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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT November 17, 2014 Hello Commission! Not much to report as this time of year as most efforts have been to button up existing projects. As many of you have noticed, lots of last minute roof jobs. From this point until the remainder of the year my hours will begin to dwindle as the need for field work will slow down as well. I am still working on minimum maintenance surveys for some of the local historic districts. So far this year Lincoln Way East, Riverbend, and North St Joseph have all been photographed, and surveys completed. Only Riverbend letters are nearly finished, but due to the change in weather, the wording needed to be changed to make suggestions for work next season. My intern Michelle Simmons was instrumental in completing these surveys. The response has been very positive and we have had several phone calls and in person meetings to discuss concerns. Next year I will be tackling even more neighborhoods in the hope that these issues can be addressed before code enforcement needs to step in. I have felt some frustration in regards to dealing with the building department when it comes to Stop -work orders. In Edgewater alone; 621 LWE added a parking lot to the sewing machine repair shop. Building department waited 3 days to send someone out and it is already done. 501 River has a new shed that has been in the works for two weeks. I contacted the Building Department on November 6th and no one went out and all but the door is finished on this shed. It is frustrating to witness work being done while in the beginning stages and having it completely dismissed until the project is finished. I have had dozens of no permits projects this year and each has been opportunities to levy fines on what we are under the impression is a administration that is need of funds. Apparently the building department is doing fine as they do not see a need to collect the permitting fees nor the fines that they have every legal right to charge and collect. Alright I'm done. On a brighter note: I am currently working on the power tool workshop itinerary and location. I am hoping to focus on trim work with a concentration on corners, angles, and routing. With the city's 150th birthday next year, we are already working on getting ourselves out there to discuss those first 150 years. If anyone would like to help out we will be working on our tour schedules and events for next year! Thank you, Steve Szaday-Preservation Specialist HPCSBSJC