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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 1975historic preservation commission _ _ ounty ROOM 1123 COUNTY" CITY BUILDING _ south bend, indiana 46601 (219 284-9798) A,.G'E N D A _ Regular Meeting � t = _ - -- '7 Conference: Room - Monday, February 10� _1975..:: County _Commissioners', -77,.7;30_ p.m:.:: •.: -, - Fourth Floor, County -City Bldg. ; 1 Call to Order 2. Ro31;Can:- 3 Approval of Minutes- _ - 4tv ` 4# _Treasurer's ReporE . _ - Corre sporidence - _.. - .:Robert Gaede . _ --National_Trust Johrisoii/J`ohnson & Roy - 6. _Reports - - -- Budget & :Finance -1 `Coinmtte ;Historic Districts Committee Historic Landmarks Coibtittee - - onsultant Consultant- 7 _:. 7# Old. Business "` Caucus Meeting Report ; : ." 'Humanities --Proposal._°- - `s Standards_ -. Dunfee- Terms of._Agpointment ; - Community_ Development Funds Plaques -.:.. Sure ey_. Inventory;' Forms' Junior_League;Ad :. 8. -r New Business :.: Eleetion:'of'Officers..=_.- : ,_ _ .: ,-`,y:-_ _===-_ :_ - Coii�nittee 'Appointments - T�io Resolutions"" .. 9. He"aring of Visitors:" Building Department 10. Announcements & Miscellaneous 11. Adjournment historicpreservation commission .. -1 of south bend and st. joseph county February 10, 1975 Page 2 Mr. Dunfee's recommendations were that an amendment to the existing ordinance should be the Commission's highest priority, particularly that portion which deals with proper use, and enforcement. Upon questioning from Mr. Oxian, Mr. Dunfee stated that recommendations from the HP Commission to either the Common Council or the County Council to declare individual buildings historic landmarks need to be adopted in ordinance form by the legislative body, using the legal description of the property or building. It would only be subject to the needs of acquiring certificates of appropriateness if the property were then zoned HP. Upon questioning from Ms. Davisson, Mr. Dunfee explba.ned that the Com- mission does not have anything to say about use. The Commission would act on a certificate of appropriateness for physical changes, but the - use stipulations are contained in the ordinance and not set by the Com- mission. Mr. Johnson then went on to explAin that the Area Plan Commission was now in the process of redrafting the entire zoning ordinances, and consideration of this problem of use would be taken up. One method would be that of employing an over -lay system, -the other would be categories such as HP Residential -1, HP Residential -2, HP -Commercial, etc., such as is now used in New Orleans. Mr. Dunfee then stated that as the ordinance reads now it would be virtually impossible to create -a district, partic- ularly n in the W. Washington area, since virtually every use other than residential is illegal. Mr. Dunfee went on to recommend that the Commission go before both the Common Council and County Council and report on what has been done so far, what will be done in the future (priorities and timetables) and what the Commission wants them to do. Along with this should be the - Commission's recommendation for an amendment'to the existing zoning ord- inance and a recommendation for the establishment of the first district. 5. Treasurer's Report Ms. Davisson reported that the Commission needs to approve payment of $.16 that was over -spent in 197+. She also stated that we needed to decide if the Commission wishes to stay with the line -item budget (minus $50,000.00) that was originally draim up. Mr. Oxian moved that we use that line -item budget as our guide. Ms. Sporleder seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Sporleder moved that the $.16 be approved for payment, Mr. Oxian seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 6. Correspondence 14s. Schlereth next read the correspondence, beginning with a letter from Mr. Robert Gaede, dated 15 January 1975, thanking the Commission for the opportunity to speak with them last month and expressing his desire to work with the Commission. A letter was next read from Johnson/Johnson & Roy Inc., dated 28 January 1975 informing the Commission that Mr. Richard Frank is leaving JJ & R February 10, 1975 Page 3 but the firm plans on continuing its work in historic preservation. Ms. Schlereth reported that a flyer had been received announcing Smithsonian Workshops in Museum Administration forSpring, 1975. A flyer had also been received from the National Trust announcing their program of Youth Awards in Historic Preservation. Pds. Schlereth next read a letter from Ms. Margaret Langford of the Harter Heights and Neighbors Association, dated February 8, 1975, informing the Commission of a proposed amendment to the South Bend Municipal Codes concerning A -Residential zoning definitions. Enclosed was a copy of a petition filed by Roger Parent. 