrs DeRose stated that the commission has no duty to make such <br />contacts. However, she does not like to see letters such as the one presented. <br />Mr. Talley indicated that when the designations are recorded which is our <br />current intent, the disclosure of historic designation will become more <br />efficient as part of title work associated with a sale. Mr. Duvall stated that <br />this recording is in process. Mr. Oxian reminded the commission that the <br />districts are identified by signage at their boundaries and that realtors are <br />generally good about informing potential buyers of Local Landmark status. Ile <br />expressed concern about the selling off of (and subsequent development of) <br />farm acreage which is included in rural Landmark designations. <br />Mr. Duvall noted that the commission receives prior notification of re -plat <br />proposals which we review for impact on historic sites but that this procedure <br />does not prevent the selling -off of small parcels for development. <br />Mr. Oxian indicated that he thought a notification of rural owners should be <br />undertaken to assure their understanding. <br />Fr. Bullene returned to Dr. Lackman's statement that the standards are <br />unavailable. Mr. Duvall clarified that these books are out of print (excepting <br />River Bend) and are not available for distribution but that he had provided <br />her with photocopies of the sections which pertain to her application. Fr. <br />Bullene inquired as to whether the standards were available at the libraries. <br />Mr. Duvall stated that though the IHSSI Summary Reports and City -County <br />Preservation Plan are in the libraries, the district Plans are not. He also <br />noted that the district plans were available for review in our office. It was <br />generally agreed that the placement of these plans in the public libraries <br />would be beneficial. <br />Returning to Dr. Lackman's letter, Mr. Wiener expressed concern that there <br />seems to have been extensive work done over a period of four years, none of <br />which seems to have had benefit of permits. Mrs. Hostetler indicated that this <br />was one of the reasons for referring this COA to committee, as there appeared <br />to have been contractor negligence in this regard. <br />Mr. Talley expressed frustration with a decline in home -owner pride relative <br />to the historic neighborhoods and failure of the commission to assist in <br />supporting such neighborhood spirit. He saw the lapse of the liaison system as <br />endemic to this situation. He stated that the commission often seems to find <br />itself positioned as "the bad guy" when occurrences such as the difficulties <br />at the Lackman home arise. He suggested that major action be taken in a <br />timely way to address this issue such as a white paper or committee action. <br />Mr. Oxian stated that he had difficulty sympathizing with this sort of <br />complaint as it would be nearly impossible to move into or live in a historic <br />district without knowing the area to be so designated and that there are <br />standards associated. He focused on the liability and negligence of <br />contractors in not seeking proper licensing and permits. <br />Ms. Bokenkamp, the liaison from Riverside Drive LHD stated that she sees this <br />• as a public relations problem, having purposefully purchased a home in a <br />historic district and being excited about it. She observed that promotion of <br />benefits would be helpful in alleviating complaints. Mr. Oxian noted that a <br />study of economic benefits was in progress. Mr. Talley re-emphasized the need <br />to address the snowballing effect of owners successfully contracting for or <br />performing wort: without COA. <br />Mr. Talley brought the discussion back to the need for commission action to <br />