7. Reports Presidential Report Mr. Smith reported that an executive committee meeting had been held prior to this regular meeting and that he had asked all'the officers if they would be willing to serve another year. Mr. Smith also stated that he would like to get the regular meetings moving along more rapidly and one way of doing this would be to have the committees do more work, for them to have monthly meetings and to then come to the regular meetings with committee recommendations. Mr. Smith stated that he would also like to see more detailed Treasurer's reports. Reports to the press or other media, Mr Smith stated, he would like to see come only from a duly authorized individual or from the Public Relations committee, whichever the Commission decided on. Mr. Smith also presented the Commission with a work schedule that had been drafted outlining the immediate tasks of the Commission. Budget & Finance No report at this time. Historic Districts Mr. Nimtz stated that an announcement from the National Register on Southhold's recommendation concerning the W. Washington District would be forthcoming within ten days. February 10, 1975 Page 4 Historic Landmarks Mr. Oxian reported that 14r. Max Bauman would like to have his house declared an historic landmark. He also reported that he had no progress to report on talks with Mr. Mossberg concerning the Frank Lloyd Wright house. He also stated that he had no further word about the Hamilton Church. He reported that the Harold Medow — building belongs to b?r. Hammerschmidt, and if the Com- mission would like to view the building they had re- ceived permission from Mr. Ifedow to go through it. Mr. Oxian also reported that Mr. Ransberger wanted to know why his building had not been declared an historic landmark. Mr. Oxian stated that he had gone through the -- house and filled out an inventory form on it. He recom- mended that it be declared a landmark. Mr. Smith stated that before any action was taken on any more landmarks he would like to consider under New -Busi- ness some Resolutions that would establish a procedure for such declarations. He also stated that he would like each committee to give a report from now on, with no discussion and no motions made. Motions would be taken up under old or new business. Consultant's Report Ms. Schlereth reported that the stationery had arrived and passed around a sample. Ms. Schlereth also passed around a sketch of the Bartlett House that had been done by Carl Doozan, the architect that had been commissioned to prepare some architectural sketches for the Commission. She also stated that these sketches might be printed onto note paper if the Commission, or the Commission in conjunction with Southhold, might wish to sell them. Ms. Schlereth next introduced Ms. Tawny Ryan, a senior American Studies major from the University of Notre Dame, who will be working for the Commission for the spring semester under Notre Dame's American Studies Intern Program. Considering the Commission's earlier plans to explore private foundation funding, Ms. Ryan is collecting data on the Bartlett House that could be used together with the architectural survey information already available, to submit to a foundation as a case-study'.of what the Commission would like to do in a survey. Ms. Ryan will make a presentation to the Commission of lier findings, and this would hopefully also serve as a precedent for searches conducted on all structures that the Commission considers for designation as historic landmarks. February 10, 1975 Page 5 8. Old Business Caucus Meeting Mr. Oxian reported on the meeting he and Jack Smith had concerning the Kresge Building and the Union Station. He reported that Mr. Roger Parent had referred the matter to the city attorney to explore the legal commitments the city might be involved in if such a declaration were made. Humanities Proposal Ms. Davisson reported on the work that she and Ms. Schlereth have been doing on getting people scheduled to take part in the four workshop -discussions -planned for March -June. A number of people from various groups within the areas have been contacted and interviewed by Ms. Davisson and Ms. Schlereth, and some very interesting questions were being raised, but Ms. Davisson stated that she would like to get more of the Commission members involved in going out and talking with some of these people, both to educate the residents of the neighborhoods and to educate the Commission members on the desires and needs of the residents. Ms. Schlereth began to outline the programs and participants. Mrs. Price'voiced some concern over the people that were being asked to participate, the boundaries of the W. Washington district, and whether or not the Commission should be getting involved in the social problems of these_ areas. An extended discussion ensued. Mr. Smith suggested that Ms. Price meet with Ms. Davisson and Ms. Schlereth sometime during the next week to offer suggestions of possible participants that had not yet been considered. Standards Mr. Smith stated that this had been considered during the discussion with Mr. Dunfee. Appointments Mr. Rothermel reported that he had been reappointed for a three year term. Ms. Schlereth reported that no word had been received from the County Council as to their appointment. Their secretary reported that their records showed Mr. Stivers serving out a two-year appointment, and that Mr. Paszek's replacement would be for the three-year term. Mr. Oxian moved that the Commission go before the County Council and talk about these appointments and the need to have an active replacement for Mr. Paszek. Ms. Sporleder seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. February 10, 1975 Page 6 Community Development Funds Plaques Mr. Smith reported that the committee will get together sometime in the next week to draw up a proposal. He asked that since it would have to be submitted before the next regular meeting that he have the approval of the Commission to submit a proposal to the city requesting funds for a survey to be conducted vrithin the city. Mr. Nimtz so moved, Mr. Oxian seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Davisson reported that the student she thought might be able to do the plaques was no longer.registered with her; so she would not be able to help in -obtaining plaques., Ms. Schlereth reported that she had called Mr. James T. Wheeler, Director of Prison Industries at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, and that he said they have made plaques before, but _they do them on a special order basis. If the Commission would tell him exactly what they want, including the size of the signs, the lettering; etc., then he would give them an estimate on the cost. Mr. Smith stated that he would be in Michigan City sometime during the next month and that he would go to the Prison and try to get more information and bring a sample plaque to the next meeting. Junior League Ad Mr. Smith stated that he believed it was the concensus of the Commission that this placement of an ad in the Junior League program would be an illegal use of funds and that the matter should be dropped. Mr. Rothermel suggested that his earlier suggestion to write them a letter of commendation be acted upon. Mr. Smith so instructed the executive secretary. Survey.Forms Mr. Smith referred this to New Business 9. New Business Election of Officers Mr. Smith opened the floor to nominations for the office of President. Mr. Rothermel nominated Mr. Smith. Ms. Sporleder seconded the motion._ Mr. Nimtz moved that the nominations be closed and called for the question. The nomination passed unanimously. I - Mr. Smith opened the floor to nominations -for the office of Vice -President. Mr. Smith nominated Mr. Oxian. Ms. Sporleder seconded.the-nomination. Mr. Nimtz moved that the nominations February 10, 1975 Page 7 be closed and called for the question. The nomination passed unanimously. Mr. Smith opened the floor to nominations for the office of Secretary. Mr. Oxian nominated Mr. Rothermel. Mr. Stivers seconded the motion. Mr. Nimtz moved that the nominations be closed and called for the question. The nomination passed unanimously. Mr. Smith opened the floor to nominations for the office of Treasurer. Mr. Nimtz nominated Ms. Davisson. I% Rothermel seconded the motion and Mr. Nimtz moved that the nominations be closed and called for the question. The nomination passed unanimously. Committee Appointments Mr. Smith announced the new reorganization of the Committees as follows: Standards: Ms. Sporleder, Mr. Oxian Legal Committee: Mr. Nimtz, & the new County Council appointee Public Relations & Community Education: Ms. Davisson, Mr. Stivers, M.S. Woolridge Historic Districts: Ms. Woolridge, Mr. Nimtz, Ms. Davisson Budget & Finance: Mr. Oxian, Mr. Stivers, & New County Council appointee Historic Landmarks: Mr. Rothermel, Mr. Oxian, Ms. Sporleder The first named Commission member in each case is to serve as the Chairman of that Committee. Mr. Smith called for any comments about the appointments, asking if everyone was willing to serve in these positions. There were no comments. Resolutions #1 & #2 Mr. Smith distributed copies of two resolutions that had been prepared in consultation vrith the Area Plan Commission based on the procedures established by the Cleveland Historic Preservation Commission for the designation of historic landmarks and districts. Mr. Smith stated that he would like to take action on these resolutions at this meeting -so that henceforth the Commission would have established pro- cedures to follow. The general feeling of the Commission was that theyiwould like to defer this to the next meeting in order to have:a:ehance to study the resolutions. Survey Inventory Forms Ms. Schlereth stated that she would duplicate a survey form that had been prepared by the Area Plan Commission and send it outwith the minutes. Historic Preservation Week February 10, 1975 Page 8 Mr. Smith asked Nis. Price if it would be possible to coordinate the . efforts of the Commission with those of Southhold. Ms. Price stated that she thought this would be both possible and desirable and that they would get together with Mr. Delong who is handling publicity in the Tribune, Mr. Ed Damms who is in charge of the photographic essay. She stated that there would also be a house tour on May 18th. Annual Report Mr. Smith asked Mr. Stivers if he could work on putting together an annual report. He would have the help of the Commission members as well as the help of Ms. Schlereth. Mr. Smith suggested that the Commission use the report of the Cleveland Commission as a possible example of what this Commission might do. Ms. Schlereth stated that she would send Mr. Stivers a copy of Cleveland's report. Southhold and Community Development Mr. -Smith next read a letter from Ruth Price, Executive Vice -President of Southhold, dated February 10, 1975, outlining Southholds proposal to the city for consideration in receiving Community Development funds. Mr. Smith stated that he would like the Commission to vote a resolution of support for Southhold's project and inform Mr. Hojnacki's office of the Commission's action. Mr. Rothermel so moved. Ms. Sporleder seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Harter Heights and Neighbors Association Mr. Smith next turned the Commission's attention to the request from the Harter Heights and Neighbors Association to give an -opinion on the proposed change in the definitions of the zoning ordinance. Since the Executive Director of the Area Plan Commission was present, Mr. Smith asked Mr. Johnson to explain the situation. Mr. Johnson stated that two petitions had been filed by members of the Common Council to amend the honing ordinance to redefine certain terms aimed at a clearer understanding of what an A Residential zone would ..- permit. Since the Commission had not had an opportunity to study both petitions, nor to become acquainted with all that was involved in the proposed changes, Mr. Johnson recommended that the Commission take no action on either petition at this time. The Commission concurred with this suggestion and directed the Executive Secretary to respond to the letter from Ms. Langford accordingly. Press Releases Pds. Davisson, as the new chairperson of the Public Relations Committee, made a motion that Commission members when speaking to the press or other news media, speak only for themselves unless authorized by the Commission. Ms. Sporleder seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 10. Hearing of Visitors February 10, 1975 Page 9 Mr. Johnson expressed an interest in talking to the Commission about zoning and the procedures that were involved as well as exactly what zoning means. Since the hour was getting late, Mr. Johnson suggested this might be done at a special meeting or at the next regular meeting. Mr. Smith invited Mr. Johnson to come and speak to the Commission at the next regular meeting. Mr. Smith announced that no response had been made from the Building Department to the Commission's request that someone come and explain the standards and procedures of that department. 11. Announcements and Miscellaneous. Mr. Oxian moved that the Bauman House, located at 60+13 Sumption Trail, be recommended to the County Council for designation as an historic landmark. Some discussion ensued as to whether such a recommendation should be postponed until the procedures of the proposed Resolution #1 be passed by the Commission. Ms. Sporleder seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 12. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:50,p.m. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1975 *Conference Room C; Room 610 6th Floor, County -City Building 7:30 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: Russell Rothermel, Secretary DRAFT PREPARED BY: W. Clauson Schlereth